PM Blaze: PCH To Parker Mesa! (Fast-Paced Conditioning Hike)

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Hello Blazer!

This is a fast-paced conditioning hike for intermediate-level hikers and above. The PM Blazers are a fun but experienced and very fit hiking group...please carefully read the write-up below before signing up!

Given the lengthening days, plan is to do the long route to scenic Parker Mesa, beginning from the end of Los Liones Drive, and to return by the same route, so a pretty athletic hike of about 8 miles and 1500 feet of gain.

Please 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!

PM Blaze: Parker Mesa From PCH

Hike Type: Conditioning

Level: Intermediate

Route Type: Out & back

Distance: 6-8 miles

Elevation gain: 1200-1500 feet

Terrain: Single file trail & fire road

Dogs allowed: No

Route summary:

Our hike will take us 6-8 miles roundtrip from near Pacific Coast Highway to Parker Mesa and its great views high above the ocean and city.

The route begins at the end of either Los Liones Drive (8 mile route) or Paseo Miramar (6 mile route) – see location above for route we will be taking. In both cases, we will proceed northerly and steadily upward into Topanga State Park for either 3 or 4 miles until we reach Parker Mesa.

Our route starts as a single track trail and then turns onto East Topanga Road, a fire road that ascends on the ridgeline to the east of Parker Mesa. About a half-mile before we reach the mesa, our route turns to the south on the spur to Parker Mesa. Both before and after reaching Parker Mesa, our hike offers spectacular Pacific views.

Whether we start at Liones or Miramar, our route will begin 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 Parker Mesa to grab a snack and enjoy the great views, before returning to our starting point by the same route.

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:

Follow the directions to the end of Los Liones (8 mile route) or Paseo Miramar (6 mile route) and park near the trailhead.

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

Directions:

From all directions – Take your favorite way to PCH and Sunset Boulevard. Los Liones Drive is off of Sunset, approximately 1/4 mile north of PCH. Paseo Miramar is also off of Sunset, approximately 1/3 mile north of PCH. In either case, drive west for about 2/3 mile to the end of the road and park by the traihead.

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!