What we’re about
Our goal is to combine nature's magnificence, a good workout, and the support and laughter of friends. An observer of one of our early hikes noted that our group is like a mobile party, and we feel that captures our spirit beautifully. All that's missing is you, so get out here with us!
Our hikes are free, and our leaders are volunteers. However, we ask for voluntary contributions once a year ($3-$5) to help defray Meetup subscription costs.
Please review before you register for a hike:
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We step off on the stated hike time, and recommend that you arrive 15 minutes early to get a good parking spot and have time to gear up.
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The number of hikers will not exceed 24, including the leader. This will allow us to hike on COSCA trails, State Park, and National trails without having to obtain a permit in advance. This also means that if you are on the waitlist, or you show up and have not registered (including “Plus-Ones”), you will be turned away.
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Sorry, no dogs allowed, either on-leash, off-leash, or in "Doggy Backpacks."
Welcome to the Weekday Trailblazers!
The Blazers are led equally by a dedicated cadre of experienced volunteer hike leaders, in a true communal spirit, with no charge for hikes or events (with rare exceptions).
You can help us defray our costs by buying Weekday Trailblazers gear (each purchase kicks in $3-$5 to the kitty):
The majority of our hikes fall within the area from Malibu to Simi Valley (south to north), and Will Rogers State Park to Port Hueneme (east to west), although we'll venture beyond those loose boundaries when we feel like it (we are Trailblazers, after all). We offer hikes of varying levels, as well as occasional non-hiking events.
- Our Intermediate Hikes generally start at 8:30 AM on Tuesdays (earlier in the heat of the summer). Total distance is 7-10 miles (less in the heat of the summer), 3-3.5 mph, and with elevation gain between 1,500' and 2,000', less in the heat of the summer. We would rate them as intermediate for difficulty and pace. We have a strong roster of leaders for these hikes, but ANYONE is welcome to lead. Contact Steve J, Laurie, Peter, or Katie with your ideas.
- Gentler-Friendly Hikes are scheduled on most Thursday and some Tuesday mornings at 9 AM, earlier in the heat of the summer. These hikes are tailored for advanced beginners, or anyone wanting a little extra fun with friends. As the name implies, they're slower-paced (2-2.5 mph), shorter distance (usually 5-6 miles), and lesser elevation gain (less than 1,500') than our flagship hikes. Contact Steve J with ideas for Gentler hikes.
- Gentler / Intermediate are somewhere in between.
We also occasionally run:
- Beginner Hikes are scheduled on Thursday mornings at 9 AM, earlier in the heat of the summer. These hikes are tailored for those new to the group, new to hiking, or those rehabbing injuries. They're slow-paced (2 mph), short distance (usually <5 miles), and little elevation gain (~500'). Contact Steve J with ideas for Beginner hikes.
- Fast-Paced Hikes start in the late afternoon/early evening (two hours or so before sunset), and are as fast or faster than our intermediate hikes. Headlamps recommended!
- Geologist Thom Davis' Rock & Stroll Hikes combine his expansive knowledge of the Earth's bones and our usual workout in natural beauty. Many events will be outside our normal stomping grounds, and some will involve overnight stays. Times and ability levels vary, so be sure to read the write-ups carefully, and contact Thom with any questions.
We cancel hikes for red flag warnings, when the temperature is 90 or higher, or when the Heat Index (also sometimes called Temperature Humidity Index or Wet Bulb Temperature) is 85 or higher at any time during a hike.
The Blazers welcome and encourage whatever level of participation you'd like. You can be out in front leading, in the pack enjoying the ride, or sweeping in the back. We value your contributions, so join our mobile party and let's have fun!
We also ask that you be aware of the signs of Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke, know what to do about them (for your own safety and for the safety of others around you). Just google "Mayo Clinic Heat Stroke Exhaustion", or buy one of our Heat Safety T-Shirts!
We also ask that hikers be prepared with:
- Hiking shoes appropriate for the terrain
- Loose-fitting clothing appropriate for the conditions (generally, this means no denim or jeans)
- A broad-brimmed hat
- Water
- Electrolytes (Gatorade, Nuun tablets, etc)
- Sunscreen
While not responsible for your safety, our hike leaders may adjust, shorten, re-route, or terminate a hike based on conditions, at their sole discretion.
Please read the release of liability below in its entirety. By signing up for our group, you are agreeing to it for all events you participate in.
DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY
The hike host is a volunteer and not responsible for the group. Safety should be a priority for everyone in the group. Please treat this meet-up as hiking with a group of friends. If you become fatigued and unable to continue the hike, it is expected you will advise the hike host of this and return to our starting point on your own. If you are able to proceed, it is expected that you will maintain line of sight with other members of the group at all times and help to promote the group’s safety and fitness goals.
Outdoor sports and other events we plan can be inherently dangerous and accidents may happen. By participating in any posted event, you are taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The Weekday Trailblazers Meetup Group and its organizers and hosts are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions.
If you choose to sign up for this or any Weekday Trailblazers Meetup event, you are releasing the Weekday Trailblazers Meetup Group, its organizers, and hosts from all liability in case of possible injuries. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience.
All participants must be 18 or older, or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Sorry, we don't allow "Plus-Ones" on our hikes. Please join the group, then sign up for a hike.
Upcoming events (4)
See all- Rancho Potrero Ridgeline - sorta Gentler (5 miles ±900')Rancho Potrero Open Space Trailhead, Thousand Oaks, CA
Note that this is a different start than the usual Rancho Sierra Vista Parking Lot!! Read carefully!! We have not done this hike for a while.
We will meet at the Rancho Potrero COSCA trailhead parking area just west of the Equestrian Center on Lynn / Potrero. Pay attention as this is different than the Parking Lot where we often meet.
This will be a loop through the COSCA trails west of RSV, climbing to the ridgeline above Sycamore Canyon to the south and Lynn Road to the north. Lots of ups and downs until we briefly visit the Satwiwa Interpretive Center for water and bathroom break. From there, the route back to the cars comprises less elevation gain and loss.
Currently, the weather forecast for Thursday is foggy in the morning, clearing about the time we're done, with a high (!) of 70°. As always, bring plenty of water, wide hat, sturdy shoes or boots and hiking poles if you favor them.
Total distance is roughly 5 miles, with about 900' of elevation gain and loss. Other than the fog, there is little shade during this hike.
Note that this is a gentler hike but not a beginner hike. It is a convoluted trail with some steep sections, so we will pause occasionally to try to keep the group together. We will go about 2.5mph. Tricky turns will be marked.
Directions:
Take Highway 101 to Thousand Oaks. Exit at Lynn Road, and drive 6.5 miles southwest. You will cross Ventu Park, Wendy, and Reino and pass the two entrances to the Equestrian Center before getting to the COSCA Rancho Potrero Trailhead lot on the left. If you get to the top of the canyon towards CSUCI, you've gone too far!
Lunch Afterwards: Three Amigos on Reino Road in Newbury Park
DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY
IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY:
The hike host is a volunteer and not responsible for the group. Safety should be a priority for everyone in the group. Please treat this meet-up as hiking with a group of friends. If you become fatigued and unable to continue the hike, it is expected you will advise the hike host of this and return to our starting point on your own. If you are able to proceed, it is expected that you will maintain line of sight with other members of the group at all times and help to promote the group’s safety and fitness goals.
Outdoor sports and other events we plan can be inherently dangerous and accidents may happen. By participating in any posted event, you are taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The Weekday Trailblazers Meetup Group and its organizers are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions.
If you choose to sign up for this or any Weekday Trailblazers Meetup event, you are releasing the Weekday Trailblazers Meetup Group, its organizers, and sponsors from all liability in case of possible injuries. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience. You agree that you can navigate back to your transportation by yourself, and agree to do so if you fall behind and lose track of the main body of hikers.
By now you should know the guidelines to participate in our morning hikes. Please review them before you sign up for the hike. And just in case, here are some highlights and a link to the guidelines:
Restrictions apply for your safety and ours:
- Don't show up unless you're on the "Attending" list
- If you've registered for more than one hike at this time, withdraw from at least one
- Unregistered or waitlisted will be turned away
- All participants must be 18 or older or accompanied by an adult
- No "Plus Ones" on this hike
- Plan on completing the entire hike or please find an alternative hike that better suits your hiking level
- No dogs on this hike
- Bring ample hydration
- Upper Sycamore Canyon Loop - Gentler Hike.Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa Main Parking Lot, Newbury Park, CA
We are starting at 9:00 (it will be cooler and there are lots of trees) and start at the Rancho Sierra Vista parking lot. We go down to paved road to the bridge on Sycamore Canyon, but then turn up the canyon alongside Upper Sycamore Creek. Along the way, we'll be in the shade of Boney Mountain while we climb, doing a handful of easy water crossings and (if we're lucky this late in the season) finding a few wildflowers along the way. We'll get to the Old Boney Trail, and climb back up and out.
This hike is about 5 miles with an elevation loss and gain of approximately 750’.
Directions: Take 101 Freeway to Lynn Road. Go south 5.5 miles to the wood and stone archway for Rancho Sierra Vista, and drive all the way in to the restrooms (the innermost parking lot). Google / Apple Maps will lead you astray!
Please review the guidelines (guidelines) to join our hikes.
Restrictions apply for your safety and ours:- Don't show up unless you're shown on the "Attending" list.
- Plan on KEEPING UP with the group and completing the entire hike at a moderate pace, or please find an alternative hike that better suits your hiking level.
- No "Plus Ones" or dogs on Weekday Trailblazer hikes.
DISCLAIMER/RELEASE OF LIABILITY - PLEASE READ IN ITS ENTIRETY
The hike host is a volunteer and not responsible for the group. Safety should be a priority for everyone in the group. Please treat this meet-up as hiking with a group of friends. If you become fatigued and unable to continue the hike, it is expected you will advise the hike host of this and return to our starting point on your own. If you are able to proceed, it is expected that you will maintain line of sight with other members of the group at all times and help to promote the group’s safety and fitness goals.
Outdoor sports and other events we plan can be inherently dangerous and accidents may happen. By participating in any posted event, you are taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The Weekday Trailblazers Meetup Group and its organizers are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions.If you choose to sign up for this or any Weekday Trailblazers Meetup event, you are releasing the Weekday Trailblazers Meetup Group and its organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience.
All participants must be 18 or older, or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. - Best of Beethoven: Choral FantasyFred Kavli Theatre- Bank of America Performing Arts Center, Thousand Oaks, CA
Your organizer, Steve, will be performing as part of the New West Symphony Chorus in Beethoven's Choral Fantasy, New West Symphony's 2025 Masterpiece Series.
On the program with Symphony No. 6 ("Pastoral", appropriate for us hikers) and two shorter piano sonatas, the Choral Fantasy is Beethoven's precursor to the choral finale of his 9th Symphony.
Saturday's performance is at the Thousand Oaks Performing Arts Center, while Sunday's is at Rancho Campana Performing Arts Center in Camarillo. Tickets are available through the Symphony box office, not Meetup.
- Best of Beethoven: Choral FantasyRancho Campana High School, Camarillo, CA
Your organizer, Steve, will be performing as part of the New West Symphony Chorus in Beethoven's Choral Fantasy, New West Symphony's 2025 Masterpiece Series.
On the program with Symphony No. 6 ("Pastoral", appropriate for us hikers) and two shorter piano sonatas, the Choral Fantasy is Beethoven's precursor to the choral finale of his 9th Symphony.
Saturday's performance is at the Thousand Oaks Performing Arts Center, while Sunday's is at Rancho Campana Performing Arts Center in Camarillo. Tickets are available through the Symphony box office, not Meetup.
