Ahmanson Ranch in West Hills

Fire and high winds will cancel this hike. Check the comments for updates, and especially check before you leave for the hike.

Ahmanson Ranch (aka Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve) has been used as a filming location for many years. Segments from here include Gone With the Wind, The Charge of the Light Brigade, and Django Unchained. It's also a popular filming location for TV shows and Music Videos.

This is a moderate 5.3 mile, 670' elevation gain, loop, hike. Please remember, my hikes are for slow pokes and beginners but all levels are welcome. We hike slow and we take short breaks, and the end time is approximate only.

We will meet at 2:30pm at the trailhead at the Northwest corner of the parking lot inside the gate. To be on the safe side, you may want to park outside the park entrance just in case we get delayed coming back, as the entry gate is closed and locked at dusk. Once you park on the street, allow an extra 5 minutes for the short walk up to the trailhead where we meet.

Sunset is at 4:49. This area is not shaded and can get hot on the trail. Bring your flashlight or headlamp, minimum of 2-3 liters of water, snacks, electrolytes. Wear bug spray, hats, good hiking/walking shoes, bring your hiking poles if needed.

Dogs: Allowed, but must be leashed.
Restrooms: I don't think so but there may be one at the trailhead
Water Fountain: No
Parking: Free but DO NOT PARK INSIDE THE TRAILHEAD. Park ONLY outside along the surface streets.
Trail: Fire road and single-track, well maintained

Known Dangers: Rattlesnakes and slip-'n-fall, possible, but doubtful; Mountain bikers zooming past, much more likely.

Directions
Google Coordinates: 34.184439, -118.666679 (This should take you to the corner of Gilmore and Victory just below the gate)
Google Map: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Victory+Blvd,+Woodland+Hills,+CA+91367/@34.1844689,-118.6712331,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m13!1m7!3m6!1s0x80c29995b6862361:0x46258d3a632e8397!2sVictory+Blvd,+Los+Angeles,+CA!3b1!8m2!3d34.1864607!4d-118.6153821!3m4!1s0x80c29df37b2c631d:0xbd5fd103bd34e32d!8m2!3d34.1844645!4d-118.6667484?hl=en&authuser=0

Other Instructions:

• From Topanga Ave, go west on Victory Blvd to the entrance.
• Figure out how to get on Valley Circle (there is an exit off the 101, for example), then drive to Victory Blvd in West Hills, and take Victory uphill all the way to where it ends at Gilmore.
• There is ample free street parking OUTSIDE the huge trailhead gate.
• DO NOT park inside! But we will meet inside up and to the right by the trailhead.

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. If you leave the group on your own with or without notifying the leader, you will lose the advantage of other hikers' support.
5. Hiking and other outdoor events can be dangerous and accidents can happen.
6. 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.
7. These rules apply to any guests you may invite.