About us
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
10
Topanga overlook - Mother's Day Potluck Hike
Lois Ewen Overlook, 23300-23398 Saddle Peak Road, Calabasas, CA, USHappy Mother's Day!!
Bring your mother, mother figure, or your kids. This is a lovely way to celebrate and make great memories together.Beginner - 2 miles, 180' gain (route link)
Intermediate - 3.25 miles, 500' gain
This is a social hike and an out-and-back event.We’ll head north-east along the Topanga Ridge Motor Way. At that point anyone who does not want to hike further can stop at the Topanga Lookout. The main group will continue on for about another half mile down the ridge along a single track trail. Then we’ll track back to the Topanga Lookout where we will have our snack share.
There is a potluck at the platform before we turn around for the return. If your item requires paper plates, utensils, etc. please bring them. You may wish to bring your own cup, plate, and utensils in case there aren't any.
Pot Luck guidelines linkWe take the Topanga Tower Motorway along a mostly paved route down, to a typically heavily graffitied platform with stunning views of San Fernando Valley, Santa Monica Bay, and the San Gabriel Mountains. This destination, called the Topanga Lookout, has been used in many music videos and was once used as a fire lookout tower.
At that platform, we'll lay out a table cloth, share food, drink, listen to music, and enjoy a fun social event with great views all around, before turning back the way we came.
Overview
Topanga Lookout, also referred to as Rosas Overlook, is located in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area near Topanga, California, at an elevation of approximately 2,375 feet above sea level. It sits on the site of a former fire observation tower, offering sweeping views of Red Rock Canyon Park, the San Fernando Valley, Calabasas Peak, and the surrounding mountains. On clear days, visitors can see as far as downtown Los Angeles, the San Gabriel Mountains, and Catalina Island.Hike
Distance: 2.0 - 3.25 miles (please read the details above)
Gain: 180' - 500'
Distribution: Well distributed.
Difficulty: Beginner or Intermediate (please read the details above)
Shape: Out and Back.
Pace: approx. 2.0 mph.
Trail Type: Paved Asphalt
Trail Variations: Some of the asphalt may be uneven.
Duration: 3.5 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 preferred, but athletic shoes will be OK.
Flashlight or headlamp.
Sunscreen and/or hat as needed.
Snacks and/or beverages to share
A camera, maybe even binoculars! This place really does have some great views.Hosting
Route: The host knows the route. A pic of the route has been posted.
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.Directions
From US-101 in Calabassas, exit Las Virgenes exit 32 or Lost Hills exit 33 (whichever comes first, depending on your direction).
Head south. If on Lost hills, turn right to continue south after 1.1 mi onto Las Virgenes.
Continue on Las Virgenes for 1.6 miles to Mulholland Hwy, turn left.
Continue on Mulholland Hwy for 4 miles to Stund Rd., turn right.
Continue on Stunt Rd. for 4 miles to Saddle Peak Rd.
Find a place along the road and park.FAQ
Hiking Plus Page Links
Disclaimer / Release of Liability23300-23398 Saddle Peak Rd, Calabasas, CA 91302
Meet at the intersection of Stunt Rd, Schueren Rd., and Saddle Peak Rd.
Lois Ewen Overlook17 attendees
Corriganville the Back Way Double Loop Lollipop
Rocky Peak Trail, 7900 Santa Susana Pass Rd, Simi Valley, CA, US4 miles, 700' gain, easy-intermediate
Easy option: 2.5 miles, 500' gainParking on the south side of the CA-118 at the Rocky Peak exit. We'll walk west along the Santa Susana Pass Rd. for about 500 feet, and directly across from Lilac Ln, we'll enter a trail. We'll move along a relatively flat section for 1/2 mile, turn right, and make a gradual climb until just before the wildlife tunnel.
We turn left and take a set of switchbacks down into Corriganville. We'll now be in front of a picnic pavilion.
Easy Option: Wait at the pavilion for about 35 minutes.
The rest of the group will hike a 1.5 mile loop, returning to this same place. We'll turn right and loop through the park. We'll pass an outdoor amphitheater, then make a mild climb to the top of a hill.
Next, we'll turn right at the top, zig-zag down, and then make a left to the wide center trail that leads up through the park to its only parking lot. We won't cross to the lot yet.
We'll follow the trail as it bends to the right until it eventually bends back left and heads into the parking area. We'll then walk along the side of the lot and head back to the picnic pavilion, where we'll have a social event.
After the event, we'll circle around the front of the pavilion and walk along railroad tracks for 200 yards towards the park lot. Behind a couple small shacks, we'll turn left and cross the tracks, then head onto a trail and take this all the way back to Santa Susana Pass Rd. and then our cars.
It is posted that the park closes at sunset, so for this hike, we'll start heading back before dark.
Interesting Notes
Here are a couple plants you are sure to see on this hike:California Sagebrush
Aromatic when crushed. AKA, common sage, coastal sage. Sunflower family. Cowboys used to ride through it and brush up against the pine-shaped leaves, coming home with the smell on their clothes and giving rise to the nickname "Cowboy Cologne." Not a true sage. Can be used as a cooking spice and can be made into a tea. Tear off some needles by running your hand up the stalk and smell the aroma.Purple Sage
Grey-green leaves. Aromatic when crushed. Purple flowers. Aka, Tobacco Sage, with mild hallucinogenic properties when smoked. Can be used as a spice or made into a tea. Tea has medicinal affects: Antiviral, gargle for sore throats, reduce hay fever symptoms and other drying actions. In the last summer, fall, and winter months, the flowers will have turned brown and the leaves we take on a greyer color.Directions
Rocky Peak Exit, South Side of CA-118
Simi Valley, CA 93065
34.267447, -118.634809From the 118
Exit 32 Rocky Peak Rd.
Park on south side of the freeway along Santa Susanna Pass Rd.From the 101 @ CA-23
North CA-23 for 8.4 miles.
East I-118 for 14 miles.
Exit 32 Rocky Peak Rd.Park on south of the freeway along Santa Susanna Pass Rd.
The Hike
Distance: 4 mi., easy option 2.5 mi.
Elevation Gain: 700', easy option 500'.
Difficulty: Easy Intermediate, easy option - Fit Beginner
Pace: 2.0 mph
Dogs: Yes.
Restrooms: Yes, at the picnic pavilion.
Drinking Fountains: Yes
Parking: Free, south side of CA-118
Trail: Single Track, Double Track, and fire road.
Purpose: SocialWhat 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.FAQ
Hiking Plus Page Links
Disclaimer / Release of Liability7 attendees
Chumash - Intermediate, with Easy option
Chumash Park, 3200 Flanagan Dr., Simi Valley, CA, US4 miles, 950' gain, Intermediate
Easy Option: 1.6 miles, 400' gain, Fit Beginner
Hardest option: 5 miles, 1200' gain, IntermediateThe entire hike outbound is a steady incline. Nothing super steep, just continuous and quite strenuous for many. There are virtually no junctions where one can get lost.
This is one of the more famous hikes in Simi Valley, and for good reason. Much of the hike takes place along the edge of the mountain. The trail in spots is a bit rugged and rocky, so a good tread on your shoes is recommended.
It is a part of the Chumash Natural Park that includes sandstone rock formations, caves, and beautiful vistas of Simi Valley. The land is owned by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and the Rancho Simi Recreation & Park District. It is maintained by the Rancho Simi Trailblazers and patrolled by the Volunteer Trail Safety Service.
We'll all begin the climb together. Those doing the easier option will stop after 0.8 miles and wait for about 45 minutes until the rest of us return to this spot for our social event. While waiting, they can continue to climb any portion they want and return to this spot, or just take in the views.
The rest will continue for 1.3 miles until a flat rock. Those that want the hardest option, continue for another 0.5 miles and 250' gain to the end of the trail. Head back down the same way to the social event spot.
At the social event spot, we'll be rewarded with sweeping views of Simi Valley and will share snacks and beverages.
There is really no way to get lost on this hike, so everybody will move along at whatever pace they want.
Hike (click this link for a pic)
Distance: 4.0 miles (1.5 mi for easy option, 5.0 mi for hardest option)
Gain: 950' (400' for easy option, 1200' for hardest option)
Distribution: Most of the incline is concentrated in the first half.
Difficulty: Intermediate (Fit Beginer for easy option, Intermediate for hardest option)
Shape: Out and back.
Pace: approx. 2.0 mph.
Trail Type: Fire road, double track, single track.
Trail Variations: The entire first half is incline. Some of the trail is rugged sandstone. Some of the trail is covered in large gravel.
Duration: 3.5 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. Not required, but recommended.
Flashlight or headlamp.
Sunscreen and/or hat as needed.
Snacks and/or beverages to shareHosting
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.Interesting Notes
Here are a couple plants you are sure to see on this hike:California Encelia
Aka, California Bush Sunflower, California Brittlebush, Coast Sunflower, El Dorado.Center is brown. When the center is yellow, it is Brittlebush, from the brittleness of the stems. This is from the daisy family, and it is typically used as an ornamental plant.
Mediterranean Mustard / Black Mustard
Mediterranean mustard seeds are yellow or white, while Black mustard seeds are brown or black. The flowers look the same.Flowers, leaves (mustard greens), and roots are edible. Can be used as a spice. Grind seeds and mix with water and vinegar to make prepared mustard. This is often a very abundant noxious weed (has been designated by an agricultural authority as one that is injurious to agricultural or horticultural crops, natural habitats or ecosystems, or humans or livestock.). It grows everywhere along the sides of the trail, often having to be cut back during trail maintenance.
Did you know that cabbage, mustard greens, collard greens, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, and prepared mustard, are all from different parts of the wild mustard plant?
Directions
Chumash Trail
3200 Flanagan Dr.
Simi Valley, CA 93063
Coordinates of trailhead: 34.293497, -118.671176From CA-118
I-118, exit Yosemite.
North on Yosemite for 1.3 miles.
Right (east) on Flanagan Dr. for 08. miles.
Continue until the street ends and park.FAQ
Hiking Plus Page Links
Disclaimer / Release of Liability4 attendees
Sagebrush Cantina: Hindsite
Sagebrush Cantina, 23527 Calabasas Rd, Calabasas, CA, USMany 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 often 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)25 attendees
Past events
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