Rock Garden

Simi Valley Area

Status: Open
Date — Duration November 21
8AM - 1PM
Cost/Person Free

About Decompression Days: Decompression Days are free community events designed and led by professional guides. Come meet other hikers, get out into the sunshine, and discover nature's gems in Ventura, Los Angeles, and Santa Barbara Counties.

Overview

A little known ranch in the Simi Valley area with sandstone outcroppings and features to explore. Being a short walk in a loop, this should be great for kids.

Timeline

8AM - Rendezvous Meet at the trailhead. Safety briefing and gear check.
The Route Expect frequent rest stops along the way, with a longer stop for a snack break about halfway through the hike. Five Miles Further provides some snacks - feel free to bring something to share with the group.
1PM - Wrap Up Return to the vehicles and debrief.

Event Details

This is a 3.15-mile route with approximately 597ft of total elevation gain. The trail features rocky features, short trail, family friendly and lots to explore.

Pre-Event Communication: After registering, you'll get more information about specific meeting time, and recommended gear / clothing to bring. We're looking forward to seeing you out there!

Secure Your Spot

Capacity is strictly limited to ensure a high-quality experience. Complete the registration below to lock in your roster spot.

Registration Note: Registration secures your spot on a first-come, first-served basis. Successive registrants will be automatically placed on a waitlist. Our top priority is a safe, excellent experience for the entire team.

The FMF Rating Standard

Subjective ratings like "Easy" or "Hard" mean different things to different people. Other systems require a calculator to understand. We value clarity and preparation.

The Crux Rule: Miles and Gain come from the trip's hardest single day, ranked by Gain tier first and Miles as the tiebreaker. Terrain is rated independently — whatever the hardest terrain is anywhere in the trip, regardless of which day it falls on.

Above 8,000 ft total elevation, limit ascent to 1,500 - 2,000 ft before resting at the new altitude.

1. Miles

Mileage on the trip's hardest day, as determined by the Crux Rule. This measures endurance.

  • 1: < 3 miles (Short)
  • 2: 3 - 6 miles (Standard)
  • 3: 6 - 10 miles (Long)
  • 4: 10 - 14 miles (Severe)
  • 5: 14 - 18 miles (Ultra)
  • 6: 18+ miles (Expedition)

2. Gain

Total vertical gain on the trip's hardest day. Each tier below E splits into a lower and upper half for finer precision.

  • A: < 1,000 ft (Aerobic)
  • B: 1,000 - 1,500 ft (Moderate)
  • C: 1,500 - 2,500 ft (Threshold)
  • D: 2,500 - 4,000 ft (Anaerobic)
  • E: 4,000+ ft (Redline)

3. Terrain

The technical skill required to move safely. Do you need hands? Do you need a rope? This measures consequence.

  • .1: Trail Walking (Groomed)
  • .2: Rough / Balancing (Uneven)
  • .3: Scramble (Hands Down)
  • .4: High Consequence (No Fall Zone)
  • .5: Technical (Ropes Required)

Adventure Rating

  • G: Appropriate for all audiences — a fun, easy walk. No specific challenges to be aware of. Events with no rating listed are always G.
  • PG: Appropriate for most people. Check the event description for specific notes on light challenges. Often pairs with a Terrain rating above .1.
  • PG13: Might feel adventurous to some — uneven surfaces, light scrambling, or other challenges. Often pairs with a Terrain rating above .2.
  • R: Mental challenges alongside the physical ones. Achievable safely with the right coaching and skills. Often pairs with a Terrain rating above .3, and may include some airiness or exposure, with adequate safety protection in place.

Example: Steep Conditioning Hike

Consider a standard training loop: 3 miles round-trip on a loose dirt trail with 1,800ft of elevation gain.

Miles: 2 (3 miles, lower edge of Standard)
Gain: C (1,800ft, lower half of Threshold)
Terrain: .2 (Uneven footing)
Result: 2C.2
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