Hiking Plus

Snacks and/or beverages to share

This hike is rated easy-intermediate because it is a continuous incline for 1.5 miles. This isn't real steep, but it is continuous, and many beginner hikers have indicated this should be rated intermediate.

That said, there is no reason a fit beginner cannot complete this hike. If needed, just stop and rest along the way, even if it's every 50 steps. This is not a conditioning hike, it is a social hike, and you really can't get lost.

The only junction is 200 yards before the top, where we'll turn right to complete the climb.

At the top, there is a picnic table and 360 degree incredible views that are especially wonderful at night. We'll have a snack-share social event at the top for 30-60 minutes before heading back the way we came. Please bring some food and drink to share, and utensils of your item requires it.

The top has been known to sometimes be very cool and windy. Please bring something to put on in case it is that way at the top.

Interesting Notes

Tree Tobacco
The Cahuilla Indians used the leaves interchangeably with other tobacco species in hunting rituals and as a poultice to treat swellings, bruises, cuts, wounds, boils, sores, inflamed throat, and swollen glands. It does not contain nicotine.

It contains anabasine, a similar compound, which is highly toxic to humans and animals. It is more toxic than nicotine. Ingestion of the leaves can be fatal. It is being investigated for use as a biofuel. All parts of this plant are toxic. Used as an insecticide. Do not smoke.

Elderberry
The blue or purple berries are gathered and made into elderberry wine, jam, syrup, and pies. The entire flower cluster can be dipped in batter and fried while petals can be eaten raw or made into a fragrant and tasty tea. Spit out the seeds. Elderflower water is also used in perfumes and sweets.

Most agree that they do need to be cooked if you are going to eat more than just a few out of hand. That’s because they have a small amount of cyanide producing glycosides, which are released upon digestion. Fully ripe black berries are not toxic and you can eat as many as you like. Boiling or baking takes care of any “toxic” issue as does drying raw berries.

Directions:
Rosewood Trailhead
398 Regal Oak Ct.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91320

From the 101
Ventu Park exit, South (toward ocean).
Right on Lynn Road for 1000'.
Left on Regal Oak Ct. for 1/3 mi.
Park on the street

Hike Distance: 3.0 miles
Gain: 800'
Distribution: Most of the incline occurs in the first half, which is a continuous climb.

Difficulty: Easy Intermediate.
Shape: Out and back.
Pace: approx. 2.0 mph.
Trail Type: Double track, single track.
Duration: 3.5 hours
Dogs: Dogs must be kept on leash and away from picnic table.
Restrooms: No
Drinking Fountains: No.
Parking: Free along the 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.

FAQ
Hiking Plus Page Links
Disclaimer / Release of Liability

This route takes us through a beautiful canyon via a counter-clockwise lollipop. Most of the hike has a clear view of the sky, with a few parts that have tree cover. We'll be stopping at the half-way point for a snack and beverage share.

We'll start at the Palo Comado Canyon - Doubletree Trailhead (coordinates: 34.182480,-118.751785) and head east for 1/2 mile along the Doubletree Connector Trail. We'll turn left and head north along the Palo Comado for about 1 mile. We'll turn right (east) onto the Dead Cow Trail for 0.8 miles, where we'll come to an overlook on the left.

There, we'll stop for a snack and beverage share. Then we'll continue down the Sheep Corral trail for about 700', turning left back onto the Palo Comado trail. From there, we'll head south 1.75 miles and turn right (west) onto the Doubletree Connector Trail and the final 1/2 mile back to the trailhead.

Hike
Distance: 4.6 miles
Gain: 900'
Distribution: Most of the incline well distributed in the first half.
Difficulty: Easy Intermediate.
Shape: Lollipop, counter-clockwise.
Pace: approx. 2.0 mph.
Trail Type: Fire road and single track. Areas of sand, gravel, and rock, some of it rugged.
Trail Variations:
Several extended inclines of 1000 steps.
Several steep sections of 300 steps, but no hands required.
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
Flashlight or headlamp.
Sunscreen and/or hat as needed.
Snack and Beverage Share

Hosting

Route: The host knows the route.
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. We will stop at junctions to make sure everybody makes any turns or chooses the correct direction at splits, else something will be used to mark the direction, usually a large arrow made of baking soda or some sticks. 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 (Palo Comado Canyon - Doubletree Trailhead):

From I-101
I-101, exit Kanan Rd.
Kanan Rd. north for 2 miles.
Right (east) on Sunnycrest Dr. for 0.6 miles.
Continue on Doubletree Rd. for 0.l miles.
Trailhead on the right, park along the street.

From CA-118, CA-23
I-118 west.
I-23 south for 4.8 miles, exit Avenida de Los Arboles.
Left (east) on Avenida del Los Arboles for 1.6 miles.
Right (south) on N. Westlake Blvd for 1.5 miles.
Left (east) on Kanan Rd. for 4.2 miles.
Left (north-east) on Deerhill Rd. for 0.3 miles.
Right at second cross street onto Doubletree Rd for 0.5 miles.
Trailhead on the left, park along the street.

Coordinates of trailhead: 34.182480,-118.751785
Address of a nearby house: 720 Clear Haven Dr., Oak Park, CA 91377

FAQ
Hiking Plus Page Links
Disclaimer / Release of Liability

Sagebrush Cantina
23527 Calabasas Rd, Calabasas, CA 91302
(818) 222-6062

Events Calendar (Sagebrush Cantina)
Events Calendar (Hindsite)

Hiking Plus Page Links