BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Xylus Themes//Easy Events Calendar//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN X-WR-CALNAME:Hill &\; Hawk Canyons - Western Plateau - Adventist Hill X-WR-TIMEZONE:America/Los_Angeles BEGIN:VEVENT UID:82d4226c55aa5b72c5bc28fed9eac5fe@dev.hikingwithdean.com DTSTAMP:20261108T021428Z DTSTART:20231111T170000Z DTEND:20231111T210000Z SUMMARY:Hill &\; Hawk Canyons - Western Plateau - Adventist Hill ATTACH:https://hwdmedia.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/10172332/134423_image_highres_503335139.jpeg IMAGE;VALUE=URI;DISPLAY=BADGE;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://hwdmedia.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/10172332/134423_image_highres_503335139.jpeg DESCRIPTION:We began hiking and exploring this area in 2008 when we were the original "Weekday Hikers." At that time there was a system of old use trails known mainly only to a few local equestrians. It soon became a favorite and regular hiking location for us.\\n\\n\\n\\nA few years later\, open space agencies and other trail-builders literally followed in our footsteps and began converting our use trails to official "new" trails\, erected trail signs and built bridges.\\n\\n\\n\\nToday we will do one of my classic loops and add the dreaded Adventist Hill to the mix. Trekking poles and good lug soles recommended\\n\\n\\n\\nHike is about 7 miles with 1500' gain. It is rated DIFFICULT due to terrain. See the HWD Hike Rating guide.\\n\\n\\n\\nHere is a video from a previous hike in Hill Canyon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QC9pYzkaCF0\\n\\n\\n\\nHistory of Hill Canyon\\nHill Canyon is part of a system of deeply eroded canyons\, plateaus and ridgelines now known as the Conejo Canyons Open Space. On clear days\, trails in this area afford dramatic views of Ventura and the coastline\, as well as inland to the Topa Topa mountains north of Ojai. This area also conserves a variety of habitats\, including coast live oak woodlands\, riparian habitats\, interior sage scrub/chaparral\, and coastal sage scrub. The hike will be about 8 miles with moderate elevation gain.\\n\\n\\n\\nPrior to 2000 plans for high end homes were made to be built on the Western Plateau above Hill Canyon. There were a couple of problems. An access road would be a very expensive addition to the cost of the properties. Fire access requires a separate emergency access which was not feasible without access through city property. A bordering golf course would add to the property values and if done right would provide the emergency access at little cost. A win-win for the developer. No problem. He got city officials to spend about $2.6 million to plan a golf course with the emergency access.\\n\\n\\n\\nBut then Audubon members and other environmentalists showed pictures of the flood plain under water after a big rain. The club house would have to be up on the ridge above to be feasible. Golfers would have to be driven down to tee off. The golf course plans got canceled and a land trade was worked out by the same city officials who caused the $2.6 million to be wasted.\\n\\n\\n\\nDirections to trailhead\\n\\n\\n\\nUse Google Map and drive to address. Park in dirt lot at trailhead or on street near corner with Rancho Conejo Blvd\\n\\n\\n\\nPlease Read\\n\\n\\n\\nTrail statistics are approximate. For safety purposes always assume they are underestimated. But don’t be disappointed if they are overestimated. Bring more water and snacks than you think you’ll need.\\n\\n\\n\\nTrail descriptions are based on previous hikes. Current conditions are unknown until arrival. Expect the unexpected and plan accordingly.\\n\\n\\n\\nThe Organizers and members of Hiking With Dean are not professional leaders\, guides\, or mountaineers. The function of the member or organizer is only to organize the trip. Each person who shows up for a trip/meetup (and their guest or guests) is responsible for his or her own safety. By attending a hike\, or any other event organized by this group\, you are acknowledging that you and any guests that you bring are aware of the risks\, dangers and hazards associated with the activity and freely accept and fully assume all such risks\, dangers and hazards\, and further agree to release and discharge the Organizers\, Members of the Hiking With Dean Meetup Group from and against any and all liability arising from your participation in the group activities per our ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND LIABILITY WAIVER and Section 6.2 of the Meetup.com Terms of Service. LOCATION:Conejo Canyons Trail Head\, 2010 Conejo Center Dr URL:https://dev.hikingwithdean.com/eec-event/hill-hawk-canyons-western-plateau-adventist-hill/ END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR