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- Malibu Creek State Park Hike to Century Lake and a Campfire TalkMalibu Creek State Park, Calabasas, CA
You are welcome to join me for a hike through beautiful Malibu State Creek, and an informative talk about the mule deer.
The Hike
This is an easy 3.4-mile out and back hike to Century Lake via the Rock Pool, with an elevation gain of 305'. Meet me at 5:30 at the park's Main Trailhead parking lot by the restrooms. We will wait about 5+ minutes before starting.Parking is $12.00 per car per day, or $3.00/hour. Free if you have a state park or golden bear pass.
Campfire Talk
After the hike, you are invited to attend the docent led informative talk at the Amphitheater near the campground at 7:30. Tonight's topic are the mule deer, the largest herbivores in the park, and the main prey for mountain lions. It is named for its ears, which are large like those of the mule.**NOTE** Please don't sign up for this hike if you are in a rush or have other plans after. My hikes are casual and slower paced (1.5-2 mph), we take breaks, and we explore. I can't guarantee that we will be back at exactly the end time. Thank you.
Sunset is at 8:12pm, last light is at 8:40pm.
Checklist
- Bring your flashlights
- Bring something to eat since it's dinnertime, we can eat at the Amphitheater
- Bring 2 liters of water, hat, poles if you need them, sunscreen, bug spray
- Bring a jacket if you easily get cold, and a blanket
- Bring a chair to sit on if you don't want to sit on the bleachers in the Amphitheater.
DIRECTIONS to the trailhead at the parking lot
Google Coordinates: 34.096626, -118.716735
Google MapDISCLAIMER/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.
- 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.
- Zuma Beach Walk (Not Point Dume)Zuma Beach, Malibu, CA
This is an easy 3-mile beach walk (out and back) with minimal gain, maybe 20'.
Sunset is at 8:11pm and the last light is at 8:39.
New meeting spot:
We'll meet at 6:00pm in the first parking lot once you enter the gate at the Zuma beach entrance. You can find free parking alongside the Pacific Coast Hwy (southbound) on the street, or you can pay for parking (about $3).**NOTE** Please don't sign up for this hike if you are in a rush or have other plans after. My hikes are casual and slower paced (1.5-2 mph), we take breaks, and we explore. I can't guarantee that we will be back at exactly the end time. Thank you.
After the hike, let's catch a bite to eat at Spruzzo's. They close at 9pm so let's try to get there by 8:30. Spruzzo's menu.
Known Dangers: drowning, cold feet, sea monsters, mermaids, tsunami
Checklist
- Bring your flashlights just in case we need them.
- Bring a liter of water, snacks for energy, hat, sunscreen.
- Bring a wind breaker as it can be windy at the top
- Bring a jacket if you easily get cold
- Sandals or water shoes is the preferred footwear, or barefoot
- Bring a towel or brush to get the sand off your feet
DIRECTONS TO THE ZUMA BEACH ENTRANCE AND SPRUZZO'S
Zuma beach entrance- Address: 30000 Pacific Coast Hwy
- Google Coordinates: 34.015885, -118.820319
- Google Map
- If you drive past Lifeguard Tower 4, you've gone too far
Spruzzo's
- Address: 29575 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu
- Google Coordinates: 34.016986, -118.819018
- Google Map
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.
- 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.
- Summer Kayak and restaurant afterwards in Oxnard Harbor3600 Harbor Blvd, Oxnard, CA
This will be earlier in the afternoon since I am on summer break! Sorry for those who can not make it!
Please join me, Wednesday, July 9, 1pm. We will be going kayaking or paddle boarding in Oxnard's Channel Islands Harbor and then going to the neighboring restaurant.
This has been a favorite activity of mine for several years on my own or with a group, its fun either way! I think most of us will kayak but paddle boarding is available to if you dare.
- Show up at 1pm and get your Kayak or paddlboard
Channel Islands Kayak: http://cikayak.com
We can start the Kayak by 1:30 or so.
An hour to 90 minutes is usually all I do as your arms can get a workout. I try to paddle out to the houses past the bridge and look around and then come back. Its relaxing just to be in the harbor on the water.
Then afterwards 2:30 or 3pm ish go to Sea Fresh. Please note it is called Sea Fresh but there is lots of other choices besides seafood there. According to their website they have a Happy Hour weekdays 2-6pm.
I am not a seafood eater and find something to indulge on there each time I go. It is right at the water and a nice place to sit.Please review the two websites above for more specific information about their venues.
The kayaks and paddle boards are on a first come first served basis. I have done both and find Kayaking a little easier than paddle boarding and also less likely to fall in the water! The kayaks can be single ($12.50 per hour but in case the price has recently increased check the website) or you can double up ($25 per hour) with someone (I do not like the double ones as they are harder to maneuver and coordinate directions). Check website as the prices are from last year.
Estimated cost: $30-40 depending on how long you kayak and what you purchase at the restaurant.
Distance: 2-3 miles
Elevation: Sea Level
Difficulty: up to you
Dogs: No
Restrooms: yes on shore at the restaurant
Water: on shore
Parking: note the signs but there should be plenty of free parking in the lot, just park where it says okay and not on the marina parking
Sunset: we will be done before then!
Weather: Windy or unusual weather will cancel event, it often can be cool and overcast there. Check the weather of the location before you come.
Known dangers: Falling in the water, tired arms, sunburn
Bring: a towel, sunscreen, hat or sunglasses and bottle of water in case you get thirsty (if paddle boarding I suggest a bathing suit, for kayaking just wear sandals and something you do not mind getting wet in).
If you bring a plus one (child, friend or family member) you are responsible for them if they do not have a meet up profile and sign up on their own.
Please note that I have no control over "the public" sometimes this event we have the area to ourselves and other times can be quite busy. Once we did have to wait a little longer as they were out of Kayaks but everyone did get one eventually and that was on the busiest of days.DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY:
• You must RSVP to attend this event, no exceptions.
• If you choose to sign up for any event, you are releasing the organizers of PM Hikers from all liability in case of possible injuries.
• The organizers of PM Hikers are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips. By participating in any posted event, you're taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being.
• Hiking and other outdoor events are inherently dangerous and accidents can happen. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions.
• Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience. - Show up at 1pm and get your Kayak or paddlboard
