Charmlee Wilderness Park in Malibu - A Gentler Hike

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/8/2/event_67020642.jpegCharmlee Park is a beautiful area that overlooks the Malibu coastline. Its trails traverse environments that include meadows, mustard fields and oak groves. There are lots of shady and restful areas and rocky outcroppings with good views of the scenery below. The trails are well used but not crowded. Because it overlooks the coast, it can be substantially cooler than more inland areas on hot days.

Statistics: Our hike will be about 4.5 miles long and we'll climb about 700'.

Pace: This is a gentler hike. We will go at a more moderate pace than a regular Trailblazer hike, and we'll take more breaks. The purpose is to give novice and intermediate hikers who may feel they're not up to a regular hike a chance to get out and experience our beautiful trails. Faster hikers are welcome to join us so long as they are willing to hike at the slower pace of the group. However, this hike is probably too difficult for someone who is new to hiking, or hasn't been hiking in a long time. We typically finish about 12:30 pm, but could be delayed for any number of reasons. If you are looking for a fast-paced hike, or have to finish by a specific time, this hike is probably not for you.

Directions: From the 101 Freeway, turn south on Westlake Blvd / 23-S in Thousand Oak, towards the ocean. Drive 8 miles on 23-S (Westlake Blvd becomes Mulholland Drive, and then Decker Canyon Rd). Turn left onto Lechusa Rd and continue straight on Encinal Canyon Rd. Drive 1.2 miles then turn right into the park at Carmichael Rd; continue 0.2 miles to parking. Expected drive time from the 101 Freeway is about 25 minutes, assuming you don't get stuck behind bicycles or other slow-moving vehicles. From Malibu, from the Pacific Coast Highway, turn north onto Encinal Canyon Road. Follow it 3.8 miles, then turn left into the park on Carmichael Rd. Drive 0.2 miles to parking. There is a fee for parking, $4 at the iron ranger.

Map: Use this Google Map to help you find your way http://tinyurl.com/2cbtv58 (http://tinyurl.com/2%FEFFcbtv58)

Lunch: We usually, although not always, go somewhere for lunch after the hike. This is completely optional and is considered to be in addition to this event, not part of it. After today's hike, we will be going to the Urbane Cafe in Agoura for lunch.

Please read the release of liability below in its entirety. By signing up for our group, you are agreeing to it for all events you participate in.

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.

All participants must be 18 or older, or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.