July 1, 2023 – Shorter or Longer Local Conditioning Hike: East Canyon to its end or go on a bit longer to Mission Peak (both are Out and Back)
DISTANCE/ GAIN:
Both hikes are Out and Back (O/B) style; length depends on whether you do the second part (an extra ~3 miles round trip).
NOTE: If you just want to do the “Shorter” hike, you will go to the end of East Canyon and check out with the leader and then head back the same way you arrived, back down East Canyon to the parking lot. It is straightforward but you will also be able to follow the arrows (we will have left) at any turns as you go back to the trail head.
- “Shorter”: East Canyon to the top ~ 6 mile Round trip total with 1320′ gain. Views of SFV, SCV and Oat Mountain, returning to East canyon trail head. Fair warning – this hike starts steeply but does get much easier later. This hike should finish by ~10.30 AM
- “Longer”: Same as above but with an add-on. ~ 9 miles Round Trip hike with 1635′ gain. At the top of East Canyon we turn South on the Sunshine Canyon Motorway for an out and back to Mission Peak (~3 extra miles total). Views of SFV, the Van Norman Reservoir, Balboa Blvd, the West side of San Gabriels and East side of the Santa Susana Mountains off to the West.
RATING:
Hike #1 – Moderate –
Hike #2 – Moderate + (mainly for distance).
Both hikes are not for beginners – you need to be in good physical condition to complete them (due to some decent gain near the start, over a short distance).
DESCRIPTION:
Looks like it may be cooler than earlier in the week (check forecast), so it is a good time to visit the rolling hills, views and quiet oak woodlands of the 480-acre Michael D. Antonovich Open Space.
This area straddles the ridgeline of the Santa Susana Mountains and there may be some mist at start. It features mixed woodlands of big cone Douglas-fir, big leaf maple, coast live oak, California black walnut, native ash, and valley oak. Chances are high we will meet almost no one else for most of the hike.
MEET: Your leader at the East Canyon Trail Head at 7:00AM for a 7:15AM SHARP departure up the canyon.
DIRECTIONS: To East canyon Trail Head ( 34.35065, -118.54585):
Exit the I-5 freeway if going North, at Calgrove Blvd. Turn West and follow Calgrove around a curve and through one signal. You are now on the Old Road. Pass Towsley Cyn on the right; keep going along the road South for 0.8 miles, Look for cars and trailhead on the right. Park on the Road (if you do not want to pay for parking).
BRING: 2 liters water, snack/lunch, hiking poles. Good shoes with tead. If the day is cool, bring an extra layer, especially if going to Mission Peak, as it usually is windy.
ADVENTURE PASS: Not required
DOGS: Ok, if on a leash and well-behaved with other dogs / people.
LEADER(s): Paul H and Gary S.
