About This Event
Let's try something new: Full moon hike on Big Mountain in Happy Camp Park. On our recent hike there we found a great destination for us to gather round and share some food and drink under the moonlight, enjoying unobstructed views of Moorpark, Simi Valley and the Santa Monica Mountains
Bring some food and drink to share. I'll bring some ground cover, plasticware, cups, plates, napkins, and a bottle of my favorite grape juice.
Bring a jacket too (for yourself, not to share).
It's 3 miles to our destination on Big Mountain with about 700' elevation gain. Flashlights/headlamps will not be necessary, indeed, they are frowned upon. The trail is wide and clear and will be brightly lit by the moon. I'll bring some flashlights in case of emergency (cell phones work well too).
The real full moon is on Wednesday 19th at 1:21pm. But I picked Tuesday for the sunset/moonrise times:
Sunset: 5:10pm Moonrise: 4:14pm (5:24pm on Wed) Illumination: 99.5%
Note: The incline on this hike is probably too strenuous for beginners. I've only been down it so I cannot say for sure. To be safe I request that no beginners attend this first hike.
About Happy Camp
Happy Camp Canyon Park, north of Moorpark in the Santa Susana Mountains, was home to several Chumash Indian groups. Later, it was part of the immense Strathearn Ranch, founded by a pioneer Simi Valley family. They ran cattle on the land and enjoyed family vacations in the back part of the canyon.
Directions to trail head
From the 118 Fwy in Simi or the 101/23 Fwys in Thousand Oaks, take the Los Angeles Ave/118 West/23 North exit. Go west 1 mile to Moorpark Av (Hwy 23) and turn right (north). Proceed north 2.6 miles on Hwy 23 (name will change to Walnut Canyon Rd) until you come to a bend in the road. Don't take the bend -- Go straight onto Happy Camp Rd and then an immediate right on Broadway Rd. Go to end of road (about 1/3 mile)
There is a $5.00 parking fee in lot and free parking outside the official lot on street. I recommend parking on the street -- not just because its free, but the lot may close at sunset.
