4 miles, gain: 500 , beginner.This is a beginner hike on the beautiful
Limekiln trail. The hike starts at the trail head near the Tampa exit
on I-118, just 3 miles east of the Topanga Canyon exit.
This hike is a slight lollipop (from the shape of the route). There
are no extended inclines, however there are about 5 bumps in the trail
with 25-40 gains, about 35-65 steps each. This is something a beginner
would be able to handle, but these bumps will get the blood pumping,
as they are like climbing up to 4 flights of stairs. There is nothing
wrong with pausing for a breather while tackling these bumps in the
trail.
The trail varies between asphalt, gravel fire road, single tracker,
tree covered, hilly, roadside, wooded, open air, and strolls through
the park. We ll enter Limekiln Canyon, where we ll first encounter a
heavily wooded park with large pine trees lining the trail and
blocking out the sun. We ll continue for about 2 miles. We ll reach
Sesnon Blvd., and then travel about 20 yards west and taking a
different trail back into the Canyon.
After several hundred yards, we ll return to the original trail for
the return. Soon, we ll take a slightly different route by making a
right off the trail, but it still returns back to the original trail
after a short distance.
Just before we complete the last 3/4 mile, we ll turn right instead of
left. After about 100 years, we ll find a great spot with a giant
fallen tree trunk to have a social event (snack and beverage share -
https://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Plus/messages/boards/thread/50879772
[https://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Plus/messages/boards/thread/50879772]).
After about 30-60 minutes, we ll continue the last 3/4 mile back to
our cars. Those that don t want to stick around are welcome to head
back to their cars by any route they choose, but I ll take a few
splits to the right and cover some different trails, each that returns
back to the original trail after several hundred yards.
There will be a couple creek crossings on the return, where one will
use a few stepping stones to avoid getting wet. In general, it won t
matter if you choose incorrectly from this point because all the
splits end up going the same way.
Interesting Notes:
Here are a couple plants you are sure to see on this hike:
California Buckwheat
When the white flowers turn a rusty brown, they can be crushed into a
powder, mixed with water, and baked into bread. The black seeds in the
flower heads are also edible. Don t touch the white flowers if bees
are around because they won t like it and may attack. A cold tea made
from the leaves has been used to treat stomachaches and headaches. A
warm tea made from the roots has been used to treat colds. The stems
are stiff and flexible, so they have been used by Indians as piercing
utensils.
Laurel Sumac
Red stems and outline along leaves. The dried flower bunches look like
small trees, and are used by model railroad builders as such, after
being dyed green. Laurel sumac is sensitive to cold and does not
tolerate freezing conditions. Orange growers in the early history of
southern California used to pick places to plant their oranges based
on where laurel sumac was growing because this indicated it would not
get too cold for oranges if laurel sumac could grow there. For some,
the sap will irritate their skin just like poison oak, causing
blisters. Also called "Taco Plant".
Directions:
LIMEKILN CANYON TRAIL
Porter Ranch, CA 91326
From the 118
Exit Tampa Ave (3 miles east of the Topanga CANYON EXIT) and head
north for 1000 .
Left (west) on Rinaldi St. for 1000 .
Trailhead on the right (north).
Park on either side of the street.
From the 101 @ CA23
North CA-23 for 8.4 miles
East I-118 for 18 miles.
Exit Tampa Ave (3 miles east of the Topanga CANYON EXIT) and head
north for 1000 .
Left (west) on Rinaldi St. for 1000 .
Trailhead on the right (north).
Park on either side of the street.
The Hike:
Distance: 4 miles
Elevation Gain: 500
Difficulty: Easy
Pace: 2.5 mph
Dogs: Yes
Restrooms: No
Drinking Fountains: No
Parking: Free on either side of the street in front of the trail head.
Trail: Varied. Good condition.
What to Bring:
Snacks and/or beverages to share
(https://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Plus/messages/boards/thread/50879772
[https://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Plus/messages/boards/thread/50879772]).
1 -2 liters of water.
Hiking shoes preferred, but athletic shoes will be OK.
Flashlight or headlamp.
Release of Liability:
https://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Plus/pages/29622459/Is_Hiking_Dangerous/
[https://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Plus/pages/29622459/Is_Hiking_Dangerous/]
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28/10/2021 Last update