Mt. McCoy

**[Easy Intermediate, 3 miles, 600' gain](https://www.dropbox.com/s/fqmdia20mn3p90m/How%20hard%20is%20this%20hike.pdf?dl=0)**
**Easier Option:** 2.4 mi, 530' gain. 5 Washburn St, Simi Valley, CA 93065

We'll meet in the parking lot at the northeast corner of Madera and Royal, just south of the Donut Delite, on the east side of the Clinicas office. We'll walk from there to the trailhead at 2 Washburn St. where it meets Los Amigos Ave.

**[The Hike](https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/f/6/e/highres_501957198.jpeg)**
Easy end of the Intermediate Spectrum, due to the 1 mile continuous incline that can get exhausting. A fit beginner can easily complete it.

We cross Madera and continue through the neighborhood for about 1/4 mi, to the [intersection](https://www.google.com/maps/place/2+Washburn+St,+Simi+Valley,+CA+93065/@34.2645734,-118.8010877,18z/data=%213m1%214b1%214m5%213m4%211s0x80e82ee581e79e9f:0x42c324cfa0d16fd2%218m2%213d34.2645585%214d-118.7999842) of Washburn St. and Los Amigos Ave. This is also the starting point for the easier option.

We enter a path behind the houses and proceed for 250' to the entrance. So far, there will have been very little elevation gain.

We'll enter a series of switchbacks (zig-zag trail) for 1.2 miles to a large cross at the top. This is a steady climb across the face of the hill, always in full view of the neighborhood below. Beginners may find this climb difficult to continue at a fast pace. There is nothing wrong with slowing down while faster hikers move ahead, or resting for a minute several times during this climb.

It may seem easy to get lost because there are many different cross-paths up the face of this hill, but they all lead to the same place. Generally, whenever there is a choice of "left or right", we take the easier and more worn path. If you happen to find yourself alone and take a wrong turn (aka steep cut), all paths lead up.

At the top by the cross or one of the nearby benches, we'll enjoy the gorgeous 360 degree views and [share beverages and/or snacks](https://www.dropbox.com/s/zlfjtt05uu2bhxn/Snack%20and%20Beverage%20Share.pdf?dl=0).

**Interesting Notes**
Here are a couple plants you are sure to see on this hike:

*[Black Sage](https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/f/7/0/highres_501957200.jpeg)*
Multiple brown buttons going up the top of the stalk, that may have white flowers. Green leaves. Purple or white flowers that are dark brown as they dry on the plant. Squish the leaves and smell.

A rare and sought after Black sage honey is also made from the honey of bees that pollinate the Black sage plant. Black sage is utilized in the culinary world as an aromatic and flavorful herb. It can be used in recipes wherever traditional sage is called for, however keep in mind that foraged Black sage has a much stronger flavor than that of traditional store bought sage.

Its flavor goes well with winter squashes, brown butter, poultry, venison, pears, cheese, potatoes and other herbs such as rosemary and thyme. Use fresh in a variety of different preparations or leaves. Can be dried and stored for future use as a dried herb. Black sage was used traditionally by Native Americans known as the Chumash people to form an herbal soak for the bath to be used in the treatment of bodily pain, specifically for the feet and lower legs.

*[Purple Sage](https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/f/7/6/highres_501957206.jpeg)*
Grey-green leaves. Aromatic when crushed. Purple flowers. Aka, Tobacco Sage, with mild hallucinogenic properties when smoked. Can be used as a spice or made into a tea. Tea has medicinal affects: Antiviral, gargle for sore throats, reduce hay fever symptoms and other drying actions.

Distance: 3 miles (round trip)
Elevation Gain: 700'
[Difficulty](https://www.dropbox.com/s/fqmdia20mn3p90m/How%20hard%20is%20this%20hike.pdf?dl=0): Easy Intermediate
Duration: 3 1/2 hours
Pace: 2.0 mph
Dogs: Yes.
Restrooms: Yes - at nearby places of business
Drinking Fountains: Yes - at nearby places of business
Parking: Free
Trail: Mostly single-track, excellent condition
Hiking shoes preferred, but athletic shoes will be OK.

**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.

**Directions**
For those doing the regular route:
1424 Madera Rd, Simi Valley, CA 93065

For those doing the easier option:
Park on the street near 5 Washburn St, Simi Valley, CA 93065

**[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)**