DESCRIPTION: WEEKDAY HIKE! This hike has an amazing variety of sites and smells including strange geologic formations, frothy streambeds, tar pits, and many different plant communities. The Tataviam people used the naturally occurring asphalt for healing purposes and to seal their basketry. At about the 0.9 mile you will encounter a slot-like canyon called the Narrows which contains layers of nearly vertical rock formations. After the passage through the narrows stay left, then after another 200 yards stay left again and climb the switchbacks to the left that is called the Towsley Canyon Loop Trail. Topping out at 2,450 feet, the trail begins a steep winding descent and includes breathtaking views of lush hillsides and canyons as it heads into Wiley Canyon. Joining a dirt road turn left and head down the canyon. After almost a mile of hiking take the Canyon View Loop Trail to the left which traverses over a summit and takes you back down to Ed Davis Park by the ranger station.
DETAILS:
- Hike leader volunteer(s): Tim R.
- Meet: Towsley Park Parking Lot at 7:45 am, departure at 8:00 am sharp (May 9).
- Distance: Approximately 6.2 miles.
- Elevation gain: Approximately 1,466 feet.
- Time: Approximately 3.5 hours hiking including a snack break.
- Conditioning: You need to be in generally good physical condition.
- Dogs: Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.
- Restrooms – None.
- Adventure Pass – None Required.
IMPORTANT NOTES: We’ll hike at a brisk pace and ask everyone to stay with the group for a friendly and safe outing. Any guest that you wish to invite should join the Community Hiking Club (CHC) to participate. Depending on water flow, we may cross streams, but there aren’t exposures, bugs or other warnings. As always, people may slip and fall, encounter poison oak, snakes, etc. on this hike. This event may be cancelled due to inclement weather at the start of the hike.
ESSENTIAL GEAR:
Hiking boots and poles.
Clothing layers recommended.
Snacks and 2+ liters of water and electrolytes or salt tablets.
Hat and sunscreen.
Additional Hiking and Survival Gear Recommendations (link)
THIS HIKE RANKING: Level 3, Intermediate (see chart below).
CHC HIKE RANKING SCALE:
1. Beginner: 1-3 miles, less than 500 feet elevation gain.
2. Beginner/Intermediate: 1-7 miles, less than 700 feet elevation gain.
3. Intermediate: 5-10 miles, 1000-2000 feet elevation gain.
4. Intermediate/Advanced: 7-12 miles, up to 3000 feet elevation gain.
5. Advanced: 10-17 miles, 3000 feet or more elevation gain.
TRAILHEAD LOCATION:
Towsley Park Parking Lot
24255 The Old Rd, Newhall, CA 91381
FILE DOWNLOADS
We highly recommend the AllTrails app be installed on your cell phones and/or you print a copy of the trail map so you can personally navigate the trail if you need to.
GPS Trail Map (link for downloadable mobile version)
The Community Hiking Club is a Non-Profit 501C3 organization. We rely on donations to continue sponsoring hikes like this. Please contribute by donating via: Cash contribution (at each hike), or via Zelle at 6617135610; or via Venmo at: @Heidi-Webber-5
DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY – IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY:
When you sign up for this event, you are releasing Community Hiking Club from any liability or responsibility with your participation in this group activity. While safety is a priority for everyone in the group, hiking can be inherently risky. By participating in any posted event, you are assuming responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The Community Hiking Club (CHC) Meetup Group and its organizers and hike leaders are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in our events. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions. If you choose to sign up for any Community Hiking Club Meetup events, you are releasing the Community Hiking Club Meetup Group and Hike Leaders from all liability in case of possible injuries or death 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. If you sign up for this hike, you are verifying that this hike is within your abilities.
