Many readers have called about some of the special hiking events periodically described in this little column – and several organizers have reported that their attendance is up! So, thank you for reading and responding, and I am pleased that more folks are enjoying these great natural resources.
In that line, there are several very interesting one-time events coming up that you may want to join.
On Saturday, May 21, you can hike the Mishe Mokwa Trail Loop within the Circle X Ranch. This is a 4 1/2 hour, six-mile adventure, but not as tough as it may sound. It’s long, but the uphills are nicely graded. You’ll have lunch atop the highest peak in all of the Santa Monica Mountains and enjoy breathtaking views of the Pacific as well as the mainland. The people at Coastwalk organize this dramatic affair, and they remind you to bring plenty of water, lunch and appropriate footgear. Go 1/12 mile east of the Ranger Station on Yerba Buena Rd. The escorted group departs at 9:30 a.m., or call (310) 394-2799 for more info.
The next day, Sunday May 22, the California Native Plant Society will guide you on an easy two-hour adventure along Malibu Bluffs Park. It’s called the “Bluffs Ramble to the Sea” and you’ll pick up some great views and perhaps some peeks of dolphins and migrating whales. It’s a 10 a.m. departure and ideal for virtually all levels of skill. Call (818) 348-5910 for details.
Those of you who are available for weekday adventures can head over to the Malibu State Park for a 9:15 a.m. departure and four hours of exploration. Designed for moderate hikers, the exploration traverses eight miles, past Century Lake and Reagan Ranch to historic filming sites at the Paramount Ranch. Bring water and lunch for this Sierra Club trek. Call (213) 387-4287 for info about this event or many other regularly scheduled Sierra Club hikes.
One last one: on Saturday, May 28, at 10 a.m., you can explore “The Abundance of Zuma.” This is an easy two mile jaunt with lots of stops to admire what survives and what thrives in Zuma’s unique eco-climate. Meet at the Zuma Canyon Trailhead for this National Park Service sponsored event, or call (805) 370-2301.
Of course, if you are not too concerned about being escorted, and you’re not afraid of the dark, join our little informal group on any Monday or Wednesday evening as we rotate through 21 different local night hikes.Fearless readers interested in free Monday and Wednesday night hikes should contact Scott Regberg at (310) 475-5735.
