*** Rain or hot weather will cancel this hike ***
This is an eight mile, out and back, moderately casual hike. We will ramble through amazingly beautiful canyons located above Castaic Lake. Thirty-seven types of endangered species live in this area including the California Condor that we may see flying high above.
We will meet at the white gate at 9:00am and depart promptly at 9:10.
The hike will start on a stretch of asphalt road that descends about ½ mile (this is the steepest portion of the entire hike). We will cross over a bridge to a dirt road that we will follow for a short distance before splitting off to the trail through Fish Canyon and continuing to our destination at the entrance of Piano Box Canyon.
Fish Canyon is interspersed with portions of an old concrete road built in the 1930’s. Throughout the hike we will cross a dry creek bed several times, but we may encounter some water in the creek so be prepared to get your feet wet. Along the way, we will pass a once flourishing national forest campground. There is also an old Chumash hut (‘ap) that we can explore. We will then split off the main trail onto a single track wooded trail toward Piano Box Canyon.
At Piano Box Canyon we will rest and have lunch or snacks. Before heading back we will have time to explore the area and enjoy the steep and dramatic beautiful canyon walls of reddish/orange rock. At the entrance of Piano Box Canyon are remnants of machinery of an old dilapidated mine.
DIRECTIONS:
34.6022, -118.670726
37773 Templin Highway, Angeles National Forest, Castaic, CA 91384
Take the I-5 Freeway North. Exit at Templin Highway East. Turn right at bottom of ramp. Follow this curvy road straight (i.e. do not turn off it), about 10 mins max, all the way until it ends at a closed white gate/ concrete barrier. You can park along the road beside it, leave nothing showing in your vehicle.
HIKING DETAILS:
Distance: ~ 8 Miles (out and back) the trail is fairly level with slight inclines the entire way, the only major hill is the asphalt road coming back up to the cars.
Elevation gain: ~ 500′
Hiking time: 4+ hours
Difficulty: Fit beginner/intermediate
Dogs: Leashed, per State law.
Restrooms: There is an outhouse at the bottom of the asphalt road but it might be knocked over on its side or gone.
Drinking Fountains: No.
Parking: Free.
Known Dangers: Rattlesnakes, slip-‘n-fall.
WHAT TO BRING:
2+ liters of water
Good hiking shoes/boots
Lunch/Snacks/Electrolites/Energy Food
Sunscreen
Hats
Dress according to the weather
DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY:
• You must RSVP to attend this event, no exceptions.
• If you choose to sign up for any event, you are releasing the organizers of Hike and Explore from all liability in case of possible injuries.
• The organizers of Hike and Explore are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips. By participating in any posted event, you’re taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being.
• Hiking and other outdoor events are inherently dangerous and accidents can happen. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions.
• Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience. This applies to any guests you may invite.
