The Circle X Ranch Grotto Trail! (Intermediate Hike)

We'll be hiking to the spectacular Circle X Ranch Grotto, via the Canyon View Trail and the Grotto Trail. This is a beautiful lush trail with breathtaking views, and many seasonal waterfalls. Round trip will be about 6 miles, with an elevation gain and loss of approximately 1000'. Once we arrive at the bottom of the Grotto trail, those willing to climb and scramble can follow me downstream 1/4 mile to explore the upper Grotto, while the rest of the group can head back the way we came.

IMPORTANT!!! This has been an active tick season, so please WEAR long pants, and bring your insect repellent! There is also a lot of poison oak - long sleeves are strongly advised. There are several shallow stream crossings. For those wanting to scramble down the stream bed to see the Grotto please be aware that there will be an additional stream crossing, plus a descent of approximately 7 feet down a rock with the assist of a climbing rope and the same ascent with rope back up on the return.
Leave your hiking poles behind, or stash them somewhere before arriving at the rope. You will need your hands when we start to scramble - gloves will be helpful.

Directions:

Directions to the Sandstone Peak/Canyon View Trailhead's:
From Westlake Village, exit on Westlake Blvd (CA-23 South) from the 101 Freeway, and follow it south for several miles (approximately 7 miles) to stop sign for Mulholland West (Note: Westlake Blvd. will merge with Mulholland West before you reach the stop sign). At the stop sign, turn right onto Mulholland (West) for about 0.4 miles. Turn right onto Little Sycamore Canyon, which becomes Yerba Buena Road after 1.4 miles, for 4 1/2 miles to Sandstone Peak trailhead parking. The Sandstone Peak lot is on the right side of the road. Look for large Sandstone Peak sign. (The Canyon View Trailhead is directly across the road from the Sandstone Peak parking lot, which is above Yerba Buena Road.) Note: there is a bathroom in the parking lot. If you pass the Circle X Ranch, you went too far.

Note: This is a very slow driving route (narrow, with sharp turns) and will take 20-30 minutes from the 101 to the parking lot. Give yourself plenty of time. Cell reception is marginal (at best) up there, so we won't be waiting on any "I'm late" calls, because we won't receive them.

Do NOT leave anything of value in your car, at this or any other trailhead.

Read about The Weekday Trailblazers and our policies here:
https://www.meetup.com/the-weekday-trailblazers/

DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY

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.

There are no "Plus One's" on this hike. If you want to bring someone along, have them sign up, and make sure they're aware of, and agree to, this disclaimer.