Chivo Tar Pits lollipop - Easy Intermediate with beginner option

**4.75 miles, 700' gain, easy-intermediate**
**Option for 3 miles, 300' gain, easy**.

This is a link to the route: [LINK](https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/6/5/7/f/highres_503245983.jpeg)

We start with a 1/4 mile walk from where we park along Cottonwood Dr, to the trail head. There we make a left and take a relatively flat section and hike for about 3/4 mile. We'll come to the same tar pits as the Tapo Canyon tar pit hike, and then continue for another 300 feet to a fire road.

We'll turn left and after about 300', we arrive at a trail junction, which is our social event area.

**Easier Option:** Those taking the easier option will wait there for 30-45 minutes for the rest to arrive back. They also have the option to turn left and start walking up the hill, turning around to return at any time, or turning back when they run into the fastest people taking the regular route making their way back down.

**Regular Option:** Those taking the regular route will make a gradual climb for 1 mile and about 450' of incline. At the top, continue straight and around to the left, down for 3/4 mile, arriving back at the social event area for 30-60 minutes.

Please bring [food and drink to share](https://www.dropbox.com/s/zlfjtt05uu2bhxn/Snack%20and%20Beverage%20Share.pdf?dl=0).

Next we'll turn back and head the way we came down a mostly flat section for about a mile until we arrive back at the trail head. Then another 1/4 mile walk along Cottonwood Drive back to our cars.

There is a map of the route posted with this event.

**Directions:**
5079 Westwood St.
Simi Valley, CA 93063
Park on the street.

**The Hike:**
Distance: 4.75 miles, option for 3 miles.
Elevation Gain: 700', option for 300'.
[Difficulty](https://www.dropbox.com/s/fqmdia20mn3p90m/How%20hard%20is%20this%20hike.pdf?dl=0): Easy Intermediate with beginner option.
Pace: 2.0 mph
Dogs: Yes.
Restrooms: No.
Drinking Fountains: No
Parking: Free, along the neighborhood streets.
Trail: Single Track, Double Track, and fire road.
Purpose: Social

**What to Bring:**
1-2 liters of water.
[Snacks and/or beverages to share](https://www.dropbox.com/s/zlfjtt05uu2bhxn/Snack%20and%20Beverage%20Share.pdf?dl=0)
Hiking shoes preferred, but athletic shoes will be OK.
Flashlight or headlamp. The last 30 minutes may get dark.

**[FAQ](https://www.dropbox.com/s/6t8h0py6uh5lnxl/Frequently%20Asked%20Questions.pdf?dl=0)**
**[Hiking Plus Page Links](https://www.dropbox.com/s/8zrjbo5ohs88r8e/Hiking%20Plus%20Page%20Links.pdf?dl=0)**
**[Disclaimer / Release of Liability](https://www.dropbox.com/s/i44d3o1g7fj3lo7/Is%20Hiking%20Dangerous.pdf?dl=0)**