YOU MUST MAINTAIN A DISTANCE OF SIX FEET FROM OTHERS
DO NOT APPROACH ANYONE WITHOUT YOUR FACE COVERING
***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. Once again – DO NOT APPROACH ANYONE WITHOUT YOUR FACE COVERING!!!
***Hike is waitlisted. For the time being, you must have hiked with us previously. Put yourself on the list and I will add you if I feel you can complete the hike at the group’s pace safely. Also, strict limit of the total number of attendees so please change your RSVP as soon as you know you cannot make it. No crashing.
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We haven’t done this exact route before so stats are a guess. We’ll hike until we find a good spot to stop for a snack/lunch break.
STATS
Distance: 11-12 miles
Dual Rating: 6/10
Elevation gain: >2000 feet
The Trail: Canyon trail out and back
The Plan:
We will meet where Gould Mesa road meets the Crest Highway. The plan is to hike up the canyon five to six miles, take a break, then head back the way we came. The last time we were here, the canyon was nicely shaded with big beautiful trees and a little bit of water in the creek.
Ken Burton trail. Large swaths of the trail were destroyed by the 2009 Station Fire and subsequent El Niño storms. Sections that survived had suffered years of erosion and lack of use or maintenance. It was virtually impassable due to hundreds of downed trees, rock slides, heavy sloughing and failed support structures. In the years shortly after the fire, a few people who ignored the closure order ended up lost and needing rescue.
Directions:
From the 210 Freeway take exit 20, Angeles Crest Hwy (CA-2) towards the mountains. In about 2 miles and shortly past Bay Tree Rd (on the left) you will see parking on the right. Free parking is here.
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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.
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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 to1000 ft. elevation gain
4 – 5+ mile hike w/up to1500 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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