COVID precautions still apply. Please be mindful of other people’s space.
This is an advanced exploratory. You must be comfortable in very steep terrain, creek walking, rock hopping, scrambling, bushwhacking and trail finding. Apologies for not adding everyone but trail conditions and exploratory nature are prompting me to keep the group size small.
The Stats
Distance: 6-7 miles
Elevation Gain: >1500
Rating: 7/10, NOT for beginners or slow hikers due to uneven terrain and very steep uphill trail finding
Trail: Single Track, Fire Road, Exposed, Creek Walking, Scrambling
Parking Pass/Fee: NO
The Plan
We did some exploring in this area last May and would like to make a loop out of this usually short waterfall hike. Be sure to wear shoes you can get wet since we’ll be walking in the creek for part of the hike.
The groups pace and sense of adventure will determine how far we go. There are several waterfalls in the area. Most of them can only be accessed with ropes and climbing gear but some of them can be seen with a little effort from adventurous hikers.
The distance we cover won’t be significant but we will be out for a good part of the day. Bring more water than you think you’ll need, snacks and lunch, shoes you can walk in the creek with and poles for stability.
We’ll meet at the Ralphs just off the 210 fwy in Sunland to caravan.
Directions: The Ralphs Supermarket is immediately off the 210 fwy in Sunland. Coming from the 118 fwy, exit at Sunland Blvd. Make a left and it will be on the left side after crossing under the 210. Coming from the 2/134, exit Sunland and go straight. Make a right into the driveway immediately after the closed Sizzler Restaurant. We will leave this location at 8:30.
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The Fine Print
PLEASE – Know your limits and abilities. Bring snacks and drink plenty of liquids when hiking. Check weather conditions and dress accordingly and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Watching out for poison oak, snakes, ticks, uneven footing, spectacular views, beautiful fauna all while interacting with awesome (usually) fellow hikers can be extremely hazardous, rewarding and fun.
The Farzan Rule: Posted hike times are the time the hike starts or we leave from a posted shuttle location. I’m aware other Meetup groups offer a grace period for late arrivals; we don’t. It’s your responsibility to know the location of the meeting spot and be there and ready to participate at the posted time. If you have any concerns about the directions feel free to contact the organizer of the event, preferably in advance of the event and not at the start time. I’m of the opinion that it’s not fair to delay an event when the majority of attendees have arrived on-time. (so named after a conversation I had with a certain un-named member)
RSVP’s: If you RSVP for an event be responsible and update your RSVP if your plans change. If your plans change at the last second and you’re not able to update your RSVP also let us know. In my opinion a no-show is someone who has no regard for following the guidelines we request from our members and will risk being removed from future events that have a limit.
VHC HIKE RATING SCALE
Rating a hike is subjective, meaning the difficulty of a hike will be in direct relation to how often you hike and the type of hike you prefer. Keep in mind that any hike can have the following: un-even hiking surfaces, various obstructions, water and/or water crossings or bouldering and/or rock hopping. A great hike will have all of these!
1 – A long walk
2 – 4 mile hike w/little elevation gain
3 – 5 mile hike w/up to 1000 ft. elevation gain
4 – 5+ mile hike w/up to 1500 ft. elevation gain (heart rate increases at times)
5 – 7+ mile hike w/over 1500 ft. elevation gain (heart rate increasing even more at times)
6 – 7+ mile hike w/over 2000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be trying to remember how to perform CPR)
7 – 5+ mile hike w/over 2000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be muttering expletives to yourself)
8 – 10+ mile hike w/over 3500 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be angry with the hike leader)
9 – 10+ mile hike w/over 5000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be thinking of reporting the hike leader to the authorities)
10 – Use your imagination
Class 3 Scrambling: Scrambling or un-roped climbing. You must use your hands at times to hold the terrain or find your route. This may be caused by a combination of boulders, steepness and extreme terrain. Some Class 3 routes have ropes in place for assistance.
DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY
IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY:
I am a volunteer (i.e. not liable for the group). Safety is a priority for everyone in the group. Think of this as hiking with a group of friends.
Outdoor sports and other events we plan can be inherently dangerous and accidents may happen. By participating in any posted event, you’re taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The Valencia Hiking Crew Meetup Group and its organizers are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions. If you choose to sign up for any Valencia Hiking Crew Meetup events, you are releasing the Valencia Hiking Crew Meetup Group and it’s organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries 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.
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