Rancho Potrero Ridgeline - sorta Gentler (5 miles ±900')

Note that this is a different start than the usual Rancho Sierra Vista Parking Lot!! Read carefully!! We have not done this hike for a while.

We will meet at the Rancho Potrero COSCA trailhead parking area just west of the Equestrian Center on Lynn / Potrero. Pay attention as this is different than the Parking Lot where we often meet.

This will be a loop through the COSCA trails west of RSV, climbing to the ridgeline above Sycamore Canyon to the south and Lynn Road to the north. Lots of ups and downs until we briefly visit the Satwiwa Interpretive Center for water and bathroom break. From there, the route back to the cars comprises less elevation gain and loss.

Currently, the weather forecast for Thursday is foggy in the morning, clearing about the time we're done, with a high (!) of 70°. As always, bring plenty of water, wide hat, sturdy shoes or boots and hiking poles if you favor them.

Total distance is roughly 5 miles, with about 900' of elevation gain and loss. Other than the fog, there is little shade during this hike.

Note that this is a gentler hike but not a beginner hike. It is a convoluted trail with some steep sections, so we will pause occasionally to try to keep the group together. We will go about 2.5mph. Tricky turns will be marked.

Directions:

Take Highway 101 to Thousand Oaks. Exit at Lynn Road, and drive 6.5 miles southwest. You will cross Ventu Park, Wendy, and Reino and pass the two entrances to the Equestrian Center before getting to the COSCA Rancho Potrero Trailhead lot on the left. If you get to the top of the canyon towards CSUCI, you've gone too far!

Lunch Afterwards: Three Amigos on Reino Road in Newbury Park

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, its organizers, and sponsors from all liability in case of possible injuries. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience. You agree that you can navigate back to your transportation by yourself, and agree to do so if you fall behind and lose track of the main body of hikers.

By now you should know the guidelines to participate in our morning hikes. Please review them before you sign up for the hike. And just in case, here are some highlights and a link to the guidelines:

Restrictions apply for your safety and ours:

• Don't show up unless you're on the "Attending" list
• If you've registered for more than one hike at this time, withdraw from at least one
• Unregistered or waitlisted will be turned away
• All participants must be 18 or older or accompanied by an adult
• No "Plus Ones" on this hike
• Plan on completing the entire hike or please find an alternative hike that better suits your hiking level
• No dogs on this hike
• Bring ample hydration