web site: www.nrmbc.org
885 St. Charles Dr. #11, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
805 373-8824 e-mail: mtbikesman@aol.com

April 2009

Remember to have your radios for the rides and tune them to channel 5.25.

During the rainy winter months, if the ground is wet, call the ride leader on the morning of the ride to see if it's been relocated to a drier trail. There may also be a notice on the web site (http://www.nrmbc.org), or the NRMB egroup, but don't rely on these if there is not comment.

The Endurance Rating rates distance, climbing & pace of the rides.   E1 represents the lowest level of exertion needed to complete a ride. And E5 represents the highest level of exertion needed to complete a ride.

The Technical Rating (how smooth/rocky):

T1

Mostly smooth & wide

T2

Mostly smooth but variable width

T3

Predominately uneven surfaces & somewhat rocky

T4

Long segments with rocky and uneven surfaces

T5

Extensive segments with rocky & uneven surfaces with possible drops & exposure


Summary

Wednesday

April 1

6:00 PM (E3.5 - T3.5)

HuckMTB Cheeseboro at Night

Saturday

April 4

8:30 AM (More - Trails!)

Steve: CORBA Trail Work Day

Saturday

April 4

9:00 AM (E3 - T1)

CharlotteOjai - Sulphur Mountain

Sunday

April 5

9:00 AM (E2.5 - T3)

KerryGrasslands to Dam

Sunday

April 5

9:00 AM (E3.5 - T3)

TomCheeseboro/China Flats Loop

Wednesday

April 8

6:00 PM (E3.5 - T3.5)

TamaraMTB Grasslands/MCSP/Las Virgenes View

Saturday

April 11

9:00 AM (E4 - T4)

WendyCaballero/Roger's Rd/Rustic Cyn/Sullivan Cyn

Sunday

April 12

9:00 AM

Steve: Introduction to Geocaching Hike

Sunday

April 12

9:30 AM (E2 - T2)

MichaelSycamore from the Beach & Wood Canyon

Tuesday

April 14

6:15 PM

CharlotteNight Hike to Old Cabin Site

Wednesday

April 15

6:00 PM (E3.5 - T3.5)

WendyMTB Reseda at Night

Saturday

April 18

8:30 AM

CharlotteHike Zuma Canyon

Saturday

April 18

9:00 AM (E4 - T5)

TamaraStrawberry Peak Loop from Switzers

Sunday

April 19

9:30 AM (E4 - T4.5)

RandyCheeseboro/Simi Peak/Dead Cow Rd & Lunch

Wednesday

April 22

6:00 PM (E3.5 - T3.5)

TamaraMTB Wildwood at Night

Saturday

April 25

8:20 AM (Trails! - BBQ!)

Sycamore Canyon Trail Days, BBQ & Camping

Sunday

April 26

8:30 AM (More - Trails!)

Trail Work Day

Sunday

April 26

9:30 AM (E4 - T4)

RandyNorth Ranch Rim Trail

Tuesday

April 28

6:15 PM

Leah: Eve Hike from Stunt Rd

Wednesday

April 29

6:00 PM (E3.5 - T3.5)

NormanMTB Sycamore Canyon at Night


Randy - 805 373-8824   mtbikesman@aol.com

 

Leah - 818-917-9121

Tamara - 805 490-3650   MtnBykGirl@yahoo.com

 

Norman - (805) 807-3357   norman.nrmbc@verizon.net

Charlotte - 805 890-1234   cfarrens@gmail.com

 

Michael - 805 886-2605   mkwan@silcom.com

Steve - 805 402-3128

 

Tom - 805-276-4042   photote@msn.com

Wendy - 818 522-0840   cyberdivachick@yahoo.com

 

Kerry - Kerryrichardson01@yahoo.com

Huck - 818 321-8868   hshapiro@bluestrike.com

 


The Fine Print

By riding with the North Ranch Mountain Bikers I understand and accept the following:

► I understand that mountain biking can be dangerous and accidents can result in either injury or death.

► I understand there is no charge for the bike rides.

► I understand that the trails the North Ranch Mountain Bikers ride may not be verified for safety or ridability.

► I understand that it is my responsibility to determine if my riding skills match the difficulty of the trail we are riding on.

► I understand that the ride leaders accept no responsibility for my safety on any ride and that I undertake any ride knowing that I and I alone am responsible for my safety on the ride.

NEWS FOR EVERYONE

Saturday, April 25: Sycamore Canyon Trail Days, BBQ & Camping.   

Once a year we have an opportunity to work on the trails and than BBQ and Camp at Danielson Ranch in Sycamore Canyon.  It is opened annually for the Santa Monica Trail Days!  This is a unique opportunity to work on the trails that we enjoy so much in Sycamore Canyon followed by a BBQ, prizes, and camping.  Last year a bunch of us worked on the trails, participated in the BBQ, etc. and than camped in the quiet heart of the canyon.  The drawing was fabulous, everyone won at least one prize and there was lots of cool stuff!   Enjoying a cold beer after the trail work under the sycamore and oak trees with the breeze blowing through the canyon while the BBQ is cooking… what a treat!  This is hands down the best day to get in your trail maintenance work!  Camping is optional, you may leave with the escort after the BBQ.  Following is the info from SMMTD 2008. 

TRAIL DAYS is a weekend for individuals and groups to build new trails and restore old ones. Partners with California State Parks include Concerned Off Road Bicyclist Assn. (CORBA), Santa Monica Mountains Task Force of Sierra Club, Santa Monica Mountains Trails Council, California Native Plant Society (CNPS), National Park Service, and others.

BRING:  LUNCHES, BEVERAGES, SNACKS AND WATER. Tools are provided, but you can, bring a pick, shovel, Pulaski, McLeod, pruning saw, or longhandled loppers. (But, please, no light-weight tools or chain saws.) 

CAMPING: Free camping Friday and/or Saturday nights for trails day workers at the Danielson Multi-use Area located under the sycamores and oaks in the heart of Point Mugu State Park. Advance camping registration appreciated by April 19th. 

ARRIVE: Sat.- 8:30 a.m.,  DEPART: Sat.- 4 p.m., after campfire or  Sun.- 9 a.m.,  or 3:30 p.m.

DINNER: Sat. Night Barbecue Free FOR VOLUNTEERS.  Please RSVP by April 19th. Bring appetizers and beverages.

WEAR: Gloves, hat, long pants, protective clothing, and work boots or sturdy shoes. See training video for more information: http://www.smmtc.org/maintenance.htm.

REGISTRATION: Help plan for the barbecue, camping, etc, by filling out and sending in the registration by April 20th!  Link to reg form:   http://www.smmtc.org/TrailDays_2009.pdf

DIRECTIONS: Ventura Freeway to Wendy in Newbury Park; S to Potrero Road, turn right; at Reino bear left to NPS service road (first driveway). Cars will be escorted into and out of the park at designated times.  On Saturday morning that is 8:30 a.m., DON"T BE LATE or you won't be able to drive in.

 Time: 8:20 am.

ADDTIONAL INFO: We will meet at the escort spot @ 8:20 a.m. and drive our cars to Danielson Ranch. DON'T BE LATE, there is only one escort in the morning at 8:30 a.m. You will want to bring everything with you...your change of cloths, camping gear (if camping), ice chest, etc. with you at this time. From Danielson we will be dispatched to a trail for maintenance (remember to bring your lunch as your lunch break is on the trail). In late afternoon, we head back to Danielson Ranch for a cold drink, BBQ, drawing etc! (After the BBQ you may drive out with the escort if you don't plan on camping.) Otherwise we will enjoy a great time in the canyon with campfires, scary stories, and enjoy the quiet of the night in the heart of the canyon. Showers are available. If you are planning on coming, please email CHARLOTTE FARRENS at cfarrens@gmail.com so we can coordinate pre-BBQ snackes, camping, etc.

You only need to participate in one day of trail work (not both days.) If you bring your bike, we can ride on Sunday after the morning escort back to the trailhead.

Sunday, April 26: Trail Work Day.   This is day two for Trail Days 2009.  Come out and help build and fix up the trails we love to ride! It feels great to ride a trail you've helped build and maintain. For more information about the day and weekend go to http://www.smmtc.org/TrailDays_2009.pdf   Meet @ 8:15 a.m. to caravan into Sycamore Canyon to work on the trails.  You will than caravan back out of the canyon at 3:30 p.m. Be sure to wear suitable clothing (sturdy shoes, long pants and sleeves, hat, GLOVES) and bring snacks, sunscreen and WATER. CORBA will provide the tools and training. 

BRING:  LUNCHES, BEVERAGES, SNACKS AND WATER. Tools are provided, but you can, bring a pick, shovel, Pulaski, McLeod, pruning saw, or longhandled loppers. (But, please, no light-weight tools or chain saws.) 

DIRECTIONS: Ventura Freeway to Wendy in Newbury Park; S to Potrero Road, turn right; at Reino bear left to NPS service road (first driveway). Cars will be escorted into and out of the park at designated times. 
 Time: 8:30 am.

WEEKEND RIDES

Saturday, April 4: CORBA Trail Work Day.   Come out and help build and fix up the trails we love to ride! It feels great to ride a trail you've helped build and maintain. For more information, visit the CORBA Trail Crew page. Work days usually last until about 2:00. Be sure to wear suitable clothing (sturdy shoes, long pants and sleeves, hat, GLOVES) and bring snacks, sunscreen and WATER. CORBA will provide the tools and training. Meet at 8:30 am and be ready to depart 15 minutes later.
Endurance Rating = More, Technical Rating = Trails!, About 5.5 Hours
, Ride Leader: Steve

This month the trailwork will be on the Rogers Road Backbone Trail in Topanga State Park.

Saturday, April 4: Ojai - Sulphur Mountain.   This is the perfect Spring ride - a beautiful out and back along a country fireroad amongst grazing cattle. The first half of the ride is a moderate, non-technical nine-mile climb up a fireroad. Along the way there are spectacular mountain vistas to spy to the North, Lake Casitas to the West, and the Pacific Ocean to the South. At the top we’ll take a break. Then it’s 9 glorious miles of DOWNHILL back to the cars. Wow, what a great finale!!! Meet at 9:00 am and be ready to depart 15 minutes later.
Endurance Rating = E3, Technical Rating = T1, 18 Miles and 2300 Feet of Climbing , About 3.5 Hours
, Ride Leader: Charlotte

Directions:   Take the 101 Freeway to the 33, just a bit west of Ventura. Continue north on the 33 for approximately 7 miles and make a right onto Sulphur Mountain Road. If you reach the town of Oak View you’ve gone too far. Park at the end of Sulphur Mountain Road.

Sunday, April 5: Grasslands to Dam.   Starting from De Anza Park, we’ll bike over to Malibu Creek State Park via the Grasslands Trail. Once inside the park, we will proceed along the main fireroad that leads up to Crags Road, which passes through a fairly short but technical rocky streambed (some of the technical parts can be rideable, but you can walk this area to be on the safe side). After a short stop at the M*A*S*H area, we continue on to the dam. We’ll retrace our tracks that take us back to De Anza Park. Meet at 9:00 am and be ready to depart 15 minutes later.
Endurance Rating = E2.5, Technical Rating = T3, 15 Miles and 1400 Feet of Climbing , About 3.5 Hours
, Ride Leader: Kerry

Directions:   Take the 101 Freeway to the Lost Hills Road exit in Calabasas. At the end of the off-ramp proceed south toward the ocean. Park in the lot for DeAnza Park located on the northwest corner of Lost Hills and Las Virgenes Roads.

Sunday, April 5: Cheeseboro/China Flats Loop.   We will begin with an easy to moderate climb up the Sulphur Springs trail to Shepherd’s Flat. Then we head west on the Palo Comado connector singletrack that leads to the Palo Comado fireroad. We’ll continue up this rather steep fireroad for approximately a mile till we come to the top of China Flats. The loop ride around the top of China Flats is both beautiful and easy. Those with extra energy can ride and/or hike-a-bike up to Simi Peak. On a clear day the view from the top is well worth the fairly short but very strenuous technical climb up to it. We’ll then retrace our tracks and enjoy some fun downhill all the way back to the cars. Meet at 9:00 am and be ready to depart 15 minutes later.
Endurance Rating = E3.5, Technical Rating = T3, 15 Miles and 1800 Feet of Climbing , About 3 Hours
, Ride Leader: Tom

Directions:   Take the 101 Freeway to the Chesebro exit in Agoura. Head north and make a right on Chesebro Road. Follow the narrow road one-mile and turn right at the park entrance. Continue up the paved road 1/4 mile to the top parking lot.

Saturday, April 11: Caballero/Roger's Rd/Rustic Cyn/Sullivan Cyn.   We begin with a moderate to fairly difficult climb up the Caballero singletrack to dirt Mulholland. From here it is a moderate climb on fireroads up to the hub and onto a fun singletrack that leads to Roger's Road. We will proceed along Roger’s Road, a moderate singletrack, past the ‘Old Oak Tree’. We will take Josepho drop (J-drop), a rocky/rutted singletrack, into Rustic Canyon. We'll climb back out of Rustic Canyon to the Sullivan fireroad and over to Squirrel Cage dropping us into Sullivan Canyon. We will climb the canyon back to Mulholland. Then back to Caballero and the cars. Meet at 9:00 am and be ready to depart 15 minutes later.
Endurance Rating = E4, Technical Rating = T4, 20 Miles and 3600 Feet of Climbing , About 4.5 Hours
, Ride Leader: Wendy

Directions:   Take the 101 Freeway to the Reseda Blvd. exit in Tarzana. At the end of the off-ramp proceed south (towards the ocean). Continue up Reseda a couple of miles and park on the street at the trailhead. If you come upon the Braemar Country Club you've gone a little too far.

Sunday, April 12: Sycamore from the Beach & Wood Canyon.   We’ll begin at the parking lot and ride up the Big Sycamore Trail to Two Foxes and back to the main fireroad. Then we ride up the paved Ranch Center Road and Art’s Trail. And it’s back to the paved road and we’ll see the water tower. The best part of this ride is blasting down Wood Canyon and then back to the main fireroad and on to the parking lot. Meet at 9:30 am and be ready to depart 15 minutes later.
Endurance Rating = E2, Technical Rating = T2, 14 Miles and 1000 Feet of Climbing , About 2.5 Hours
, Ride Leader: Michael

No rider left behind but please bring a two-way radio set on channel 5/25 so we can stay together. If you haven't ridden for a while, this is a good place to check yourself out

Directions:   For those who are coming from the San Fernando/ Los Angeles area: Take the 101 Fwy towards Ventura and exit on Kanan Road (make a left turn from the exit ramp).
Then make a right turn on PCH 1 and head towards Sycamore Canyon (it is approximately 14 miles northwest of Kanan Road and is on the right side).

For those who are coming from the Santa Barbara/ Ventura/ Oxnard/ Camarillo area: Take the 101S Fwy (101N for those who are coming from Thousand Oaks/ Simi Valley) and exit on S Las Posas Road (going towards PCH). Then go to PCH 1 South and look for signs to go to Sycamore Canyon (which is on the left side).

If you don’t want to pay the $10 fee for parking in the lot you can look for parking on PCH. We'll meet on the park side of Pacific Coast Hwy 1 for the ride (in front of the restrooms, located by the campground/ parking lot area).

Saturday, April 18: Strawberry Peak Loop from Switzers.   This fantastic ride starts with a steep 1/2 mile road climb out of Switzers. Then it's a 3 mile fireroad climb up Josephine Road. At the top of the fireroad we’ll ride around Strawberry Peak on a newly rebuilt singletrack that clings to the mountainside. The trail has some exposure, although not too technical, some may want to walk a section or two. After 2 miles of contouring, there is a fun, swooping descent before the trail climbs another 2 miles up a switchback singletrack. Then it’s time to hang on for the descent of your life; with lots of exposure, the singletrack curves in and out with views of the highway way, way below you. Eventually the trail heads away from the cliffs and you can let go of the brakes and enjoy some whoop-de-doo jumps down to the road. The last 5 miles follows the upper section of the Gabrielino Trail where exposure is no longer a factor. This section has lots of fun corners and rocky sections to enjoy before ending at Switzers Picnic Area.   Please RSVP if you plan to ride. Meet at 9:00 am and be ready to depart 15 minutes later.
Endurance Rating = E4, Technical Rating = T5, 14 Miles and 3000 Feet of Climbing , About 4 Hours
, Ride Leader: Tamara

Directions:   From the intersection of I-210 and CA2 in La Canada, take CA2 (Angeles Crest Highway) north into Angeles National Forest. After 9 miles of twisting roads, you'll reach the intersection with Angeles Forest Highway. Once you pass Angeles Forest Highway and Clear Creek Station the entrance to Switzers picnic area will be on your right in less than a mile. Meet in the lower parking lot. Note: A National Forrest Adventure Pass is required to park here. You can get one at the Clear Creek Station at the intersection of Angeles Crest Highway and Angeles Forest Highway.

Sunday, April 19: Cheeseboro/Simi Peak/Dead Cow Rd & Lunch.   This is the only ride where we eat lunch on the ride and then try to finish after you are stuffed and tired. We start at Cheesebro, head up to Palo Comado Road and then up to China Flats. Then comes the hardest climb around. But even if you have to push every inch it is worth the climb. You can see for miles in every direction. Then we descend down and continue further down on Dead Cow Road (Don’t you just love these names?) We have lunch at El Pollo Loco and then head over to the old Jordan Ranch, climb back to the connector trail and descend back down Cheesebro. Bring money for lunch. Meet at 9:30 am and be ready to depart 15 minutes later.
Endurance Rating = E4, Technical Rating = T4.5, About 2.5 Hours
, Ride Leader: Randy

Directions:   Take the 101 Freeway to the Chesebro exit in Agoura. Head north and make a right on Chesebro Road. Follow the narrow road one-mile and turn right at the park entrance. Continue up the paved road 1/4 mile to the top parking lot.

Sunday, April 26: North Ranch Rim Trail.   How about a ride that starts where this bike club started years and years ago? Lets bike along the northern edge of North Ranch moving east until we get to Dead Cow Road. Then we ride over to the new trail above Double Tree in Oak Park. This leads us back to the bottom of Suicide and back into Oak Park (is that the real name?). Then, instead of backtracking the way we came, there is a new trail just off Falling Star that gets us back to the area above North Ranch and then we backtrack to our cars. Meet at 9:30 am and be ready to depart 15 minutes later.
Endurance Rating = E4, Technical Rating = T4, 15 Miles, About 4 Hours
, Ride Leader: Randy

Directions:   Exit the 101 Freeway on Westlake Blvd and head north for about 3 miles. Turn right onto Lang Ranch Parkway (just before Avenida de Los Arboles). The trailhead is about 300 yards east of Westlake Blvd on Lang Ranch Parkway, just before the park on the left side.

NIGHT RIDES

Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday Nights.  See Summary Section of the Newsletter for meeting times, ride times are 15 minutes later. The lengths of all rides are between 10 & 15 miles with ride times of 1.5 - 2.5 hours. Lights are needed for the months of September to May. During the summer months they may not be needed, but it's a good idea to bring them just in case there's a delay. The specific routes taken for the night rides will be determined at the trailhead.

Meeting Locations for Evening Rides:

Calabasas Peak at Night.   Take the 101 Fwy to Valley Circle/Mulholland Dr. exit. At the end of the off-ramp proceed south (towards the ocean). Continue south on Mulholland and make a right on Valmar which becomes Old Topanga Canyon Rd. Continue on Old Topanga which will join Mulholland Hwy briefly and then continue on the left. Follow Old Topanga about 1.5 miles and look for the Calabasas Peak trail head on the right across from Summit to Summit trail.

Lang Ranch/Sunset at Night.   Heading north on the 23 toward Simi, get off at Sunset Blvd and turn right. Continue straight until just before you get to the guard shack. Park in the lot on the right.

MTB Backbone from Kanan at Night.   Take the 101 Freeway to the Kanan exit in Agoura Hills. At the end of the off-ramp proceed south toward the ocean. Take Kanan for several miles until you reach the third tunnel. Park in the paved parking area just before the tunnel.

MTB Cheeseboro at Night.   Take the 101 Freeway to the Chesebro exit in Agoura. Head north and make a right on Chesebro Road. Follow the narrow road one-mile and turn right at the park entrance. Park in the lower, paved parking lot (the gate to the upper lot is closed and locked at sunset).

MTB Dos Vientos at Night.   From the 101 freeway, turn south onto Wendy Drive, towards the ocean. Continue for about 0.7 miles and turn right at Borchard Rd and head West 0.5 miles. Turn left on to S. Reino Rd taking this South for about a mile passing Maurice Dr. On your left as you pass Paseo de Leon will be a Church parking lot. We will meet there.

MTB Grasslands at Night.   Take the 101 Freeway to the Lost Hills Road exit in Calabasas. At the end of the off-ramp proceed south toward the ocean. Park in the lot for DeAnza Park located on the northwest corner of Lost Hills and Las Virgenes Roads.

MTB Grasslands/MCSP/Las Virgenes View.   Take the 101 Freeway to the Lost Hills Road exit in Calabasas. At the end of the off-ramp proceed south toward the ocean. Park in the lot for DeAnza Park located on the northwest corner of Lost Hills and Las Virgenes Roads.

MTB Johnson's Motorway.   Take the 118 Fwy and exit at Topanga Blvd. in Chatsworth. Head North and it will end immediately. Turn left onto Poema Place (don't accidentally turn onto the Freeway on ramp.) Drive West up Poema Place and park about 100 yards before the guard gate.

MTB Lang Ranch/Albertson at Night.   Exit the 101 Freeway on Westlake Blvd and head north for about 3 miles. When you go past the North Ranch Community Center you will go downhill and the first traffic light is at the corner of Westlake and Lang Ranch Parkway. Turn right onto Lang Ranch Parkway and drive about 0.8 miles to where the pavement ends and Albertson Fire Road begins.

MTB Las Virgenes Canyon at Night.   From the 101, exit Las Virgenes and turn North (away from the ocean). Proceed approximately one mile to the dead end.

MTB Reseda at Night.   Due to the extra drive, we will meet @ 6:15 and ride by 6:30. Meeting place: Take the 101 Freeway to the Reseda Blvd. exit in Tarzana. At the end of the off-ramp proceed south (towards the ocean). Continue up Reseda and park at the Caballero trailhead. Trailhead is on the left. If you pass the Braemar Country Club you’ve gone too far.

MTB Space Mountain at Night.   Take the 101 Freeway to the Moorpark Road exit in Thousand Oaks. At the end of the off-ramp proceed south toward the ocean. Take Moorpark till it dead-ends at Greenmeadow Avenue and park in the dirt lot on the right.

MTB Sycamore Canyon at Night.   Take the 101 Freeway to the Wendy exit in Newbury Park. At the end of the off-ramp proceed south on Wendy until it dead-ends at Potrero Road. Park in the adjacent dirt parking area.

MTB Triunfo Canyon Trail at Night.   Exit the 101 Freeway going south on Westlake Blvd. Go south for about a mile and then turn west (right) on Triunfo Canyon Road. This will lead you to Triunfo Park. Turn left onto Tamarack St and turn into the second parking lot on the left. We start at the far west end of the park.

MTB Wildwood at Night.   Take the Lynn Road exit, off of the 101 Fwy in Thousand Oaks, and go north until you come to Avenida De Los Arboles. Turn left and go about 1 mile to the end. From Simi Valley, go west on the 118 Fwy and then south when it turns into the 23 Fwy. Get off on Avenida De Los Arboles and go right for about 2 miles to the end. Hang a U-turn at the end (watch for opposing traffic) and then turn right into the dirt parking lot.

Trippet Ranch to Overlook at Night.   Take the 101 Fwy to the Topanga Blvd exit. At the end of the off-ramp proceed south (towards the ocean). Continue up Topange approx. 5 miles until you reach Entrada which is the entrance to the park on the left. Follow Entrada to the park entrance.

HIKES

Sunday, April 12: Introduction to Geocaching Hike.   

Have you ever wondered how those short side trails are made? Probably they end at geocaches! This hike is for anyone who is curious about the sport of geocaching and would like to try it out. We'll take the route described below, stopping every so often to search for hidden caches. We'll hike at a moderate pace, but the duration of the hike will be long for the distance because of the caching stops.

Level: Intermediate.

Photos: Photos of the first Introduction to Geocaching hike (on different trails) are here.

Dogs: Dogs are not allowed in State Parks.

Geocaching: We will pass a number of geocaches along the way. If you sign up at www.geocaching.com beforehand (it's free) you can log the caches we find. If you have a GPS that you plan to bring along, email me and I'll send you the cache coordinates for you to load, but a GPS isn't required for this hike. And if you would like to trade some small items with those in the cache, bring them along. They shouldn't be any larger than about the size of a deck of cards, and not worth more than about a dollar. 

Wear / Bring: 

  • sturdy hiking boots with lugs and good tread

  • long pants and long sleeves recommended to guard against scratches

  • water

  • light lunch or snack to eat along the way

  • GPS loaded with cache locations if you have one, small items to swap, pen or pencil to sign the log sheets

      
  •  Meet at 9:00 am and be ready to depart 15 minutes later. 8 Miles and 1500 Feet of Climbing , About 5.5 Hours , Hike Leader: Steve

    What better way to spend Easter Sunday than to go on an Easter egg hunt. Uh, make that a Geocache hunt!

    This loop hike will take us along some nearby beautiful and isolated trails in the La Jolla Valley area of Point Mugu State Park. We’ll hike up the La Jolla Canyon Trail and return along the Ray Miller (Backbone) Trail. Along the way we’ll pass about 25 geocaches and we stand a good chance of finding all of them! We may also see fields of wildflowers and will have great views of the coast from the Ray Miller Trail.

    Directions:   For those who are coming from Thousand Oaks/ Simi Valley: Take the 101N Fwy (101S for those who are coming from Santa Barbara/ Ventura/ Oxnard/ Camarillo area) and exit on S Las Posas Road (going towards PCH). Then go to PCH 1 head south/east. La Jolla Canyon is 4.2 miles from Las Posas, on the left.

    For those who are coming from the San Fernando/ Los Angeles area: Take the 101 Fwy towards Ventura and exit on Kanan Road (make a left turn from the exit ramp). Then make a right turn on PCH 1 and head towards Sycamore Canyon. La Jolla Canyon is 1.7 miles after (west of) Sycamore Canyon, on the right side.

    If you don’t want to pay the fee for parking in the lot you can look for parking on PCH. We'll meet in the parking lot near the trailhead.

    Tuesday, April 14: Night Hike to Old Cabin Site.   This will be a moderate hike, approx. 7 miles, with almost all of it on fire road. We will head up the hiking trail, cross the stream and on up to the Old Cabin Site and return. Bring the usual: flashlights, water, food bars, radios, wear hiking boots, etc. Meet at 6:15 pm and be ready to depart 15 minutes later. About 2.5 Hours , Hike Leader: Charlotte

    It's again time to kick off the evening hikes!

    Directions:   Take the 101 Freeway to the Wendy exit in Newbury Park. At the end of the off-ramp proceed south on Wendy until it dead-ends at Potrero Road. Park in the adjacent dirt parking area.

    Saturday, April 18: Hike Zuma Canyon.   Zuma Canyon is a personal favorite as it includes many beautiful waterfalls, and 95% of the hike is done up near or in the stream. Not only is this a very beautiful and scenic hike, it is also very difficult in that there is lots of bouldering and climbing. It is only 4.1 miles with an elevation gain of 1400 feet, however it will take us 4 to 5 hours to complete (yes, less then 1 mile/hour.) It includes hiking, rock hopping, and a bunch of bouldering, and a few sections that will require some intimidating climbing. This hike/bouldering is not for the faint of heart, it requires, balance, and not being too bothered by heights. This hike is definitely not for everyone! Meet at 8:30 am and be ready to depart 15 minutes later. About 6 Hours , Hike Leader: Charlotte

    Directions:   Take the 101 Freeway to the Kanan exit in Agoura Hills. At the end of the off-ramp proceed south toward the ocean. Take Kanan for several miles until you reach the third tunnel (don't forget to count them). Park in the paved parking area just before the tunnel. If you are coming from PCH then look for the parking area just after the first tunnel on the left.

    Tuesday, April 28: Eve Hike from Stunt Rd.   We will climb up the single track to the peak, where we will have a terrific view to watch the setting sun! The trail passes through wooded areas, open areas with views, and spectacular rock formations.  Once we peak, we will enjoy the view before heading back down. This hike is approx. 4.5 miles. Bring the usual, flashlights, water, food bars, radios, wear hiking boots, etc. Meet at 6:15 pm and be ready to depart 15 minutes later. About 2 Hours , Hike Leader: Leah

    Directions:   From Thousand Oaks: Take the 101 Freeway, exit on Las Virgenes Road and head south for 3 miles. Turn left on Mulholland Highway. Travel about 4 miles and turn right on Stunt Road. Continue up Stunt Road for about 2.9 miles and watch for the 2.92 and 2.94 mileage markers on the left, the trailhead is on the right. Park anywhere on the left side of the road.

    From the Valley & West LA: Take the 101 Freeway, exit Valley Circle/Mulholland Drive and go south on Mulholland for ½ mile, turn right on to Valmar Road which becomes Old Topanga Canyon Rd. Take a right on Mulholland Hwy and continue for about 3 miles and turn left onto Stunt Road. Continue up Stunt Road for about 2.9 miles and watch for the 2.92 and 2.94 mileage markers on the left, the trailhead is on the right. Park anywhere on the left side of the road.