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ENGAGEMENT PHOTO SESSION & NATURE PICNIC: A young, newly engaged couple strolls out to their sunset picnic spot in Malibu Creek State Park
…and are greeted by a very luxurious charcuterie spread!
Experience Overview
The very first thing you notice when your feet leave the pavement in the eastern Santa Monica Mountains is just how remote it all feels. . .
Nestled in the heart of northern Los Angeles County between the world-famous, star-studded beaches of Malibu and the Conejo Valley with its rich history of native Chumash Indian Tribes (and now the Chumash Indian Museum in Thousand Oaks), this place immediately feels special. Like you just discovered a secret you don’t want to share for fear of spoiling it.
The pastoral landscape will soon fill your imagination with bucolic reveries and the simple delights of a sunset framed by old-growth Live Oaks and brilliant poppy blooms.
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A hiking path extends towards the sunset in Thousand Oaks, California
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Focus on An Epic Nature Picnic
A group of friends gather for an epic Nature Picnic Experience and a sunset view in Malibu Creek State Park
There exists a place so near yet so far that the sprawling city - and even time - forgot. It's a place where the grass is always greener. The valley ever wider. And sunsets just a little bit brighter for just a few moments longer.
They call it the land of a Thousand Oaks. But just a single glance will take your breath away. And leave the kind of impression that lasts a lifetime.
A beautiful multi-use hiking / biking trail sweeps up a grass-laden hillside in Cheeseboro | Palo Comado Canyon.
For it is here that single tracks stretch farther than six-lane freeways. And even the locals swing by to say hi in their very own special way.
So slow down. Take a ride or a stroll. Come explore every nook and cranny. Every twist. Every turn. All the bends and every bump.
Because if you stay here long enough, you just might discover an ancient and secret space. Or perhaps, the very best version of yourself.
Feel Like A Kid Again: Include an optional “Sunset Swing” in your Nature Picnic Experience
Skill-Share Modules
Wanna swing too?
Sunset + Charcuterie & Syrah = Perfect Combo
We’ve all heard of a picnic in the park, so think of this savory sojourn as an ideal opportunity to have a sophisticated selection of charcuterie paired with the perfect locally-sourced varietals that will titillate your tastebuds and stimulate your imagination. . .
Locally-sourced varietals from Malibu Wines will titillate your tastebuds. . .
Experience Itinerary
Sunrise | Sunset Drives, Rides, Hikes, Picnics & Swings
Rendezvous at Trailhead | Get Geared Up | Journey to Viewpoints | Snack & Skill-Share or Picnic & Swing | Back to Base
There are a million quiet, secluded spots to have a romantic picnic in the Santa Monica Mountains NRA.
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Ready to say “Cheers?”
A heavy layer of morning fog blankets the landscape as the diurnal shift sets the tone for the day in the Conejo Valley.
Morning Sunrise Excursions
7:30AM - 11AM
Morning Sunrise Excursions: The Santa Monica Mountains, especially in the canyons of the Conejo Valley, are known mostly for what wine aficionados call the “diurnal shift.”
As the sun rises and sets, the barometric pressure swings rapidly in coastal ranges - the warmer air rises through the canyons and is replaced by much cooler air flow from the ocean. This typically leads to heavy layers of fog that blanket the landscape and facilitate healthy, highly-saturated fruits.
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area looks more like the Serengeti than Southern California. . .
But while the region does have a variety of micro-climates that host some vineyards like Malibu Wines (which is a great place for brunch by the way!) it is not primarily known for its local cellars.
A young couple delights in the springtime wonders around every bend in the trail in Palo Comado Canyon.
Want a Pooch Pal?
These rolling hills and old-growth oak forests are very similar to what you might find on California’s Central Coast - only they’re right here in sunny Southern Cali!
When you slow down and take the time to watch and listen, you will soon see the landscape reveals its hidden mysteries in surprising ways. . .
A nesting pair of Golden Eagles display their fortitude while stalking a late-afternoon snack in the Santa Monica Mountains NRA.
California poppies bloom along a springtime trail in the Santa Monica Mountains NRA
Hikers idle the afternoon away under endless waves of gorgeous green grasses in Upper Las Virgenes Open Preserve
Afternoon Sunset Excursions
2PM - SUNSET
Afternoon Excursions: Mid to late afternoon in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is when you get to enjoy “golden hour” at its finest.
As the shadows get longer, the sun seems to get even brighter…
A lone Live Oak stands like a silent sentinel overlooking the sunrise in Upper Las Virgenes Open Preserve.
Kali is enjoying some sunset charcuterie with friends and family in Upper Las Virgenes Open Preserve
Want to stay overnight?
A mother-to-be takes in the view after her picnic brunch in Malibu Creek State Park
Want epic Photos | Drone Video?
About Your Host/Guide
CERTIFIED TOUR GUIDE
Dan Smarg leads an expedition in Lander, Wyoming
National Outdoor Leadership School
Wilderness First-Aid Trained
Expertise | Access | Connection
When I’m not producing commercial content, I’m in the backcountry blazing new trails in my Jeep Rubicon, “Dollie Madison.”
Overlanding is like life: Not every road leads where you want to go, but it just might take you exactly where you want to be.
So let’s roll!
Dan Smarg leads groups of any number - from individuals seeking solitude to full-size families and even entire tribes of friends!
Gear & Services
A rustic teak table and chair set with optional table cloth, flowers and an assortment of charcuterie, cheeses and locally sourced varietals from Malibu Wines.
Included with your “Picnic In The Park Experience” is a full outdoor dining set complete with table-cloth, picnic basket, flatware and your choice of either breakfast, brunch or sunset charcuterie - all prepared and presented for you.
Cover more ground.
Rent an eBike.
If you opt to combine your biking and photography experiences, your Rad Rover eBike is equipped with 26-inch x 4-inch “Fat” tires to enhance stability and traction control in backcountry conditions.
An optional rental to help you explore every twist and turn of these majestic paths before or after your Picnic In The Park, you will have access to a brand new Rad Rover eBike. If you plan to adventure with a partner, you can easily rent a second eBike at POWER-UP Electric Bikes in Calabasas.
Need help transporting your bike(s)?
Multiple Options Available
Equipped with 26x4-inch “fat” tires that enhance stability and traction control in rough, wet or sandy backcountry conditions, this is the perfect “Whip” to get you from A to B.
Peace of mind…
Rest assured, I will guide you to all the coolest spots on my own full-suspension mountain bike or eBike so you never get lost or stranded with a flat.
REQUIRED PERSONAL GEAR
Weather & Activity-Appropriate Clothing
Sturdy Footwear
Special Dietary Foods
Personal Care Items
PROVIDED GEAR & PROVISIONS
Complimentary Bottle of Champagne or Wine
Assorted Breakfast, Brunch or Sunset Charcuterie Plate
Complete Dining Set: Table & 2 Chairs
Tablecloth
Picnic Basket
Flatware
OPTIONAL TERRAIN & VISTAS
Old Growth Oak Forest
Sweeping Rolling Hills
Coastal Ocean Cliffs
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INCLUDED WITH ALL RENTALS
Helmet(s) for 1-2 Riders
Knee & Elbow Pads
Small Backpack
Water Bottle
All Bike Recovery Gear (Tubes, Air Pumps etc.)
FREE Hammock for “Tree Naps”
OPTIONAL SERVICES
Professional Photography Shoot
Professional Drone Shoot
Professional Video Shoot
Multimedia Shoot
OPTIONAL POOCH PAL(S)
Available Upon Request
OPTIONAL OVERNIGHT CAMPING | GLAMPING
Location & Weather-Dependent
LOCAL PARTNERSHIP DISCOUNTS
Let’s toast!
Young family enjoys an afternoon stroll in Upper Las Virgenes Open Preserve
