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Magical Malibu Hikes in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

Program Number: 20353RJ
Start and End Dates:
4/28/2013 - 5/3/2013; 10/6/2013 - 10/11/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: Malibu, California
Price starting at: $823.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Walking/Hiking Activity Level: n (see description)
Meals: 14; 5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 5 Dinners    
Meal Options: Kosher; Vegetarian    

Just 45 minutes from downtown Los Angeles, the coastal wilderness trails of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area seem like a world away. Breathe fresh sea air while you cultivate awareness of the natural world with an experienced naturalist and familiarize yourself with a magnificent network of hiking trails in landscapes ranging from tranquil canyons, bluffs and beaches to waterfalls, caves and mountains.




Highlights

• Hike in Arroyo Sequit, Topanga and Temescal canyons, Malibu Creek, Will Rogers and Point Mugu state parks, and Leo Carillo State Beach, all part of the Backbone Trail system.
• Learn the cultural history of the Santa Monica Mountains above Malibu, which were home to the Chumash tribe and have represented locations from Shangri-La to South Korea in film and TV.
• Eat s’mores around the campfire, enjoy a chocolate tasting, experience the thrill of a ropes course and more.



Activity Particulars

Hiking 7-9 miles per day with elevation gains up to 1500 ft.



Coordinated by Road Scholar.




Malibu

Once a private ranch, the city of Malibu became famous in the 1920s for its ceramic tile factory — Malibu Pottery — whose distinct designs helped to financially save the region during the Great Depression. Today, its location on a pristine stretch of Pacific coastline gives Malibu its reputation as a home to beautiful beaches and numerous celebrities.
Accommodations
Shalom Institute on a bluff overlooking 135 scenic acres. No in-room phones or TVs. All meals are kosher.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Miki Raver
Miki Raver has created and implemented numerous Road Scholar programs, both at the Marin Jewish Community Center and the Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center. She is the author of "Listen to Her Voice: Women of the Hebrew Bible," and lectures for women's circles around the nation.
 
Randy Childs
Randy Childs, director of the Shalom Adventure Center, brings a wealth of experience in outdoor education. With a degree from Michigan State University, he is a national leader in ropes courses and environmental education. Randy began his California outdoor experience in 1984 by creating and implementing a curriculum for The Wilderness Institute.
 
Anne Fernandez
Anne Fernandez has been an outdoor education leader and facilitator for 14 years, working with corporate groups as well as schools and various organizations. She leads hikes in the San Bernardino mountains, and is an avid hiker in her time away from work. Anne also facilitates teambuilding and ropes course programs.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Shalom Institute
  Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area 5 nights
 Shalom Institute
Type: Conference Center
  Description: The Shalom Institute in the scenic Malibu Mountains is located on a bluff overlooking 135 acres of breathtaking wilderness and woodlands. Situated five miles from the beach and 45 minutes from Los Angeles, it offers the visitor numerous hiking trails, spectacular panoramic views, refreshing waterfalls, and rustic oak and sycamore-covered terrain. Hikes are led by the resident environmental educator and team builder. Guests are afforded a rich nature experience and opportunity to enjoy the area's abundant bird life, flora, fauna, streams, and natural and cultural history. Guests enjoy delicious kosher meals prepared in the Shalom Institute's kosher kitchen. Kosher food means that no pork or shellfish will be served. Meat and dairy will not be served at the same meal in the dining hall. There will be a vegetarian option at each meal.
  Contact info: 34342 Mulholland Hwy
Malibu, CA 90265 USA
phone: 818-889-5500 xX106
web: www.shalominstitute.com
  Room amenities: The Institute has 20 double occupancy rooms (2 single beds) with private showers, toilets, linens, heating and air conditioning. The guest rooms are about 1,000 yards from "Jerry's Place" (dining hall). There are no phones or TVs in the rooms. Since there are no phones in the rooms, a cell phone is recommended in the event of an emergency. Be aware that some cell phones work and others do not in this location.
  Facility amenities: The Shalom Institute offers expansive facilities that include an Olympic-size swimming pool, two outdoor amphitheaters, a conference center, beautiful new adult housing, retreat house, an archery field, a sports field, miles of hiking trails, two waterfalls, a nature center, arts and crafts, and much more. Delicious meals are provided in "Jerry's Place, an ecologically designed, newly-constructed glass and wood dining hall with an outdoor dining patio with fireplace. Guests may also challenge themselves on the Institute's spectacular ropes course and climbing wall. You will also find an organic garden, art studio, campfires, and a dedicated Road Scholar Lounge.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Check in time: 3:00 PM
  Check out time: 12:00 PM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
5:00PM on Sunday with welcome reception and campus tour You will be staying at Shalom Institute that night.
  End of Program:
Guests need to check out of rooms by 12:00 noon, when the program ends on Friday. You will be staying at Shalom Institute the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. Photo ID A signed copy of the Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required, to be returned no later than three weeks prior to the program Shalom Institute Travel Form
  Parking availability:
Complimentary parking is available on site.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
  Nearest city or town:  Malibu and Los Angeles
  Nearest highway: 101 Freeway and the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH)
  Nearest airport:  Los Angeles International Airport
  From End of Program
  Location: Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Los Angeles

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Prime Time Shuttle
phone: 800-733-8267
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Approx $49 for 1 one-way; $59 for 2 one-way
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

Approx 1 hour depending upon traffic and time of day 
 

Distance:

 

Approx 45 miles
   

Call in advance for reservations and current rates. Vicki @ vickim@primetimeshuttle.com will give a code for the retreat which entitles guests to a discount (tbd), that will go to the Shalom Center Website: www.primetimeshuttle.com

 

Burbank

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Prime Time Shuttle
phone: 800-733-8267
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Approx $53 for 1 one-way; $63 for 2 one-way
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

Approx 1 hour depending upon traffic 
 

Distance:

 

Approx 45 miles
   

Call in advance for reservations and current rates. Vicki @ vickim@primetimeshuttle.com will give a code for the retreat which entitles guests to a discount (tbd), that will go to the Shalom Center Website: www.primetimeshuttle.com

 

Los Angeles

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Road Runner
phone: 180-024-7791 x9

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

approx $44 for 1 person one-way; $10 for each additional person traveling together
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

Approx 1 hour depending upon traffic 
 

Distance:

 

Approx 45 min
   

Call in advance for reservation and current rates.
 
Driving Directions
  From Los Angeles to Shalom Institute Take the Santa Monica Freeway (I-10) west until it turns into Pacific Coast Hwy (Route 1). Continue on PCH for 27 miles to Mulholland Hwy (just past Leo Carillo State Beach campgrounds). Turn right onto Mulholland Hwy and go 5 miles. The Institute will be on the right side.
  From the San Fernando Valley to Shalom Institute Take the Ventura Freeway (US 101) west to Kanan Rd. Turn left onto Kanan Rd and go 6 miles to Mulholland Hwy. Turn right onto Mulholland Hwy. After 1 mile the road forks. Stay to the left onto Encinal Cyn Rd. After 3.5 miles, Encinal will end at Lechusa. Turn right onto Lechusa which will immediately end at Decker Cyn Rd (23). Turn right onto Decker Cyn Rd and go 3/4 mile to Mulholland Hwy (stop sign). Turn left onto Mulholland. The Institute is 2.5 miles from this point on the left side.
Elevation Note:

The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Independent Arrivals
(Sunday, April 28)
   
 Afternoon: HOTEL CHECK-IN: Check into Shalom Institute after 3:00pm.

PROGRAM REGISTRATION: Register with program staff and receive your room assignment and arrival packet which we'll review during our orientation session after dinner.

WELCOME RECEPTION AND CAMPUS TOUR

 Dinner: Dinner at "Jerry's Place", an ecologically designed, newly constructed glass and wood dining hall with an outdoor dining patio with fireplace
 Evening: ORIENTATION AND INTRODUCTIONS: Overview of the program and review up-to-date schedule, responsibilities, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, any other administrative issues, and answer your questions. Please be aware that local circumstances may require adjusting program elements. In the event of changes, we will notify you as quickly as possible. We appreciate your understanding.

Icebreakers and Introductions: Enjoy getting to know your fellow participants.

Enjoy the remainder of the evening getting to know your fellow participants and discovering what you share beyond a love of lifelong learning.
   
Accommodations: Shalom Institute
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Hike from the Shalom Institute to the Beach through Arroyo Sequit Park to Leo Carrillo State Beach
(Monday, April 29)
   
 Breakfast: Full breakfast at "Jerry's Place", an ecologically designed, newly constructed glass and wood dining hall with an outdoor dining patio with fireplace
 Morning: CLASS: Overview of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and the Backbone Trail

FIELD TRIP: Potential hike destination is to the beach through Arroyo Sequit Park, one of the most beautiful destinations in the western Santa Monica Mountains. Park features include a perennial stream, a loop trail, rocks, and meadows that are blanketed with wildflowers in the spring. The Arroyo Sequit contains some of the best aquatic ecological resources of all the coastal streams in the Santa Monica Mountains.

Hike = 7 Miles ... 4 hours ... 1800 ft. gain ... 2200 ft. loss elevation

Current conditions will determine hike destinations each day.

 Lunch: Lunch on the trail
 Afternoon: Explore the beach, tide pools, sand dunes and caves of Leo Carrillo State Beach before returning to Shalom Institute.
 Dinner: Dinner at "Jerry's Place", an ecologically designed, newly constructed glass and wood dining hall with an outdoor dining patio with fireplace
 Evening: CLASS: Malibu and the Movies

In the movie capitol of the world's backyard, Malibu has starred as faraway places since 1927. Malibu and the Movies will be a stimulating and entertaining two part lecture with film clips of Malibu in films and TV shows from Tarzan to Gidget, Butch Cassidy to Bay Watch, Lost Horizon to M.A.S.H.
   
Accommodations: Shalom Institute
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Topanga State Park—Hike Temescal Canyon and VIsit/Hike Will Rogers State Historical Park
(Tuesday, April 30)
   
 Breakfast: Full breakfast at "Jerry's Place", an ecologically designed, newly constructed glass and wood dining hall with an outdoor dining patio with fireplace
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: Potential hike destination is Temescal Canyon, a place of tranquil beauty nestled in a quiet canyon that has been a peaceful and sacred spot for millennia. With its native plant landscape and a rich coastal wilderness, its unparalleled natural beauty will make you feel as though you've entered another world.

Hike = 4-5 miles total ... 2 hours ... 900 ft. gain & loss elevation

Current conditions will determine hike destinations each day.

 Lunch: Lunch at a picnic table on the lovely grounds of Temescal Gateway Park
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: Will Rogers State Historic Park

Famous for his wit, Will Rogers was the most popular and highest paid actor in Hollywood in the 1920s. He bought land in Santa Monica, where he developed a ranch overlooking the Pacific Ocean, in what is now known as Pacific Palisades. Will Rogers' ranch consisted of a 31-room ranch house, a stable, corrals, riding ring, roping arena, polo field, and golf course.

After exploring the ranch, we'll hike on a trail that leads to spectacular views of the countryside around the park. The trail is on the tip of the Santa Monica Mountains and offers vistas of both the sea and the mountains.

Hike = 4 miles total ... 2 hours ... sea level to 1200 ft. gain & loss elevation

Current conditions will determine hike destinations each day.

 Dinner: Dinner at "Jerry's Place", an ecologically designed, newly constructed glass and wood dining hall with an outdoor dining patio with fireplace
 Evening: Campfire with s’mores, guitarist, songs and stories
   
Accommodations: Shalom Institute
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Malibu Creek State Park
(Wednesday, May 1)
   
 Breakfast: Full breakfast at "Jerry's Place", an ecologically designed, newly constructed glass and wood dining hall with an outdoor dining patio with fireplace
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: Potential hike destination is to the Rock Pool in Malibu Creek State Park

Malibu Creek State Park was the center of Chumash Native American life for centuries and was once used to film numerous movies and TV shows, such as Planet of the Apes and M*A*S*H. Before Malibu Creek State Park was acquired by the state in 1974, it was divided into three parcels belonging to Bob Hope, Ronald Reagan, and 20th Century Fox.

Hike = 9 miles total ... 5 hours ... 150 ft. gain & loss elevation

Current conditions will determine hike destinations each day.

 Lunch: Break and pause for lunch by Rock Pool, a reflective pool. Sycamores and Bays provide great shade.
 Afternoon: Continue the hike after lunch to Century Lake and end at Paramount Ranch.
 Dinner: Dinner at "Jerry's Place", an ecologically designed, newly constructed glass and wood dining hall with an outdoor dining patio with fireplace
 Evening: CLASS: Malibu and the Movies Part Two

In the movie capitol of the world's backyard, Malibu has starred as faraway places since 1927. Malibu and the Movies will be a stimulating and entertaining two part lecture with film clips of Malibu in films and TV shows from Tarzan to Gidget, Butch Cassidy to Bay Watch, Lost Horizon to M.A.S.H.
   
Accommodations: Shalom Institute
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Pt. Mugu State Park—Sandstone Peak
(Thursday, May 2)
   
 Breakfast: Full breakfast at "Jerry's Place", an ecologically designed, newly constructed glass and wood dining hall with an outdoor dining patio with fireplace
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: Potential hike destination is Pt. Mugu State Park--Sandstone Peak

Pt. Magu State Park is a five mile shoreline spread of untamed beauty including sandy beaches, rocky vistas, sand dunes, rugged hills uplands and the jagged pinnacles of the Boney Mountains State Wilderness Area.

Hike to the top of the highest peak in the Santa Monica Mountains~Sandstone Peak (3,111 feet). Located in Pt. Mugu State Park, this is one of the most beautiful hikes in the Santa Monica Mountain with breathtaking views from the top. The area is deeply quiet with lone birds heard echoing through the canyons and the exhilarating and offers sights of sheer cliffs dropping off into deep canyons.

Hike = 7 miles round trip ... 3 hours ... 1500 ft. elevation gain & loss. The trail is sometimes rocky and steep with some spur trail options.

Current conditions will determine hike destinations each day.

 Lunch: Lunch on the trail
 Afternoon: Meet for a walk to Banana Point on the Shalom Institute property. Enjoy a wine reception while viewing the spectacular vista.
 Dinner: Dinner at "Jerry's Place", an ecologically designed, newly constructed glass and wood dining hall with an outdoor dining patio with fireplace
 Evening: Presentation & Chocolate Tasting ~ “The Benefits and Pleasures of Chocolate"
   
Accommodations: Shalom Institute
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Ropes Course And Independent Departures
(Friday, May 3)
   
 Breakfast: ROOM CHECK OUT: Guests are asked to have luggage packed and rooms vacated by 12:00. Luggage can be stored in private vehicles or with Shalom Institute.

Full breakfast at "Jerry's Place", an ecologically designed, newly constructed glass and wood dining hall with an outdoor dining patio with fireplace

 Morning: HANDS ON EXPERIENCE: Experience the exhilaration of a fantastic Ropes Course and Climbing Wall

PROGRAM: Closing Circle

This concludes the program. We hope you have enjoyed our hiking program and will join us for other rewarding adventures in the future. Best wishes for all your journeys! Shalom!
   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area Visitors Center
National Park Service Visitor Center 401 W Hillcrest Drive Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 805-370-2301 For additional information, visit www.nps.gov/samo/planyourvisit/index.htm
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


Hiking Trails of the Santa Monica Mountains


Author: Milt McAuley


Description: The author displays extensive knowledge of the trails, geography, plants and animals of the Santa Monica Mountains



Guide to the Backbone Trail: Santa Monica Mountains


Author: Milt McAuley


The Santa Monica Mountains: Range on the Edge


Author: Tom Gamache and Matthew Jaffe


Description: A spectacular collection...a visual and literary tribute to an important but little known feature of this gigantic sprawl of a city...a rare and beautiful photographic portrait and historical profile



Wildflowers of the Santa Monica Mountains


Author: Milt McAuley


Description: Excellent book, covering not only wildflowers, but also trees, shrubs, and other classes of plants





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