Scott Regberg
Mirror Contributing Writer
For hikers with more advanced conditioning, the Sierra Club is sponsoring a new adventure on Tuesday, May 2, at 8:15am. Called the Puerco Road to Castro Peak, it is a 12-mile, 2800-foot gain, slated for five hours roundtrip. Meet at the Malibu Civic Center for carpooling up to the trailhead.
Parts of this trek are very steep, so don’t join the troop if you haven’t been hiking regularly. However, it is a real treat to explore a new trail, and the Sierra Club’s supervision is like having a Good Housekeeping seal of approval. Their treks are always well organized and supported by dedicated volunteers, including someone to walk “sweep” to assure that even the slower pokes make it to the top and back.
Be sure you wear good boots, and bring lunch, plenty of water and layers or a jacket. Call 818.346.6257 for more details.
Another Sierra Club hike that’s a little more moderate is the “Trail to Nowhere,” on Tuesday, May 9 at 9:30am. An intriguing title for a four-hour adventure at the Circle X Ranch. This is also a new course and a great way to discover a recently opened stretch of the Backbone Trail. Meet at the Mishe Mokwa Trailhead – or call 818.786.4932 for directions.
Easier yet, the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority is leading a two-hour evening hike on Friday, May 5 called Trail to the Stars at the Temescal Park in the Palisades. With an 8pm departure, you’ll definitely be hiking in the cooler evening so bring a small flashlight, water and a jacket. This particular hike is ideal for just about anyone interested in the local Santa Monica Mountains. You’ll pick-up terrific views, pass by the little waterfall and discover one of the most beautiful parks on all of the Westside. Meet in the front parking lot, near Sunset, or call 310.454.1395 for more info.
All three of these hikes require some baseline conditioning, but the Temescal trek is probably best suited for reasonably fit beginners.
(Fearless readers interested in free Monday night hikes should call Scott Regberg at 310.475.5735.)
