Upper Sycamore Canyon with Creek Crossings - A Gentler Hike

Changing start time to 8:45 to avoid parking conflicts with the Ventura Master Gardeners that start at 9:00.

There may be more than one hike posted for Thursday – please only sign up for one! And if you can’t make it, please cancel as early as possible so waitlisted folks can get notice and attend.

As of New Year's Day, there were about a half-dozen creek crossings on this route, all of which had rocks spanning the creek. However, my feet stayed dry throughout the hike. Poison oak (ever present) is mostly off the side of the trail. The Toyon berries are still bright red on the trees, and the Ceanothus is just starting to bud. The sycamore leaves are beautiful in the morning sun.

This hike will start at the Rancho Sierra Vista parking lot, proceed down the asphalt to the bridge, then up the Upper Sycamore Canyon trail (including a half dozen creek crossings to its junction with Danielson Fire Road. Optionally, we’ll make our way towards the waterfall (one more creek crossing). Once back to the big oaks, we’ll proceed up the dirt fire road, crossing the meadow diagonally to Satwiwa, up and over the hill and back to the cars.

Total distance is 5 miles or so with roughly 700 or so feet gain.

Boots on at 8:45, ready to hike for a 9:00 a.m. departure!

Please do not leave anything of value in your car, at this or any other trailhead.

We’ll select between lunch at 3 Amigos or Country Harvest while on the hike 🙂

Directions: Google/Apple will misdirect you. Read and follow these, if you haven't been here before.

• From the east, exit 101 at Lynn, and drive southwest 5.5 miles to the turn-off just beyond the “National / State Parks” sign. Turn left, under the gateway, and drive to the end, near the restrooms.
• From the west (Camarillo and beyond), exit 101 at Wendy, drive south to Lynn Road. Turn right onto Lynn, drive southwest (crossing Reino) to the turn-off just beyond the “National / State Parks” sign. Turn left, under the gateway, and drive to the end, near the restrooms.
• From Port Hueneme, Point Mugu, and Oxnard, drive up Potrero Road, which turns into Lynn at the top of the canyon. Turn right into the Rancho Sierra Vista parking area once past the horse corrals.

DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY
IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY:

The hike host is a volunteer and not responsible for the group. Safety should be a priority for everyone in the group. Please treat this meet-up as hiking with a group of friends. If you become fatigued and unable to continue the hike, it is expected you will advise the hike host of this and return to our starting point on your own. If you are able to proceed, it is expected that you will maintain line of sight with other members of the group at all times and help to promote the group’s safety and fitness goals.

Outdoor sports and other events we plan can be inherently dangerous and accidents may happen. By participating in any posted event, you are taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The Weekday Trailblazers Meetup Group and its organizers are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions.

If you choose to sign up for this or any Weekday Trailblazers Meetup event, you are releasing the Weekday Trailblazers Meetup Group and its organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience.

Please review our guidelines. Restrictions apply for your safety and ours:

• Don’t show up unless you’re on the “Attending” list
• No “Plus Ones” on this hike; please have your friends join The Weekday Trailblazers, and register for the event.
• All participants must be 18 or older, or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
• Plan on sticking with the group, and completing the entire hike at a reasonable pace or please find an alternative hike that better suits your hiking level.
• Dogs are not permitted in the State Park backcountry
• Bring ample hydration.