Las Flores to Wildwood Canyon Picnic area - Fit Beginner

**Fit Beginner - 4 miles, 600' gain**
The gain is well distributed, with half being on the return.

We start at the Las Flores trailhead where Las Flores dead-ends at Wildwood Park, and head west. After 1/3 mile, the trail becomes Wildwood Canyon Trail. We continue for another 2/3 mile and cross a bridge just past the Meadows Picnic area.

We'll make a left, continuing on Wildwood Canyon Trail, past the Tee Pee Trail, behind Paradise Falls, left at the split, and after about a mile, Wildwood Canyon Picnic area will be on the left. There will be several tables.

**This is a potluck picnic.** **Please bring some food and drinks to share.**
*If your item requires it, bring plates and utensils to share.* You may wish to bring your own cup, plate, and utensils in case there aren't any.
We'll [share snacks and drinks](https://www.dropbox.com/s/zlfjtt05uu2bhxn/Snack%20and%20Beverage%20Share.pdf?dl=0) for 60 - 90 minutes, before heading back the way we came.

**The Hike**
Distance: 4 miles
Gain: 600'
Distribution: Well distributed.
[Difficulty](https://www.dropbox.com/s/fqmdia20mn3p90m/How%20hard%20is%20this%20hike.pdf?dl=0): Fit Beginner
Shape: Out and Back.
Pace: approx. 2.0 mph.
Trail Type: Fire Road, Single-Track, and Double-Track.
Duration: 4.0 hours
Dogs: Dogs must be kept on leash and away from the picnic table.
Restrooms: Yes, at the picnic area.
Drinking Fountains: Yes, at tje picnic area.
Parking: Free along street.

**What to bring**
1 liter of water for every 3 miles.
Hiking shoes/boots.
Flashlight or headlamp (if it will be dark during any part of the event).
Sunscreen and/or hat as needed.
Snacks and/or beverages to share.

**Hosting**

*Route:* The host knows the route. Click the **[link](https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/8/f/c/5/highres_502716805.jpeg)** to see the route.

*Navigation:* Host memory, enhanced by GPS navigation as needed

*Hike type:* Social.
We won't be hiking at a fast pace because this is a social hike, not a conditioning hike. There is nothing wrong with stopping, even if it means every 50 steps.

*Stops:*
The host may designate stopping points to let others catch up. We will stop at junctions to make sure everybody makes any turns or chooses the correct direction at splits, else something will be used to mark the direction, usually a large arrow made of baking soda or sticks in the shape of an arrow. There may not always be a sweeper designated to be the last hiker.

Each hiker is responsible for knowing their capability, only attending events where they are able to sustain the described pace, for keeping up with the group sufficiently enough to make the turns and not get left behind, and for making sure the host is notified if they are going to split from the group.

*Group separation:* Sometimes hikers wish to move significantly ahead and not wait at designated stopping points. Please let the host know. They are on their own regarding route and navigation.

**Directions**
Las Flores Trailhead
604 W Avenida De Las Flores
Thousand Oaks, CA, 91360

**[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)**