Hiking Plus

4 mi, 500' gain, beginner
Easier option: 1.5 mi, 125' gain, beginner.

This is a beginner hike on the beautiful Limekiln trail.

This hike is a slight lollipop, (the shape of the route). There are no extended inclines, however there are about 5 bumps in the trail with 25-40' gains, about 35-65 steps each. This is something a beginner would be able to handle, but these bumps will get the blood pumping, as they are like climbing up to 4 flights of stairs. There is nothing wrong with pausing for a breather while tackling these bumps in the trail.

The trail varies between asphalt, gravel fire road, single tracker, tree covered, hilly, roadside, wooded, open air, and strolls through the park.

We'll enter Limekiln Canyon, where we'll first encounter a heavily wooded park with large pine trees lining the trail and blocking out the sun. After about 0.2 miles, there will be a split. We can go either way because they rejoin after about 100 yards, but for this route, we'll go left.

After another half mile, the route makes a turn to the right. Those that want the super-easy route should continue straight for 100 yards to a log, where they can wait about 45 min for the rest of us to return for the social event.

The rest of the group will follow the trail to the right and continue for about 1.2 miles. We'll reach Sesnon Blvd., travel about 20 yards west, and head back in on a different trail.

After several hundred yards, we'll reconnect with the original trail for the return.

Just before we complete the last 3/4 mile, we'll turn right instead of left. After about 100 yards, we'll find a great spot with a giant fallen tree trunk to have a social event snack and beverage share.

After about 30-60 minutes, we'll continue the last 3/4 mile back to our cars. Those that don't want to stick around are welcome to head back to their cars by any route they choose, but I'll take a few splits to the left and cover some different trails, each that returns back to the original trail after several hundred yards.

There will be a couple creek crossings, where one will use a few stepping stones to avoid getting wet. Click HERE for route.

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

California Buckwheat
When the white flowers turn a rusty brown, they can be crushed into a powder, mixed with water, and baked into bread. The black seeds in the flower heads are also edible. Don't touch the white flowers if bees are around because they won't like it and may attack. A cold tea made from the leaves has been used to treat stomachaches and headaches. A warm tea made from the roots has been used to treat colds. The stems are stiff and flexible, so they have been used by Indians as piercing utensils.

Laurel Sumac
Red stems and outline along leaves. The dried flower bunches look like small trees, and are used by model railroad builders as such, after being dyed green. Laurel sumac is sensitive to cold and does not tolerate freezing conditions. Orange growers in the early history of southern California used to pick places to plant their oranges based on where laurel sumac was growing because this indicated it would not get too cold for oranges if laurel sumac could grow there. For some, the sap will irritate their skin just like poison oak, causing blisters. Also called "Taco Plant".

Directions:
Limekiln Canyon Trail
Porter Ranch, CA 91326

From the 118
Exit Tampa Ave (3 miles east of the Topanga Canyon exit) and head north for 1000'.
Left (west) on Rinaldi St. for 1000'.
Trailhead on the right (north).
Park on either side of the street.

The Hike
Distance: 4 miles
Elevation Gain: 500'
Difficulty: Easy
Pace: 2.5 mph
Dogs: Yes
Restrooms: No
Drinking Fountains: No
Parking: Free on either side of the street in front of the trail head.
Trail: Varied. Good condition.

What to Bring:
Snacks and/or beverages to share
1-2 liters of water.
Hiking shoes preferred, but athletic shoes will be OK.
Flashlight or headlamp.

FAQ
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Fit Beginner - 6 miles, 600' gain (route link)
Easy Option - 2 miles, 300' gain (route link)

This is a social hike and an out-and-back event.

There is a potluck at the M.A.S.H. site 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 link

We will meet at the Grasslands trail head off of Mulholland Hwy and take the Grasslands Trail with a gentle climb and connect to the High Road (~3/4 miles). We'll take a right and follow the High Road another 3/4 miles then take a right at Crag Road up a short 1/3 mile climb (170' gain). At the top of the hill, we'll take a left turn down the short bypass trail to Century Lake.

From Century Lake, the trail is level all the way to the M.A.S.H. site. From the lake we'll continue on Crag Road and at a 1/2 mile we'll cross over Malibu Creek. The bridge over the creek is washed out, so we'll have cross over some fallen branches and rocks just beyond the bridge (I'm not sure of the water level or conditions of the creek, so there is a chance you may get wet). Another 3/4 miles on Crag Road we'll reach our destination and have our potluck.

Easy Option: 2 miles, 300' gain.
1912 Paiute Dr., Agoura Hills, CA 91301. Paiute Dr. also called Seminole Dr.
A park is bounded by Seminole Dr. and Crags Dr., parking along perimeter.
Crags Dr. south-east for 1 mile to Mash site.

Hike
Distance: 6.0 miles
Gain: 600'
Distribution: Well distributed.
Difficulty: Fit Beginner.
Shape: Out and Back.
Pace: approx. 2.0 mph.
Trail Type: Fire road, double track, single track.
Trail Variations: Mostly fire road. May have to cross a creek where the bridge has washed out, stepping on rocks and fallen branches.
Duration: 5 hours
Dogs: no
Restrooms: At Mash Site
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

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.

FAQ
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Disclaimer / Release of Liability

Concert starts at 6:30p.
About the Band

Free parking available on-site. Overflow parking is on the softball fields, off Thompson.

Dogs on a leash are allowed on the perimeters but not in the main event area.

Alcohol is permitted.

Look for the location of members posted in the comments close to event time.

Link to RSRPD Summer Concert Series

Rancho Simi Community Park
1765 Royal Ave.
Simi Valley, CA

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