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".
More about: Link
Terms:
By joining this group, You, for yourself and on behalf of your heirs, assigns, personal representatives and next of kin, HEREBY RELEASE AND HOLD HARMLESS Hiking Plus, its organizers and other participants ("RELEASEES”), WITH RESPECT TO ANY AND ALL INJURY, DISABILITY, DEATH, LOSS OR DAMAGE TO PERSON OR PROPERTY, WHETHER ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES OR OTHERWISE, to the fullest extent permitted by law, for any Hiking Plus event.
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Upcoming events
7
Hawk Canyon lollipop - Potluck hike
Conejo Canyons Trail Head, 2010 Conejo Center Dr, Thousand Oaks, CA, US4.2 miles, 700' gain, easy-intermediate.
Easier option: 2.7 miles, 500' gain, fit beginner.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 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: FreeWhat 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.FAQ
Hiking Plus Page Links
Disclaimer / Release of Liability18 attendees
Ventura Winter Wine Walk
Winchesters Grill & Saloon, 632 E Main St, Ventura, CA, USMany 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.
$18: 769 Pacific Surfliner - Simi Valley (SIM) 12:11p, Ventura (VEC) - 1:03p
$18: 794 Pacific Surfliner - Ventura (VEC) 7:50p, Simi Valley (SIM) - 8:48p
These times will be updated as the date nears, because the schedule often changes slightly.I don't recommend buying tickets.
Instead, buy what you want to eat and/or drink as needed at various businesses, or bring your own (fastest and least expensive).A typical event:
We start at Winchesters. People trickle in a different times. We coalesce and/or break off into smaller sub-groups, wandering through the festival at different times. There is never a time where we are all together.There is no other particular location we stop at, because just about every few businesses are selling food and drink. Often, many of us will meet up around the center of the festival where there is usually an outdoor band about 7p. On the last walk, there was no band, so nothing is definite.
What follows, it mostly from the advertisement:
For those that still want to buy tickets ($?? - $??? with fee): (Link to purchase tickets coming soon)
Suggested check-in: Winchester's Saloon
The Social Event Of The Year is BACK! The Ventura Winter Wine Walk & Holiday Street Fair will once again return to beautiful Ventura on Saturday, December 6, 2025!
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
Ticket Purchasers: CHECK-IN TIME IS FROM 3pm-5: 45 pm.
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.
Snow Fall at Main Stage will begin at 6:45 pm.
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.
As you stroll down Main Street you will be surrounded by a winter holiday ambiance of live entertainment, beautiful holiday lighting and snowfall from 6:45 pm-8 pm at the Main Stage. Space Is Very Limited this event Sells Out Every year...Get Your Tickets Today!
All guests MUST START at your designated check-in location before they can start the Wine Walk, if you purchased tickets.
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 prior Winter Wine Walk 2022
Photos from prior Winter Wine Walk 2023
Photos from prior Winter Wine Walk 2024Note: 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.
Note: This is a loosely coupled event.
Everybody will not be together at all times. Instead, we'll likely encounter members of our group during the event, especially at the start.50 attendees
Hiking Plus products are HERE!
Location not specified yetHiking Plus products can now be bought at:
https://hiking-plus.myspreadshop.com
Recommendations:
Use a computer instead of a phone.
The web view will not show all the products at once. Select the product category to see them all.
There are two designs: A white logo and black logo. Select the design that looks best for the color of the product.
You can adjust the logo larger if you like. I recommend adjusting it to as large as will fit.
Buy 1 size larger because they run small.
I frequently post discount codes or reduced price dates here.
There is no price bump for the group, so you get the best price possible.
If you get an item and it doesn't fit, click the Return Items button in the shipping confirmation email. You will be allowed to select the correct size and it will be shipped to you free. Plus, you don't have to return the item that you are unsatisfied with. Promotions don't apply when using store credit.
2025 promotions (automatic when checking out)
October 22 - 26, 2025, 25% off $70 spent
October 31 - November 2, 2025, 20% off12 attendees
Announcements
Location not specified yetThis is not an event. This page will be occasionally updated with announcements.
Join the event, and if your settings for Hiking Plus are checked for "Changes to Event Time or Location", Meetup will send you an email when this page is updated, because I'll update the date/time.
Major Event Links
4th of July Celebration Potluck Hike - Los Padres
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2-Way Radios
Cell phones often have no reception or go unanswered. We are using walkie-talkies on many hikes to help pass information along when the group gets very spread out and provide additional safety for everybody.Message the event host if want to bring your own GMRS 2-way radio with CTCSS capability to get the settings for the event. Midland 36-mile rated pairs sell for under $100. Links: Walmart, REI, and Amazon.
Baofeng: Model UV-5R with charger is under $25. Amazon link.
98 attendees
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