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Fish Canyon Narrows to Rogers Camp

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Fish Canyon Narrows to Rogers Camp

COVID precautions still apply. YOU MUST BRING A FACE COVERING to meet up at the trailhead and to use on trail when it is not possible to avoid close proximity to other hikers. Please be mindful of other people’s space. DO NOT APPROACH ANYONE WITHOUT YOUR FACE COVERING. This will be out and back so we’ll plan on spreading out on the trail.

Please read the write up – there will be stream crossings but water levels are probably low enough to keep your feet dry.

This write up is Don’s:

The Stats

Distance: <11 miles, moderate pace

Elevation Gain: 1100 ft

Rating 5/10

Trail: a bit of asphalt, single track trail, some rock hopping; out and back

Parking fee/pass: NO

The Plan

This elevation gain on such a long hike makes this an advanced beginner router if you’re willing to put forth a bit more effort. If some beginners decide to join us, it is an easy trail to follow if you decide to return to the cars. The further in we go the more potential for water crossings. The main canyon is almost 4 miles in from the start, but with minimal elevation gain, and is quite beautiful. Our final destination and lunch spot will be Rogers Trail Camp. Seemingly in the middle of “no-where” there are a couple of picnic tables, fire ring and even a short tunnel bored into the rock about 20 feet.

The fine print: I have no idea how much water is in the area!!!! It could make it a bit more challenging and hopefully a bit more fun. The chances that we’ll be going through water is about 99%, though not much deeper than a foot. Keep in mind the unavoidable water is not until the middle portion of the hike.

The area: Here, amid the arid-looking mountains north of Castaic Lake, Castaic Creek flows the better part of the year through a sinuous gorge flanked by picturesque sandstone outcrops. The creek is perfect for wading – shallow, slow-moving, and warmed by the sun. Fish Canyon Narrows: In the trenchlike confines of middle Fish Canyon, aridity and moisture stand side by side, separated by a matter of a few yards. Mountain mahogany, manzanita and other drought-resistant shrubs cling to the walls, while a shallow stream gurgles merrily past a line of oaks, sycamores, willows, and cottonwoods. It is almost as if a little slice of the Pacific Northwest was transplanted to Southern California.

And also. . . When we hike this area I’m always asked if the body of water we see to the south is Castaic Lake. Well, I looked it up and here’s what I found:

PUMPED STORAGE

Elderberry Forebay, a small reservoir separated from Castaic Lake by Elderberry Forebay Dam, is located at the upper end of Castaic Lake and provides regulatory storage for Castaic Power Plant. During on-peak hours when the value of energy is high, water from Pyramid Lake, located north of Castaic, flows 7.5 miles through the AngelesTunnel and the turbines of Castaic Power Plant to produce electricity. The water then enters Elderberry Forebay. During off-peak hours (nighttime and all day Sunday) when the cost of power is low, water stored in Elderberry Forebay is pumped back into Pyramid Lake. This type of hydroelectric plant operation is called pumped storage.

Directions:The trailhead is located off of the 5 freeway north of the City of Santa Clarita which is north of the San Fernando Valley. On the 5 freeway go about 6 miles north of Lake Hughes/Castaic and exit at Templin Hwy. Go right to the end of Templin Hwy (about 4 miles). There will be a barrier at the end of Templin; park here. There is also a road that goes to a DWP facility at the end of Templin; you do not need to go down this road.

Carpooling/Caravaning/Lunch Pick-Up: When I hike in this area I usually stop at a Starbuck’s in Valencia. In Valencia exit at Valencia Blvd off of the 5 fwy and go west. Turn right on The Old Road and meet in the Starbucks parking lot. We’ll need to leave the parking lot by 8:00 am. The address for you map challenged navigation folks is 26802 The Old Road, Santa Clarita 91381.

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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 VHC 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 VHC Meetup events, you are releasing the VHC 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.

April 17 2021

Details

Date: April 17, 2021
Time: 8:30 am - 2:00 pm
Hiking Group:
RSVP: Visit Meetup Website

Venue

Fish Canyon Narrows Trailhead

37773 Templin Hwy
Castaic,CA91384US

+ Google Map

Organizer

V H C
Website: Visit Organizer Website

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Trail statistics are approximate. For safety purposes always assume they are underestimated. But don’t be disappointed if they are overestimated. Bring more water and snacks than you think you’ll need.

Trail descriptions are based on previous hikes. Current conditions are unknown until arrival. Expect the unexpected and plan accordingly.

The Organizers and members of Hiking With Dean are not professional leaders, guides, or mountaineers. The function of the member or organizer is only to organize the trip. Each person who shows up for a trip/meetup (and their guest or guests) is responsible for his or her own safety. By attending a hike, or any other event organized by this group, you are acknowledging that you and any guests that you bring are aware of the risks, dangers and hazards associated with the activity and freely accept and fully assume all such risks, dangers and hazards, and further agree to release and discharge the Organizers, Members of the Hiking With Dean Meetup Group from and against any and all liability arising from your participation in the group activities per our ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND LIABILITY WAIVER and Section 6.2 of the Meetup.com Terms of Service.