Anniversary Hike in La Jolla Canyon- a gentler hike

*Yes, this is the same posting as the other anniversary hike. Please only sign up on this one if you want to do the gentler portion of the event. The details for the gentler hike are highlighted in blue below.

Time to celebrate 2 years of fantastic hiking and hikers! If you can only do one hike this year, this is the one. We're going back to our roots, to a place we love- proving once again that we had the right idea in the first place.

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/6/4/e/8/event_93325832.jpegWe're doing things a little differently this time around. Our anniversary hike will reflect the Blazers' diversity and offer pace and distance for everyone.

Our regular 9 AM crew will do an 7-8 mile loop hike with 1200 feet of elevation gain, starting up La Jolla Canyon, across the fire road, and down the Ray Miller Trail.

Our gentler hikers will do an out and back that clocks in just under 5 and a half miles, with that same 1200 feet of elevation gain. They'll be taking the Ray Miller Trail up to the fire road before turning around.

Our PM Blazers will be upping the ante as usual, tearing up La Jolla Canyon and heading over to Sycamore Canyon before returning to the starting point. They'll add 3 miles and 500 feet of elevation to what the regular hikers are doing.

Everyone will start from the same spot, at 9 AM, and there's a chance we'll bump into each other at the top of Ray Miller Trail. Afterward, we'll all meet up at famed biker/surfer hangout Neptune's Net for lunch and self-congratulations.

3 groups, 2 years, 1 awesome celebration event!

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/6/5/d/8/event_93326072.jpegLying along the brilliant blue Pacific Ocean at the west end of Malibu (just shy of Port Hueneme), La Jolla Canyon features a stream, 20' waterfall, and pond amid groves of chaparral. The swelling blue ocean is rivaled in beauty by the undulating verdant native California grasslands. Along our way we'll be treated to magnificent sweeping views of La Jolla and Big Sycamore Canyons, and, of course, the largest ocean in the world. On a clear day, the Channel Islands are easily within sight. If we're lucky, some early wildflower blooms will be popping up to greet us.

Most of the trail is wide open, so sunscreen is a must. The wet areas provide an ideal habitat for poison oak, and the grasslands for ticks, so long sleeves and pants are recommended. Bring sufficient water and snacks to fuel the journey.

We'll meet in the parking lot near the La Jolla Canyon Trailhead. There is a parking fee in the lot (or free with state parking pass). There is free parking on PCH just a short walk to the parking area.

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/6/7/4/a/event_93326442.jpegDirections:

From Los Angeles, take the Pacific Coast Highway north (22 miles from Malibu Canyon Rd). Across the street from Thornhill Broome Beach is the entrance to La Jolla Canyon. It is very clearly marked. Turn right.

From Ventura, turn left 4 miles after Las Posas Rd.

Drive 300 yards up the road to the parking area.

*please note that the listed address is not exact and check your directions prior to leaving your home- we will be starting from a point 1.5 miles north of the listed address (NOT in Sycamore Canyon)

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.

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