Palo Comado Lollipop - Easy Intermediate

About this event

4.6 miles, 900' gain, easy-intermediate

This route takes us through a beautiful canyon via a counter-clockwise lollipop. Most of the hike has a clear view of the sky, with a few parts that have tree cover. We'll be stopping at the half-way point for a snack and beverage share .

We'll start at the Palo Comado Canyon - Doubletree Trailhead (coordinates: 34.182480,-118.751785) and head east for 1/2 mile along the Doubletree Connector Trail. We'll turn left and head north along the Palo Comado for about 1 mile. We'll turn right (east) onto the Dead Cow Trail for 0.8 miles, where we'll come to an overlook on the left.

Slightly easier path: Instead of turning onto the Dead Cow, continue on the fire road for just under 1 mile, and loop around to the right when you can. The turn continues until you have reversed direction and it rises up to the same overlook. It is about the same gain, but it is distributed accross about an extra 0.25 miles and is all fire road. This is also the return route.

There, we'll stop for a snack and beverage share . Then we'll continue down the Sheep Corral trail for about 700', turning left back onto the Palo Comado trail. From there, we'll head south 1.75 miles and turn right (west) onto the Doubletree Connector Trail and the final 1/2 mile back to the trailhead.

Hike Distance: 4.6 miles Gain: 900' Distribution: Most of the incline well distributed in the first half. Difficulty: Easy Intermediate. Shape: Lollipop, counter-clockwise. Pace: approx. 2.0 mph. Trail Type: Fire road and single track. Areas of sand, gravel, and rock, some of it rugged. Trail Variations: Several extended inclines of 1000 steps. Several steep sections of 300 steps, but no hands required. Duration: 3.5 hours Dogs: Yes. Restrooms: No Drinking Fountains: No. Parking: Free along street.

What to bring: 1 liter of water for every 3 miles. Hiking shoes/boots Flashlight or headlamp. Sunscreen and/or hat as needed. Snack and Beverage Share

Hosting

Route: The host knows 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. This hike will include an extended stop for a snack and beverage share at the half way point. 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 some sticks. 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 (Palo Comado Canyon - Doubletree Trailhead):

From I-101 I-101, exit Kanan Rd. Kanan Rd. north for 2 miles. Right (east) on Sunnycrest Dr. for 0.6 miles. Continue on Doubletree Rd. for 0.l miles. Trailhead on the right, park along the street.

From CA-118, CA-23 I-118 west. I-23 south for 4.8 miles, exit Avenida de Los Arboles. Left (east) on Avenida del Los Arboles for 1.6 miles. Right (south) on N. Westlake Blvd for 1.5 miles. Left (east) on Kanan Rd. for 4.2 miles. Left (north-east) on Deerhill Rd. for 0.3 miles. Right at second cross street onto Doubletree Rd for 0.5 miles. Trailhead on the left, park along the street.

Coordinates of trailhead: 34.182480,-118.751785 Address of a nearby house: 720 Clear Haven Dr., Oak Park, CA 91377

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