Intermediate Hike ~ Palo Comado / Cheseboro Loop via Ranch Center trail

We’ll do a loop around the northeastern regions of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and the Las Virgenes Open Space. This area traverses many ecosystems, including riparian, chaparral, and the rockscape from Galaxy Quest. The area is generally dry, but very nice!

[The trailhead is where Sunnycrest turns into Doubletree](http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/c/3/0/c/event_255709932.jpeg), about a mile east of Kanan Road (34°10'56.67"N, 118°45'6.44"W)

We'll be hiking [about 7 miles with 1100’ gain](http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/f/5/e/event_255717182.jpeg) over the course of 2 1/2 hours and will traverse parts of Ranch Center, Cheseboro, Sheep Corral and Palo Comado canyons. We'll see Sulphur Springs, the Baleen Wall and Shepherd’s Flat. The hike includes fire roads, single-tracks, and an **exhilarating wakeup call near the beginning**, where we travel up and down 400' over the course of the 1.1 mile Ranch Center section of the trail.

Bring sunscreen, plenty of water, and wear sturdy shoes and a sun hat. Please consider bringing the 10 essentials (https://bit.ly/1vB2Avz).

**DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY**

*IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY*

Restrictions apply for your safety and ours:

* Don't show up unless you're on the "Attending" list
* Unregistered or waitlisted will be turned away
* 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
* All participants must be 18 or older, or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

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.