Distance: 7-10 miles, off-trail
Elevation Gain: 1500-3000 feet
Rating: 6/10 ?
Not for beginners. For intermediate and advanced hikers only.
This is a canyon off the East Fork of the San Gabriel River that caught my attention once as I drove by. Based on research online, it seems to be a wide, fairly open, accessible canyon for a few miles, with a stream running thought it this time of year. At the very top of the canyon is Rattlesnake Peak, though we won’t be able to make it that far.
After about 3.5 miles, the canyon becomes much steeper but may still be passable for up to another 1.5 miles. If it looks doable, those interested can continue on and see how far we can get.
Be prepared for stream crossings, some possible bushwhacking, and possible rock scrambling higher up the canyon. There is NO trail here.
Also please watch out for RATTLESNAKES. If you want a scare, check out this video from Graveyard Canyon, which is cued up the the relevant time at 16:15: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AB_icvz4_oE&t=975s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AB_icvz4_oE&t=975s)
We’ll meet at the large dirt parking area with restrooms along the East Fork Rd, exactly 2.5 miles from Highway 39. Because there are restrooms and signage here, an ADVENTURE PASS parking permit may be required – I’m not sure what the rules are these days.
NOTE: The listed end time for the event is just a guess. We may finish much earlier, or possibly later, depending on what conditions we encounter and how far we decide to go.
The Farzan Rule: Posted hike times are the time the hike starts or we leave from a posted shuttle location
PLEASE – Know your limits and abilities. Bring 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 snakes, ticks, uneven footing, spectacular views, beautiful fauna all while carrying on a conversation with awesome (usually) fellow hikers can be extremely hazardous, rewarding and fun. Well behaved dogs are welcome on this one, but need to be picked up after.
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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 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.
