What we’re about
This meetup is all about social interaction, mostly through hiking. We think mental health is just as important as physical health, and that makes us different from other hiking groups. If you are interested in hiking, making friends, having fun, and exploring the greater Los Angeles area, then this group is for you. Hiking, PLUS other stuff!
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Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Sage Ranch Lollipop - Fit BeginnerSage Ranch, Simi Valley, CA
3 miles. 560' gain, fit beginner
This is a special hike that we typically do just once or twice about this time of year during the week, because of the late sunset time.Free parking is limited. Carpooling recommended.
As of June 2024, the first part of the clockwise loop was closed, but we found a new route with a perfect place for a snack-share, complete with picnic table.
We'll head up the ramp and begin the hike counter-clockwise. This ramp will be the only significant incline, but is still suitable for fit beginners. It is paved, runs 1/4 mile, and about 125' of gain.
As we continue, there will be a trail junction heading to the right and behind the rocks. For this hike, many will venture up on the rocks to a secret area where the rock has been carved out. Those then venture up, will then come back to the main trail.
We'll continue on the main trail and follow it the rest of the way around. When we come to a sign that says "detour" because the path forward is closed, we'll take the detour.
Shortly after the detour starts, there will be a picnic table to the right. We'll stop there for a social event. Please bring snacks and drink to share.
This time of year, there can be insects. Long pants and your preferred bug spray are recommended. This area is known for rattlesnakes, especially as evening approaches, so keep a look out.
It is a steady climb up most of the way back, but fit beginners can handle it. It will eventually lead us back to the top parking lot. From there, we'll take the asphalt path and down to our cars.
This takes us through Sage Ranch Park, with interesting rock formations all around, a very cool overlook onto the valley at the half way point, and even an overlook onto part of the old Santa Suzanna nuclear test facility.
About the parking
There are two spots to park. The first (where we will meet), is right at the entrance along the west edge of Black Canyon Rd. This is a free gravel lot, but parking is limited to about 30 cars.The top (not recommended).
If the free lots gets filled, about 500' west up a steep incline, there is another lot with payment required via self-pay envelopes. If you plan on parking in this lot, bring exact change from $5-15, as I'm not sure of the cost. The gate to this lot closes at sunset, so if you are still parked there after the gate closes, you will be locked in, and get a ticket.First, we'll walk up to the upper lot. You can start up there if you don't want to make the climb from the lower lot, but: The park is officially open from sunrise to sunset. If you do park in the upper pay lot, be sure you return before sunset, else risk a ticket and being locked in by a ranger.
Interesting Notes
Black Sage
Multiple brown buttons going up the top of the stalk, that may have white flowers. Green leaves. Purple or white flowers that are dark brown as they dry on the plant. Squish the leaves and smell.A rare and sought after Black sage honey is also made from the honey of bees that pollinate the Black sage plant. Black sage is utilized in the culinary world as an aromatic and flavorful herb. It can be used in recipes wherever traditional sage is called for, however keep in mind that foraged Black sage has a much stronger flavor than that of traditional store bought sage.
Its flavor marries well with winter squashes, brown butter, poultry, venison, pears, cheese, potatoes and other herbs such as rosemary and thyme. Use fresh in a variety of different preparations or leaves can be dried and stored for future use as a dried herb. Black sage was used traditionally by Native Americans known as the Chumash people to form an herbal soak for the bath to be used in the treatment of bodily pain, specifically for the feet and lower legs.
Yerba Santa
Saint Herb, Holy Plant, Mountain Balm.The Spanish who came to early California were so impressed with the plant that they gave it the name Yerba Santa.
Leaves were chewed to relieve dry mouth. Leaves were smoked or chewed to relieve asthma, coughs, colds, headaches, and stomachaches. Infusions of Yerba Santa leaves and flowers were used to treat fevers, coughs, colds, stomachaches, asthma, rheumatism pleurisy, chronic bronchitis, tuberculosis, and to purify the blood. Heated leaves were placed on the forehead to relieve headaches and other aches and sores.
The sticky leaves stay in place upon the skin. Mashed leaves were applied externally to sores, cuts, wounds, insect bites, and aching muscles. Mashed leaves were also used to reduce the swelling and relieve pain caused by bone fractures. The branches and leaves were burned in steam baths to treat rheumatism and hemorrhoids. Contains chemicals that are thought to loosen mucus in the chest and may increase urination.
The Hike
Distance: 3 miles
Duration: 3.5 hours
Elevation Gain: 560'
Difficulty: Fit Beginner
Pace: 2.0 mph
Dogs: Yes.
Restrooms: Yes, at the upper parking lot, which we will be walking up to at the start of this hike.
Drinking Fountains: Yes, at the start, but you have to walk down into the picnic area to get to it.
Parking: Free in the gravel lot, $? to park up the incline at the top, cash only.
Trail: Fire Road and rocky trail, good condition.What to Bring:
1-2 liters of water.
Snacks and/or beverages to share
Hiking shoes preferred, but athletic shoes will be OK.
Flashlight or headlamp. The last 30 minutes may get dark.Directions
Sage Ranch Loop Trail
1 Black Canyon Road
Simi Valley, CA 91304
Coordinates: 34.241330, -118.671742From the 118
Exit Topanga Canyon and head south for 2.5 mi.
Right (west) on Plummer St. for 09. mi.
Continue as the road curves left, becoming Valley Circle Blvd. and then Lake Manor Dr. for 1.2 mi.
Left (south) on Valley Circle Blvd. (do not continue onto Box Canyon Rd.) for 500'.
Right (west) on Woosley Canyon Rd. up the winding hill for 2.5 mi.
Right (north) on Facility Rd. for 500'.
Left (west) into lot.
Free parking is on left, paid parking is up the incline at the end.From the 101
Exit Valley Circle and head north past Roscoe Blvd. for 5.9 mi.
Left (west) on Woosley Canyon Rd. up the winding hill for 2.5 mi.
Right (north) on Facility Rd. for 500'.
Left (west) into lot.
Free parking is on left, paid parking is up the incline at the end.From Simi Valley
E. Los Angeles east of Yosemite Ave. for 0.5 miles
Right (south) on Christine Ave. for 0.5 miles
Right (west) on Katherine Rd. for 0.1 miles
Left (south) on Katherine Rd. for 0.2 miles
Right (west) on Katherine Rd./Oak Knolls Rd. (last right before end) for 0.1 miles
Left split onto Black Canyon Rd. for 1.9 miles
Note that this road gets very narrow. Go slow - 15 mph or less.
Free parking on right at intersection with N. American Cut off Rd., paid parking is up the incline at the end.FAQ
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Disclaimer / Release of Liability - 4th of July Celebration Potluck Hike - Los PadresLos Padres Trailhead, Thousand Oaks, CA
3.25 miles out and back, 600' gain, Easy Intermediate.
Many people will be viewing the fireworks from this location, and enjoying a picnic at the top.Easier Option (unhosted): 2.4mi, 550' gain. (link to map).
497 Hillsborough St, Thousand Oaks, CA 91361We'll start by entering the Los Padres trail, through a spooky oak covered section, then climb until we reach the fireroad at the 1/2 mile point. We'll stop and regroup here.
We'll turn right up the fireroad and climb for about a 1/2 mile to another junction, where we'll turn right onto the Los Robles trail. After 500 feet, we'll take a split off to the right and continue along the Vista Loop for another 1/2 mile until we come to a bench at the top.
We'll have a potluck here and watch the fireworks.
You may wish to bring something to sit on, such as a camp chair or a blanket. The bench and area around it will be used to place our potluck items.We'll follow the reverse route back to the cars sometime after the fireworks. It will be dark on the return trip, so please bring a light.
Please bring something to eat and drink, we'll share snacks and drinks.
If your item requires it, bring plates and utensils to share.If you wish to leave early, please study the map posted with description so you are able to navigate the return without the host.
Hike Distance: 3.25 miles
Gain: 600'
Distribution: Most of the incline well distributed in the first half.
Difficulty: Easy Intermediate.
Shape: Out and Back
Pace: approx. 2.0 mph.
Trail Type: Fire Road, Single-Track, and Double-Track.
Trail Variations:
Several extended inclines of 1000 steps.
Several steep sections of 300 steps, but no hands required.
Duration: 3.0 hours
Dogs: Yes.
Restrooms: No
Drinking Fountains: No.
Parking: Free along street.
What to bring: 1 liter of water for every 3 miles.
Hiking shoes/boots
Flashlight or headlamp.
Sunscreen and/or hat as needed.
Snacks and/or beverages to share.Hosting
Route: The host knows the route. A pic of the route LINK
Navigation: Host memory, enhanced by GPS navigation as needed
Hike type: Social.
We won't be hiking at a fast pace because this is a social hike, not a conditioning hike. There is nothing wrong with stopping, even if it means every 50 steps.Stops:
The host may designate stopping points to let others catch up. We will stop at junctions to make sure everybody makes any turns or chooses the correct direction at splits, else something will be used to mark the direction, usually a large arrow made of baking soda. There may not always be a sweeper designated to be the last hiker.Interesting Notes
Yucca
White flowers on stalk. Stalk is often missing, leaving only the spires from which it grows. Stalks are very strong and light, so they make good walking sticks. Needles on end of spires. Chopped up root can be uses as shampoo or soap. Roasted root can be eaten like a potato. Illegal to remove live stick in CA.Pronounced with short u. Dried leaves make good tinder. To eat root, remove skin and core, boil 15 minutes. Then fry or bake. Flowers are mildly sweet. Adam says they taste like radishes. The fruit is also edible, but bitter if not ripe. To access fibers: Soak for a month in water, lightly pound leaves with rock or club, or scrape off skin. Roll between hands, then pull and separate fibers. Weave into cordage.
Wild Cucumber
Toxic. Boil fruit in water to make spikes easy to remove. Inside is a natural luffa. Tubars (thickened part of a stem, usually underground, like the potato) can be crushed and thrown into water to immobilize fish.Almost the entire plant is poisonous. Although wild cucumbers are related to the familiar, domestic vegetable, the prickly “cucumbers” consist not of fleshy fruit, but of two seed chambers containing lacy netting.
Directions
Los Padres Trailhead
15 Los Padres Dr.
Thousand Oaks, CA, 91361From I-101:
West of CA-23, I-101, exit S. Moorpark Rd.
South on Moorpark Rd. north for 1000 ft.
Left on Los Padres Dr.
After 200 ft, trailhead on the right.
Park on the street.FAQ
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Disclaimer / Release of Liability - Led Zepagain - Potluck Picnic and Concert in the Park1765 Royal Ave, Simi Valley, CA
Led Zepagain - Led Zeppelin Tribute
Many of us from this group will attend this event.Please bring food and drinks to share. If your item requires utensils, please supply them.
We do need tables. If you can bring one, please post this in the comments.
Concert starts at 6:30p.
About the BandFree parking available on-site. Overflow parking is on the softball fields, off Thompson.
Dogs on a leash are allowed on the perimeters but not in the main event area.
Alcohol is permitted.
Look for the location of members posted in the comments close to event time.
Link to RSRPD Summer Concert Series
Rancho Simi Community Park
1765 Royal Ave.
Simi Valley, CA
