PM Blaze: PCH To Nicholas Flat! (Fast-Paced Conditioning Hike)

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Hello Blazer!

This is a fast-paced conditioning hike for intermediate-level hikers and above. It's a new PM Blaze route that I think the group will enjoy.

The PM Blazers are a fun but experienced and very fit hiking group...please carefully read the write-up below before signing up!

Please also note that the guest feature is not activated for this meetup. On all my hikes, I expect everyone coming to have signed up themselves, read the write-up, and arrive informed and prepared.

Hope to see you on the trails,

Mark

Time for the next meet-up of the fit and fabulous PM Blazers!

Our afternoon PM Blazes are conditioning hikes intended for people hiking at an intermediate level or above and seeking time outdoors with fun and friendly people sharing similar interests and fitness goals.

Our hike format emphasizes easy-to-access and scenic 5-8 mile conditioning routes with intermediate-level elevation gains, a total hiking time of 2-3 hours at a moderate to fast pace, periodic rest and sightseeing stops, and optional technique discussions and conditioning exercises (based on individual and group interest).

We schedule our PM Blazes as late in the day as the season allows, minimizing hiking in the dark while encouraging people with a variety of work and home schedules to get great conditioning hikes in during the week and tune-up for weekend adventures.

Here is info on our scheduled hike…hope to see you there!

Nicholas Flat From Leo Carrillo Beach

Hike Type: Conditioning

Level: Intermediate

Route Type: Single or double lollipop

Distance: 6-8 miles

Elevation gain: 1500-1700 feet

Terrain: Single file trail

Dogs allowed: No

Route summary:

Our hike will take us 7-8 miles roundtrip high above the Pacific and into the rugged coastal hills of Leo Carrillo State Park.

The route begins in front (or east) of the gatehouse at the Leo Carrillo parking lot, just off PCH, and proceeds northerly roughly 3 miles and 1500 feet up along the Nicholas Flat Trail, until we reach the southern edge of Nicholas Flat. Our hike up offers spectacular Pacific views and two observation points along the way.

The route is a single track trail that steadily ascends into the hills above Leo Carrillo Beach. Depending on the group and available time, we normally will add an additional 1-2 miles of traverse and sight-seeing around Nicholas Flat and Nicholas Pond, including a stop at the scenic rocky head of Nicholas Canyon and the panoramic Trail Point observation area, which will add roughly 200 feet of elevation gain.

On the way down, we have the option of stopping at the Ocean Vista observation area, from which whales can sometimes be seen, and alternatively descending the last half-mile via the Willow Creek trail, which circles around and under Vista Point before returning us to our starting point near the Leo Carrillo gate house.

The route begins near the ocean but quickly gives way to open hillsides and ridgelines. Since we begin a short distance from the beach and reach exposed areas above the Pacific, weather can range from calm and humid to misty with ocean winds to quite warm and dry conditions. We will stop at the Trail Point observation area, or along our traverse of Nicholas Flat, to grab a snack and enjoy the great views.

Essentials:

Please wear – brush-resistant pants, one or more wicking shirts appropriate to the temperature, comfortable hiking shoes or light boots, your favorite undergarments and accessories, and a light backpack.

Please bring – at least two liters of water, snacks, an extra layer of clothing, a charged cell phone, identification, a headlamp, a small first-aid kit, bug repellant and sunscreen, a waterproof shell if rain is forecast, and any medications or anything else you might need on the trail.

Parking:

There is free parking on the south side of Pacific Coast Highway, except in the red zone immediately across from the park entrance. You can also drive into Leo Carrillo State Park and park there, if you have a state pass or feel like paying.

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

Important: If you park on the south side of PCH, please do not attempt to cross the highway to reach the trailhead, since this involves navigating four lanes of traffic traveling at highway speeds. Instead, walk to the small service building on the beach and then to the pedestrian path just west of it. Once you reach the path, it will take you under PCH to the west end of the state parking lot. Continue east to the gatehouse and look for the group.

Directions:

From the west – Take PCH east from Camarillo to Leo Carrillo State Beach and park on the south side of PCH or in the state lot. Leo Carrillo Beach is about 11 miles east of Las Posas Road.

From all other directions – Take your favorite way to PCH and go west. Leo Carrillo State Beach is about 14 miles west of Malibu Canyon Road and 4 miles west of Decker Canyon Road (Route 23). Turn right into Leo Carrillo State Beach and either park in the state lot or turn back east on PCH and park on the south side of the highway.

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.

PLEASE CONTACT ME WITH ANY QUESTIONS!