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!
Please find a list of frequently asked questions under the "Pages" tab of the desktop display, or by clicking "here".
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Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Potrero – All paved – Easy Intermediate, paved/dry post-rain hike4161 Potrero Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA
5.75 miles, 700' gain. Easy Intermediate.
Do not park on Potrero or risk getting a ticket. You need a permit to park on this street. Please look at signs, and park on side streets (Pinehill or Greenwood) in the neighborhood. Short walk to trailhead,This hike is a great trail when it might be muddy because almost the entire hike is on an asphalt path through a huge state park (> 20 sq miles). It's also a good option when it's very hot out, because this is one of the cooler areas where we hike, half shaded, and most of the incline is on the return.
Since the elevation gain is low and the route is paved, we'll be likely hiking a little faster than typical. It's a little more than 8 miles to go all the way to the ocean.
At the 2.9 mile mark, we'll find a picnic table 350' off to the right side, where we'll stop and have a social event for about an hour before heading back the way we came. There are no turns on this hike, so as long as you stay on the asphalt path, you really can't get lost.
Directions
4161 Potrero Rd.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
34.156636, -118.962989Note that when turning left at the dead end to continue on Potrero Rd., the sign at the intersection will say S. Reino. It is that name if you go right. But we go to the left, so it is a continuation of Potrero Rd.
From the west: 101-S, Exit 48B Wendy Dr., turn right.
From the east: 101-N, Exit 47C Wendy Dr., turn left.
South on Wendy Dr. until it dead ends at Potrero Rd.
Right on Potrero Rd. for 0.5 miles.
Left to stay on Potrero Rd. (it is Reino if you turn right) for 0.5 miles.
Turn right on Pinehill Ave. and park.
Walk 800 feet back to the intersection of Potrero Rd. and Big Sycamore Canyon Rd.Do not park on Potrero Rd.
The Hike
Distance: 5.9 miles.
Gain: 700', mostly on the return.
Distribution: The return section has an extended incline.
Difficulty: Easy Intermediate.
Shape: Out and Back.
Pace: 2.0 mph.
Trail Type: Asphalt path.
Trail Variations: Rolling stroll with an extended incline.
Duration: 3.5 hours.
Dogs: Yes.
Restrooms: Yes, along the way at the start.
Drinking Fountains: Yes, along the way at the start.
Parking: Free along Pinehill Ave. No parking on Potrero, it is for residents with a permit only.What to bring: 1 liter of water for every 3 miles.
Snacks and/or beverages to share
Hiking shoes preferred, but athletic shoes will be OK.
Flashlight or headlamp.Hosting
Route: The host knows the route. A pic of the route has been posted as part of this description.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.This hike is out-and-back on an asphalt path, While it will be acceptable to split from the group moving faster, slower, or otherwise at your own pace, keep in mind if you get ahead, you must know where we are stopping.
FAQ
Hiking Plus Page Links
Disclaimer / Release of Liability - Hawk Canyon lollipop - Potluck hike (Spring Forward, starts 4pm)Conejo Canyons Trail Head, Thousand Oaks, CA
4.2 miles, 700' gain, easy-intermediate.
Easier option: 2.7 miles, 500' gain, fit beginner.
Spring forward, hike starts at 4pm!This is a pot-luck hike. We'll be stopping at the 3/4 point by a picnic table, so please bring food and drink to share, and any utensils your items might require. You may wish to bring your own cup, plate, and utensils in case there aren't any.
We have had occasions where there were no utensils, so it might be wise to at least bring your own.
We start at Conejo Canyons Trail Head, 2010 Conejo Center Dr, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320.
We'll hike downhill from the trailhead for 0.6 miles.
For the regular route, we'll turn left and continue uphill for 0.6 miles on the Western Plateau trail and follow the fire road around to the right at the top, then mostly flat for about a mile, then dropping for another 1/2 mile.
At the bottom and when coming to a junction, turn right onto Hawk Canyon. Our picnic spot is 1/4 mile up Hawk Canyon at the table under the trees.
For the easier option, instead of turning left at the first junction, we'll turn right. After 0.6 miles, the picnic area will be on the left.
After the potluck, we'll continue up Hawk Canyon in our clockwise loop for 0.6 mile where the trail ends back at the Western Plateau trail. Take a left up the hill back to Conejo Center Dr. For those that came on the easier option, it's a return the way you came.
** If you plan on leaving before the group, please familiarize yourself with the planned route, which can be accessed by clicking on the below link:
The Hike
Distance: 4.2 miles / 2.7 miles
Gain: 700' / 500'
Distribution: Well distributed.
Difficulty: Easy Intermediate / Fit Beginner
Shape: Lollipop.
Pace: 2.0 mph.
Trail Type: Fire road and single track.
Trail Variations: Rolling stroll and ramp.
Duration: 3.5 hours
Dogs: Dogs must be kept on leash and away from the picnic table.
Restrooms: No
Drinking Fountains: No.
Parking: Free along street.What to bring
1 liter of water for every 3 miles.
Snacks and/or beverages to share
Hiking shoes preferred, but athletic shoes will be OK.
Flashlight or headlamp.
Sunscreen and/or hat as needed.
Insect repellent (optional).Hosting
Route: The host knows the route. A pic of the route has been posted as part of this description.
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. This hike will include an extended stop for a snack and beverage share at the half way point. There may not always be a sweeper designated to be the last hiker.Each hiker is responsible for knowing their capability, only attending events where they are able to sustain the described pace, for keeping up with the group sufficiently enough to make the turns and not get left behind, and for making sure the host is notified if they are going to split from the group.
Group separation
Sometimes hikers wish to move significantly ahead and not wait at designated stopping points. Please let the host know. They are on their own regarding route and navigation.Directions
Conejo Canyons Trail Head
2010 Conejo Center Dr.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
US-101, exit Ventu Park Rd, North.
Ventu Park Rd. North for 1 mile.
Right on Rancho Conejo Blvd., 1.3 miles.
Left on Conejo Center Dr.
Park on the street.FAQ
Hiking Plus Page Links
Disclaimer / Release of Liability - Sagebrush Cantina: HindsiteSagebrush Cantina, Calabasas, CA
Many from this group, plus other friends, will attend this event at Sagebrush Cantina. The band playing (Hindsite) puts on a fantastic show, playing dance, pop, r&b/funk, and hip hop music from the 70's up to the latest hits.
This is one of the best venues I've experienced on LA's west side, and this is one of the best bands I've seen at this venue. Come see a Hollywood quality show for free. Hindsite will have you dancing all night!
We'll be seated either in the outdoor area, or indoors, depending on the weather. Seating is tough here, so even if we don't all sit together, we'll be seeing one another on the dance floor!
The band starts at 8p, but get there an hour earlier and maybe you'll get a seat with the group.
Sagebrush Cantina
23527 Calabasas Rd, Calabasas, CA 91302
(818) 222-6062Events Calendar (Sagebrush Cantina)
Events Calendar (Hindsite) - Ventura Spring Wine WalkWinchesters Grill & Saloon, Ventura, CA
Many of us from this group will attend this event. In the past, the Ventura Wine Walks have been a really incredible time!
The festival takes place along 4 blocks of Main St., between N. Fir St and S. Palm St.
{ TRAIN OPTIONS - travel via the train } Link to Amtrak
The train station is 8 – 15 min walk, depending on which end of the festival.
769 Pacific Surfliner 12:11p - 1:03p $18
794 Pacific Surfliner 7:43p - 8:40p $18These times will be updated as the date nears, because the schedule often changes slighty.
I don't recommend buying tickets. Instead, buy what you want to eat and/or drink as needed at various businesses, or bring your own (fastest and least expensive).
For those that still want to buy tickets, they start at (to be updated)
(Link coming soon}Suggested check-in: Winchester's Saloon
From their flyer
The Most Magical day in Ventura will kick off with the FREE Fiesta Street Fair from 12pm-8pm in Downtown Ventura from the Museum of Ventura County through the 600 block of Main Street with vendors and live entertainment. Shop artists, crafters, non-profit organizations, commercial and food vendors.The street fair and entertainment is FREE and open to the public starting at Noon!
THE WINE WALK 4pm - 8pm
CHECK-IN TIME IS FROM 3pm-5: 45 pm SHARP! You will not be allowed to participate if you arrive after 5:45 pm, No refunds will be issued. Wine Sampling is from 4pm-7: 00 pm. Holiday Street Fair is Noon-8pm. The music ends at 8 pm.The Wine Walk will showcase Wineries and Breweries in your favorite Downtown businesses. Each guest will receive a tasting cup and a map of the participating tasting sites in Downtown Ventura.
Each tasting site will have a designated area set up for Wine Walk guests to sample the amazing wines or beers! Wine tasting will end at 7:00 pm.
All guests MUST START at your designated check-in location before they can start the Wine Walk.
There are many check-in points, and which one will depend on the ticket you buy. Regardless of where you check in, please get there early enough so that after checking in, you are able to make your way to:
4pm
Winchesters Grill and Saloon
632 E Main St.
Ventura, CA 93001Photos from the prior Wine Walk (Spring 2022)
Photos from the prior Wine Walk (Winter 2022)
Photos from the prior Wine Walk (Spring 2023)
Photos from the prior Wine Walk (Winter 2023)
Photos from the prior Wine Walk (Spring 2024)
Photos from the prior Wine Walk (Winter 2024)Note: Parking can be tricky, and you may need to walk several blocks, maybe even further. I recommend adding 45 minutes for parking and walking to our meet point.
The event time is set for 3p, but we'll meet at 4p. That will give people time to check-in if they bought a ticket, because the check-in process can take 1/2 hr.
