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At the bench, we'll share snacks and beverages, enjoy the views, and engage in social interaction for about a hour before returning the way we came.

It can get windy and cool in the evening, so I would recommend bringing something light to put on.

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 Trail
Simi Valley, CA 93065
34.268396, -118.636139

From the 118
Exit Rocky Peak Rd.
Trailhead on the north side.

Park either at the trailhead (limited parking), or south 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.
Trailhead on the north side (left).

Park either at the trailhead (limited parking), or south (right) of the freeway along Santa Susanna Pass Rd.

The Hike
Distance: 4 miles, easier option 2 miles.
Duration: 3.5 hours
Elevation Gain: 950', easier option 550'.
Difficulty: Intermediate / Fit Beginner
Pace: 2.0 mph
Dogs: Yes.
Restrooms: No
Drinking Fountains: No
Parking: Free at the trailhead (limited parking, not recommended as you can get a ticket after sunset for parking there) or across the freeway 500'.
Trail: Fire road.
Purpose: Social

What to Bring:
1-2 liters of water.
Snack and Beverage Share
Hiking shoes preferred, but athletic shoes will be OK.
Flashlight or headlamp.

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4.6 miles, 1000' gain, Easy Intermediate
Easier Option - 2.7 miles, 320' gain

Many have gotten lost relying on GPS. This is the Wendy Trailhead, where S. Wendy Dr. ends at Potrero Rd.

Heading out, we cross a creek, turn right at the split, then Turn right at the dead end. We regroup at the visitor center, where there will be bathrooms.

We cross the wooden bridge and go left at the asphalt path.

After 1/3 mile, those that want the easier path turn left, go 0.4 miles and turn right at the dead end. After 500', wait at the bench for the rest of the group (45 - 60 min).

The rest will continue down for 3/4 mile. There will be a porta-potty and picnic table. We'll regroup, then turn left and go about 1.3 miles and another 435' of gain before turning left and heading up about 1/2 mile.

At the top, we'll head left for 500' and arrive at a bench and overlook. We'll share snacks and beverages for 30-60 minutes, then head down 500', turn right at the junction, and return to our cars.

If you wish to return before the social event completes, study the map so you can find your way back.

The Route
Hike Distance: 4.6 mi / 2.7 mi
Gain: 1000' / 320'
Distribution: Most of the incline is concentrated in the middle of this hike.
Difficulty: Easy Intermediate / Fit beginner
Shape: Lollipop.
Pace: approx. 2.0 mph.
Trail Type: Fire road, double track, single track.
Duration: 3.5 hours
Dogs: We pass a "no dogs" sign.
Restrooms: Yes
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 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.

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 an arrow made of baking soda or sticks.

Group separation: Hikers moving significantly ahead or not waiting at designated stopping points are on their own regarding route and navigation.

Interesting Notes
Here are a couple plants you will see on this hike:

Heartleaf Penstemon
Leaves are shiny and saw toothed, shaped like hearts, 2 to 6 centimeters long and arranged oppositely on the branches. Stems are red. Small scarlet red tubular flowers.

Yucca
White flowers on stalk. Stalk is often missing, leaving only the spires from which it grows. Stalks are very strong and light, so they make good walking sticks. Needles on end of spires. Chopped up root can be uses as shampoo. Roasted root can be eaten like a potato. Illegal to remove live stick in CA. Pronounced with short u. Dried leaves make good tinder.

Root can be chopped up and used as soap. To eat root, remove skin and core, boil 15 minutes. Then fry or bake. Flowers are mildly sweet. The fruit is also edible, but bitter if not ripe. To access fibers: Soak for a month in water, lightly pound leaves with rock or club, or scrape skin off skin. Roll between hands, then pull and separate fibers. Weave into cordage.

Directions:
Wendy Trail Head
4128 Potrero Rd
Thousand Oaks, CA 91361
Coordinates of trailhead: 34.154507, -118.950095

From CA-118:
CA-118 west for 8 miles.
CA-23 south for 7.4 miles.
US-101 North for 2 miles.
Exit 45 Lynn Rd. and south/west for 2.5 miles.
Left on S. Wendy Dr. for 0.6 miles until it dead ends at Potrero Rd.
Park on Potrero.

From US-101 north/west of Wendy:
US-101 south, exit Wendy Dr.
South on Wendy Dr. for 3 miles until it dead ends at Potrero Rd.
Park on Potrero.

FAQ
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Disclaimer / Release of Liability