DETAILS:
· Hike leader volunteer(s): Dave.
· Meet: Pothole Trailhead in Angeles National Forest.
· Distance: ~ 12,5 Miles total (out and back style)
· Elevation gain: ~ 1, 745
· Time: Approximately 6-7 hours hiking including a couple of 15 minute breaks.
· Conditioning: You’ll need to be in generally good physical condition.
· Dogs: Are but not recommended
· Hiking Poles – recommended
· Restrooms – Trailhead.
· Adventure Pass –Yes.
- Meet at trailhead at 07:45 AM leave at 08:00 AM
Description: A sign marks the trailhead. Plenty of room to park with restroom. The first 2 miles is a road walk where you can enjoy views of the lake and surrounding mountains. After we pass a ranch the road stops and the trail begins. Trail is only 18 inches wide and marked with ribbons at water crossings. Take your time crossing Aqua Blanca creek. Sometimes we will be next to the creek and other times we will be 100 ft or more above. Important to remember the trail is only 18 inches wide. We’ll stop for lunch at Devil’s Gateway then return the way we came.
Hike Leader Notes: This is a beautiful hike but the trail is brushy and narrow, therefore ticks could be a concern. Poison Oak is an issue I suggest you were pants. Bring plenty of water. On my pre-hike I brought 2 liters of water and 1 liter of electrolyte, ran out on the road back. Suggest you leave spare shoes and dry socks in your car. A recovery drink would be a good idea. Saw a few deer and bear tracks on the hike. Sometimes the trail is hard to find. Please remember I have hiked this part of the trail many times.
IMPORTANT NOTES: This is not a speed hike. We’ll need to be careful crossing the many streams and staying on the trail. Do your best to stay with the group for a friendly and safe outing. Any guest that you wish to invite should join the Community Hiking Club (CHC) to participate. As always, people may slip and fall, encounter poison oak, snakes, etc. on this hike. This event may be cancelled due to inclement weather at the start of the hike.
ESSENTIAL GEAR:
Hiking boots and poles.
Clothing layers recommended.
Snacks and 2+ liters of water and electrolytes or salt tablets.
Hat and sunscreen.
Additional Hiking and Survival Gear Recommendations (link)
THIS HIKE RANKING: Level 4, Intermediate/Advanced (see chart below) Mainly for the water crossings, narrow trail, drop offs, miles and elevation gain.
CHC HIKE RANKING SCALE:
1. Beginner: 1-3 miles, less than 500 feet elevation gain.
2. Beginner/Intermediate: 1-7 miles, less than 700 feet elevation gain.
3. Intermediate: 5-10 miles, 1000-2000 feet elevation gain.
4. Intermediate/Advanced: 7-12 miles, up to 3000 feet elevation gain.
5. Advanced: 10-17 miles, 3000 feet or more elevation gain.
TRAILHEAD LOCATION: Enter Lake Piru Recreational Area. Since our hike is in the ANF there will be no charge. At the entry they will ask for some information and give you a map of the recreation area. On the back page top left you will see the road to our trailhead. The road in ANF has potholes but isn’t difficult to drive. Remember we will be heading into the sun, take it easy.
FILE DOWNLOADS
We highly recommend the All Trails app be installed on your cell phones and/or you print a copy of the trail map so you can personally navigate the trail if you need to.
DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY – IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY:
When you sign up for this event, you are releasing Community Hiking Club from any liability or responsibility with your participation in this group activity. While safety is a priority for everyone in the group, hiking can be inherently risky. By participating in any posted event, you are assuming responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The Community Hiking Club (CHC) Meetup Group and its organizers and hike leaders are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in our events. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions. If you choose to sign up for any Community Hiking Club Meetup events, you are releasing the Community Hiking Club Meetup Group and Hike Leaders from all liability in case of possible injuries or death as stated in paragraph 6.2 of the Meetup “Terms of Service” located on the bottom of the Meetup website. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience. If you sign up for this hike, you are verifying that this hike is within your abilities.
The Community Hiking Club is a Non-Profit 501C3 organization. We rely on donations to continue sponsoring hikes like this. Please contribute by donating via: Cash contribution (at each hike), or via Zelle at 6617135610; or via Venmo at: @Heidi-Webber-5
