What we’re about
Welcome! I created this group in 2012 because I was hiking in a world dominated by morning people. So on the hunch that there might be a few more people like myself, I decided to make a group that does not hike in the mornings. After all, God created mornings for sleeping in, right? This is the one characteristic that makes the PM Hikers different from any other hiking club.
Much to my joy I had a lot of hikers thank me profusely for the group, and several have even told me that the PM Hikers has changed their lives! There is nothing more gratifying than hearing someone tell you that!
So what about beating the summer heat? Instead of hiking in the morning, just hike in the evening! If you think that's weird or scary, I think you will discover that the trails and the views are just as beautiful at night, and will open a new dimension of awe to complement that feeling when hiking in daylight.
That does not mean we only hike at night. Rather, we do not begin our hikes between the hours of midnight and noon. Thus, a 23:59:59 start time is as acceptable as one that begins at 12:00:01.
I know it's awkward when you first hike with people you do not know at all, but if you hike with us you will discover that the members are FRIENDLY, nice people. You could easily make some friendships for life. I certainly have.
If you are new to hiking, read the hike descriptions and send a note to the leader if you are not sure about something. Hiking can be quite physically demanding, but many members are beginners, so don't be afraid.
Watch your step on the downhill,
Kurt Godden
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Mammoth Highlands Park, Moorpark7000 Elk Run Loop, Moorpark, CA
This is a casual 3.6 mile, beginner friendly, out and back hike with an elevation gain of 502'. Please remember, my hikes are for slow pokes and beginners but all levels are welcome. We hike slow and we take short breaks, and the end time is approximate only because we do explore.
We will meet at the Mammoth Highlands park at 6:30, and promptly start at 6:35.
The entire hike will skirt the backyards of the local residents, so please respect their privacy and keep the noise down. Most of the trail is a horse path, with a wide trail behind some of the homes. At one point we will go off the path and walk along a single track trail to the bluffs that overlook the Rustic Canyon golf course and Happy Camp. We will see Moorpark College in the background.
- Wear good hiking shoes or boots and bring poles if you need them.
- Time: 6:30pm. We will start at 6:35
- Bring your flashlight/headlamp
- Route type: Out and back
- Trail: horse path/fire road, single track in some areas
- Difficulty: Fit beginner and above
- Dogs: On a leash per state law
- Restrooms: Maybe at the park
- Water Fountain: None
- Parking: Free
- Known Dangers: Rattlesnakes, slip-'n-fall
ADDRESS: 7000 Elk Run Loop, Moorpark, CA
GOOGLE COORDINATES: 34.299969, -118.868327
GOOGLE MAP
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Mammoth+Highlands+Park/@34.2997878,-118.8706172,923m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x80e83272f375e4bd:0x443cac2d748d14f!8m2!3d34.2997834!4d-118.8684285?hl=en&authuser=0DRIVING DIRECTIONS
- From Simi Valley, take the 118 West toward Moorpark, and exit Los Angeles Ave which is the first exit after crossing over the big bridge.
- From the Thousand Oaks area, take the 23 North toward Moorpark, and exit 20A to Los Angeles Avenue. Turn left at the light. If you happen to cross over the big bridge, you have missed the exit and will need to turn around.
- Continue on Los Angeles Ave, and keep going, past the Target shopping center, to Spring Road.
- Turn right on Spring Road and continue straight for a couple of miles or less,
- Turn right on Elk Run Loop
- The park will be on the right
DISCLAIMER/RELEASE OF LIABILITY:
- You must RSVP to attend this event, no exceptions.
- The PM Hiker organizers are not trained leaders and do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips.
- If you sign up for any event, you are releasing the PM Hiker organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries.
- If you leave the group on your own with or without notifying the leader, you will lose the advantage of other hikers' support.
- Hiking and other outdoor events can be dangerous and accidents can happen.
- Per Meetup rules, you are responsible for your own safety and well-being. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience. You take full responsibility for your own actions.
- These rules apply to any guests you may invite.