Day 447: Escondido Falls

Day #447 * Hike #503 * New Track #457
Saturday February 4, 2012
Escondido Falls - Malibu, CA
Edward Albert Escondido Canyon TrailMy Tripometer: 1.5 Hours * 4 Miles * +325 Feet

 Santa Barbara Island?

 Oops, wrong way...

Directions:
From Ventura County, take PCH and about 1 mile South of Kanan look for Windyway on the left.  PASS N. Winding Way.  About 750 feet further will be the Winding Way That you need to turn on.  There is a small parking lot on your left.  This is a popular spot so good luck finding a space.  The overflow parking is on PCH.  Us and about 20 others parked on the main road. 

 Walk about a mile up the residential road.  No public parking up top

 The Trailhead

 Very nice trail, shaded in many spots

 Several easy creek crossings

 A couple different fork options; take your pick

 Almost there

 Look at all the people!

The Lower Falls

Most people will take a break here and congregate.  The trail up to this point was simple; easy elevation gain, good for running.  The real fun begins just above this Central spot.  However, with my 8-year-old son, weary wife and slippery shoes, we did not go higher.  People shared the experience on their IPhone.  About a15 minute hike up, the flow of the 150 foot waterfall begins.  There is a so foot section that you will need to pull yourself across by rope.  It didn't sound hard but we weren't going to take the chance.  As it was, people were flying down the steep hill and nearly falling into the creek because they couldn't stop themselves.  Of course, all they had to do was fall to their butts, but...  I noticed people wearing sandals, converse or other non traction like shoes.  When one lady said the rope was loose and another guy said, "did you see that guy fall", we reaffirmed our decision of not proceeding...

That being said, when Ayden is older I see no reason to not come back here.  First of all, there are a couple of loop alternatives to pave a new hike for the record books.  Second, Ayden would have gone if mommy didn't say no.  In final, when he is a teenager, he's gonna do it anyway so it may as well be with me :)!

Day 446: Conejo Peak -- Day 445: Straheam Historical & Stargaze Parks

Stonehenge?

Day #446 * Hike #502 * New Track #456
Friday February 3, 2012
Conejo Peak - Westlake Village, CA
My Tripometer: 1.5 Hours * 5 Miles * +1800 Feet

Horse Trail to Conejo Peak

Directions:
Although there were no "No Tresspassing" signs posted, it was an awkward feeling parking on the street and then walking through the gate to reach the trail.  For that reason, I am not going to disclose the exact whereabouts of this trail but if you really want to hike it, I'm sure you can figure it out...

 Follow the road, up, up, up

 Amazing boulders (probably fell and rolled off Boney Mountain)

 Just getting started

 Conejo Peak 2854 Feet

I wasn't sure what to expect today.  First of all, I wasn't prepared.  I was wearing jeans and some old high top sneakers; not exactly the wardrobe fit for a gnarly climb.  I wasn't even sure if it was possible but once I passed the gate and stables, I would not be denied.  I moved quickly because the sun this time of year still sets quite early.  There was not another sole in site along the way.  The rock formations were more amazing than what my few pictures describe.  The road eventually narrows to a single track trail but it's easy to manage for the most part.  I did get creeped out when the woods collapsed like a dark tunnel trail.  I tiptoed cautiously and rose my fist when I heard movements.  Of course it was only birds but I sprinted anyway.  Finally, I reached the top.  I snapped a few photos and had to get back.  Just near the top there was a T-Junction.  Hmm, wonder where that goes???

Sunset on my way back...

I researched "Conejo Peak" on Google before attempting this track today and not much came up.  Looks like there is a longabout way of doing this through the National Park (15 mile+ round trip).  If you hike the Hidden Valley Overlook Trail and then keep going, maybe you'll reach this peak, that is if you plot your course correctly...

Day #445 * Hike #501 * New Track #455
Strathean Historical Park & Stargaze Park - West Simi Valley, CA
Thursday February 2, 2012
My Tripometer:  1.25 Hours *  1.25 Miles * + Feet

My quest to rule West Simi continues.  Today I chose the easy way out and wandered across a couple of parks off Tierra Rejada Road.

Strathean Park is a museum.  The gate was locked so there wasn't much to do.  Down the street at Stargaze Park I was able to wander around for a bit.  Kept it easy today.

Day 444 ***Hike #500*** :: Alamos Canyon

Young Calves in Alamos Canyon

Day #444 * Hike #500 * New Track #454
Wednesday February 1, 2012
Alamos Canyon - West Simi Valley, California
My Tripometer: 1.25 Hours * 3.5 Miles * +300 Feet

Trailhead

Directions:From the 101 Freeway in Thousand Oaks, take the 23 Freeway North and stay on until it becomes the 118 East.  Take the 2nd Exit at Collins (Last Moorpark exit).  At the ramp, stay straight on Arroyo.  Follow this for 1.9 miles and look for the opening on your left.  This is less than a half mile past Oak County Park, which I hiked on Monday.

 The Tunnels!

From the trailhead you'll cross the train tracks and reach a fork in the paved road.  I decided that the lower route to the left seemed more appealing.  After a quarter mile jog you'll reach the tunnels.

 Under the 118

 I freaked out and turned back

I hiked in about 20 yards and deemed that this was a dumb idea.  The picture above does not represent the true darkness of the tunnel (camera flash).  It was a longgggg way and without a flashlight or a buddy, I said noway...

 Alamos Canyon Road

Ii went back to the fork and tried the other way.  After a mild hundred foot climb my destination awaits me.

 

 Forever

 The Grassland that I saw from the freeway last weekend

 Cow Line

 Moo..  Protecting it's calves, I determined that I should not proceed

Shortly after the freeway bridge there is a gate in the road (Private Property).  There were a couple of other options but I tiptoed about a half mile and reached the cow line.  I figured at that point I should turn around because I did not want to disturb or upset them.  The area was neat and I imagine that I will come back to explore the side routes at some point...


Day #443 * Hike #499 * New Track #453
Tuesday January 31, 2012
Dennison Park - Upper Ojai, California
My Tripometer: 1 Hour * 1.25 Miles * +50 Feet

After work today I had to run up to Ojai.  I decided to take the back route home (the 150).  Due to the sun going down early, there was not much time for a good hike so I decided to stop at Dennison Park.  I'd actually never been here before and was quite surprised how chill it was.  Cool spot to have an afternoon barbecue or picnic.  There are no actual hiking trails that I could find, but I wandered around the park until dark.

Days 439 - 442: Oak County Park - Model Airplane Field

Near the Two Trees Trailhead on Sunday Day 441 touring Open Houses

Day #442 * Hike #498 * New Track #452
Monday January 30, 2012
Oak County Park - West Simi Valley, California
My Tripometer: 1 Hour * 3 Miles * +350 Feet

 Park Entrance

Directions:
From the 101 Freeway in Thousand Oaks, take the 23 Freeway North and stay on until it becomes the 118 East.  Take the 2nd Exit at Collins (Last Moorpark exit).  At the ramp, stay straight on Arroyo.  Follow this for 1.5 miles and look for the sign.  Turn left, cross the tracks and head to the rear of the park.

 A Trail at the far end of the park?

What is this place?  It' a campground but it seems abandond.  My guess is that it fills up on the weekends when guests of the trailer park across the street come into town.  It seems really eerie here, but lets explore...

 I found a road leading up...

I did not immediately find a trail, so I ventured up the road.  After the first turn, there was a clear sign that said "No Tresspassing".  But, no one was looking so I continued...

 Over the 118 Freeway

I decided to explore this area today because we drove past it last week for Alyssa's Soccer Tournament.  I noticed the field you see in the picture above and I want to hike it!  I figured to start west and gradually begin to explore easterly.  This is still Ventura County and Oak County Park is only about 15 minutes from my job.  However, I did not cross the freeway today to find the cool green field...

 Well God Bless America!

 I Found a Model Airplane Field!

 The Road back down

It's only a couple hundred feet to the top, maybe a half mile at most and not much going on.  I turned around and headed back to the car.  At the bottom, instead of going back to the parking lot, I searched beyond the campsites and found a "Trail Sign".  I followed the single track trail...

 Easy going shaded trail...

Maybe a quarter mile into the new aventure I ended up at the train tracks:

 Following the tracks...

I followed the tracks for a half mile or so and then turned around and jogged back to the trail.  It was sorta creepy wandering through the initial section which was obviously blown open by dynamite years ago.  Be careful, trains frequently rush through here...

 Looking Down...

Back at the trail from the tracks, I discovered that the trail kept going (up).  I missed this initially because I was overtaken by the tracks.  The photo above is looking down after the easy climb.

Loop back to the campground

The trail loops back.  Less than a mile total however at this bench you have the option to scatter up the hill.  This would lead back to the Model Airplane Field.  Already been there so I hiked back and called it a day...


Rewind:

Day #439 * Hike #495 * New Track #449
Friday January 27, 2012
Cypress Park - Newbury Park
My Tripometer: 1 Hour * 2 Miles * +75 Feet

It was a Friday Craigs List Pick up for my wife's Day Care.  I found Cypress Park at the End of Kimber and found a small lake?!  It was fenced off but beyond the park I jogged around the lake.  Along Via Rio Road is a fine dirt sidewalk trail which made for a good run.  Cypress Park itself was nothing more than a couple of ball fields and basketball hoops...


Day #440 * Hike #496 * New Track #450
Saturday January 28, 2012
Trancas Canyon Park - Mailibu
My Tripometer: 1 Hour * 1.25 Miles * +75 Feet

This park was closed, but we did it anyway.  Up Trancas Canyon Road from PCH in Malibu, you will see the driveway to the parking lot on your right.  Unfortunately, the gate was closed due to high fire danger.  However, that did stop us from walking down there and play on the playground with the kids.  Strange open space all alone???  Later that day, we took Alyssa back to the Playoff fields in Moorpark and beat Malibu 4-0.  Alyssa had 4 goals.  Pretty cool that we played in their backyard pregame and then whooped some a$$ on a neutral field...

Amazing Homes and Nice Views off Trancas Canyon

Day #441 * Hike #497 * New Track #451
Sunday January 29, 2012
Simi Valley Town Center
My Tripometer: 1.5 Hours * 1.25 Miles * +25 Feet

We woke up around 5:30 am and left the house shortly after 6am to be in Moorpark by 7am.  Alyssa's Semi Final Game against Van Nuys started at 8am.  It was a nice warm morning and the Santa Ana winds had died down.  Alyssa was still under the weather from her 4 day Out Door Ed adventure for 5th grade.  Turns out this is a common ritual for the Ventura School District.  Back in Cleveland, I think I once visited the metroparks with my school for a half day adventure...

Despite having a mild temperature, Alyssa helped her team beat Van Nuys to face off against Quartz Hill in the Championship.  At 10am, the battled Quartz Hill and Alyssa scored two goals in the game to defeat the then 19-0 undefeated team 2-0.  Next up, State Cup!!!

After the game, we drove to the Simi Valley Town Center.  Off to the left of the 118 I noticed the amazing open space, hence my hikes for Monday, and Wednesday which I will write about next.  This town center has only been around for a few years and it was the first time for me.  We walked around the entire outdoor shopping mall and the above pictures are near a place called Melts.  They serve crepes and gelato there.  The food was, ok...  We prolly hiked a good 2 miles here and an additional 1+ miles in Moorpark, but I will only give credit today for the new spot that I found.  Keep in mind, a decade ago this would have been a hike through open space...

After Simi Valley, we continued our outdoor adventures in Ventura.  We toured the insides of Open Houses and made the House Hunters Audition Tape.  Unfortunately, we just learned that we will not be picked for this reality show.  When I heard the news it reminded me of Ford Focus Rally America.  Back then, we were really excited for the opportunity and it was my first real introduction to social media.  Prior to that, I hadn't used the internet for anything other than work purposes since the good ole AOL days.  I was frustrated with the response I was getting from Focus Rally America that I decided I would start hiking everyday to create my own adventures.  More than 400 days, still doing it!  So, when House Hunters chose someone else, I climbed Conejo Peak.  I googled it and no one has ever written about it.  I hiked that on Friday and will update this blog at a later date with the photos and info.  Cool Hike...

Ventura Mighty Vipers Playoffs

Check out the video (it's 30 minutes long):

Mighty Vipers Playoffs Video (click here)

**I've been busy hiking and editing this video all week.  It's Saturday late morning and I have a great day planned.  I will update my hikes on this blog tonight and tomorrow.  Found some cool places; stay tuned...