Sunset Hills / Bard Lake, Thousand Oaks

This is a moderate 4-mile hike with an elevation gain of 700'.

Sunset is at 8:08pm and the last light is at 8:36.

Meet me at the Sunset Hills Trailhead on Erbes at 6:30. We will start the hike at 6:35.

**Essentials**

* [Ventura County SARS 10 Essentials](https://www.vcsar3.org/plan)
* Bring 2 liters of water, flashlights, snacks, electrolytes
* Bring your hiking poles if needed.
* Wear good hiking boots/shoes, sunscreen, hat
* Bring a jacket for cooler weather
* Definitely bring bug spray, gnats come and go in spurts.

**Details**

* Trail: single track, rocky terrain in some areas
* Dogs: On a leash per state law
* Parking: free
* Restrooms: none
* Known Dangers: Rattlesnakes, tarantulas, slip-'n-fall

***Even More Details***

* Hot weather (85 degrees or higher), high winds, rain, or fire will cancel this hike
* My hikes are slow paced (1.5-2 mph)
* The 9:00pm end time is only an estimate
* As a team, we take breaks, explore and we don't leave anyone behind
* As hikers, we enjoy listening to the symphony of nature. You are more than welcome to play music as long as you are wearing headphones

**DIRECTIONS**
The Sunset Hills trailhead on Erbes is located about halfway between Olsen Road and Sunset Hills Blvd. It’s a dirt parking lot with no sign and the streetlights are kind of dim at night. You’ll need to follow the directions carefully if you haven’t hiked this trail. You can easily miss the turn into the dirt parking lot if you're not paying attention.

**Google Directions:**
Google Coordinates: 34.232605, -118.838936
[View the Google Map](https://www.google.com/maps/place/34%C2%B013'57.4%22N+118%C2%B050'20.2%22W/@34.232605,-118.8415109,767m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m4!3m3!8m2!3d34.232605!4d-118.838936?authuser=0&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDYwMS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D)

**Driving Directions:**
Coming from the Simi Valley area, head west on the 118, take the 23 south to Thousand Oaks. Exit Olsen Road and turn right. At about 1/2 mile, turn left on Erbes. Drive about 1/2 mile or less and you will find the dirt parking lot on your left. If you reach Sunset Hills Blvd, turn around and head back.

Coming from Westlake/Agoura and Thousand Oaks/Newbury Park, from the 101, take the 23 north toward Fillmore (Moorpark). Exit the Sunset Hills Blvd and turn right. At .2 miles turn left on Erbes. Drive about 1/2 mile and you will find the dirt parking lot on your right. If you reach Olsen Road, turn around and head back.

**DISCLAIMER/RELEASE OF LIABILITY:**

1. You must RSVP to attend this event, no exceptions.
2. The PM Hiker organizers are not trained leaders and do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips.
3. If you sign up for any event, you are releasing the PM Hiker organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries.
4. Hiking and other outdoor events can be dangerous, and accidents can happen.
5. Per Meetup rules, you are responsible for your own safety and well-being. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience. You take full responsibility for your own actions.
6. If you decide to proceed ahead, or in another direction, with or without informing the PM Hiker organizer, you become responsible for your own safety and return to the trailhead.
7. These rules apply to any guests you may invite.