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SUMMARY:Don's Rocky IV Turkey Trot
DESCRIPTION:YOU MUST MAINTAIN A DISTANCE OF SIX FEET FROM OTHERS \nDO NOT APPROACH ANYONE WITHOUT YOUR FACE COVERING \nFor the safety of yourself and others\, please follow these guidelines so we can continue posting hikes. \n***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. We will be stopping for lunch but there is plenty of room to spread out while our masks are off. Once again – DO NOT APPROACH ANYONE WITHOUT YOUR FACE COVERING!!! \n***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. \nSTATS \nDistance: 9 miles \nDual Rating: 5/10 \nElevation gain: 1400 feet \nThe Trail: A figure 8 loop through 4 rocky parks \nThe Plan: I’ve improved a previous route as we’ll be taking the Old Stagecoach Road to Rocky Peak to Corriganville Park via the Wildlife Corridor to Chatsworth Park to our cars. Bring lunch as there are ample picnic tables in Corriganville. \nThe Old Santa Susana Stagecoach Road is a route taken by early travelers between the San Fernando Valley and Simi Valley near Chatsworth\, California via the Santa Susana Pass. The main route climbs through what is now Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park\, with a branch in Chatsworth Park South. It was an important artery linking the Los Angeles Basin and inland Ventura county\, and was part of the main route for travel by stagecoach between Los Angeles and San Francisco from 1861 until the opening of rail traffic between the cities in 1876. The Old Santa Susana Stage Road is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Part of the stage road is also a Historic-Cultural Monument of Ventura County and of the City of Los Angeles under the name Old Stagecoach Trail. Notice the drainage chutes along the side of the road\, old cisterns used to capture rainwater\, and notches carved out from the wear of wagon wheels. One of the locals has said that there are petroglyph’s to be found on some of the rocks along the trail if you look carefully. A plaque was embedded into the sandstone rock by the Native Daughters of the Golden West in 1937\, commemorating the Old Santa Susana Stage Road. \nRay “Crash” Corrigan\, a cowboy and actor purchased what would become the Corriganville movie ranch in 1937 for $11\,354. The beautiful\, rocky Simi Valley landscape was the setting for the filming of hundreds of movies and T.V. Westerns in the 1940’s and 1950’s. \nIn 1949\, Corrigan opened the property to the public as a western-themed amusement park. The park featured stuntmen shows\, movie lots\, a working western town\, Indian crafts\, stagecoach rides\, pony rides\, and boating on a lake. It attracted as many as 20\,000 people on weekends. \nAs usual know your limits\, bring ample supplies of liquid refreshment\, snacks\, and sunscreen; dress accordingly depending on the weather conditions. Please let someone know if you decide to not finish the hike. Dogs are welcome\, if friendly and must be leashed\, washed\, fed and picked up after. Be on the lookout for rattlesnakes\, ticks\, zombies\, great views\, awesome sights\, friendly fellow hikers and martians. \nDirections:Go west on Devonshire from Topanga Canyon as if you are going to Chatsworth Park. Instead of driving into the (closed) park entrance\, turn left (south) on Larwin Street and go one block until you come to a chain link fence on your right. This is very easy to locate because in addition to the fence\, an old set of power lines runs directly overhead. Park along the curb. We will enter the park through a gap in the fence. \n************************** \nThe Fine Print \nPLEASE – 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. \nThe 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) \nRSVP’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. \nVHC HIKE RATING SCALE \nRating 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! \n1 – A long walk \n2 – 4 mile hike w/little elevation gain \n3 – 5 mile hike w/up to1000 ft. elevation gain \n4 – 5+ mile hike w/up to1500 ft. elevation gain (heart rate increases at times) \n5 – 7+ mile hike w/over 1500 ft. elevation gain (heart rate increasing even more at times) \n6 – 7+ mile hike w/over 2000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be trying to remember how to perform CPR) \n7 – 5+ mile hike w/over 2000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be muttering expletives to yourself) \n8 – 10+ mile hike w/over 3500 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be angry with the hike leader) \n9 – 10+ mile hike w/over 5000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be thinking of reporting the hike leader to the authorities) \n10 – Use your imagination \nClass 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. \nDISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY \nIMPORTANT\, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY: \nI 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. \nOutdoor 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.
URL:https://www.hikingwithdean.com/event/dons-rocky-iv-turkey-trot-2/
LOCATION:10267 Larwin Ave\, 10267 Larwin Ave\, Chatsworth\, CA\, 91311\, US
CATEGORIES:Valencia Hiking Crew
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20201129T083000
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SUMMARY:Gabrielino Trail Out and Back ~ Sudden Hike
DESCRIPTION:YOU MUST MAINTAIN A DISTANCE OF SIX FEET FROM OTHERS \nDO NOT APPROACH ANYONE WITHOUT YOUR FACE COVERING \n***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!!! \n***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. \n**************************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. \nSTATS \nDistance: 11-12 miles \nDual Rating: 6/10 \nElevation gain: >2000 feet \nThe Trail: Canyon trail out and back \nThe Plan: \nWe 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. \nKen 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. \nDirections: \nFrom 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. \n**************************************************** \nThe Fine Print \nPLEASE – 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. \nThe 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) \nRSVP’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. \n**************************************************** \nVHC HIKE RATING SCALE \nRating 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! \n1 – A long walk \n2 – 4 mile hike w/little elevation gain \n3 – 5 mile hike w/up to1000 ft. elevation gain \n4 – 5+ mile hike w/up to1500 ft. elevation gain (heart rate increases at times) \n5 – 7+ mile hike w/over 1500 ft. elevation gain (heart rate increasing even more at times) \n6 – 7+ mile hike w/over 2000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be trying to remember how to perform CPR) \n7 – 5+ mile hike w/over 2000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be muttering expletives to yourself) \n8 – 10+ mile hike w/over 3500 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be angry with the hike leader) \n9 – 10+ mile hike w/over 5000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be thinking of reporting the hike leader to the authorities) \n10 – Use your imagination \nClass 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. \nDISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY \nIMPORTANT\, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY: \nI 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. \nOutdoor 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. \n******************************************************************************
URL:https://www.hikingwithdean.com/event/gabrielino-trail-out-and-back-sudden-hike/
LOCATION:Gould Mesa trailhead\, 5830 CA-2\, La Cañada Flintridge\, CA\, 91011\, US
CATEGORIES:Valencia Hiking Crew
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210131T083000
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UID:10000377-1612081800-1612105200@www.hikingwithdean.com
SUMMARY:Oak Spring and Yerba Buena Ridge Loop
DESCRIPTION:***Hike is waitlisted. For the time being\, you must have hiked with us previously\, strict limit of the total number of attendees \nYOU 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. We will be stopping for lunch but there is plenty of room to spread out while our masks are off. \nNot for beginners \nDistance: 9.5 milesElevation Gain/Loss: 2600ft.Rating: Moderate 7/10Trail: Single track\, fire road\, some paved road. \nDuration: roughly 5-6 hours \nImportant: You will need to drive over a concrete causeway over Gold Creek on Gold Creek Road to access trailhead parking. Normally\, this means a couple of inches of water or less. So please be prepared to drive this water crossing.————— \nPLEASE – 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. \nVHC HIKE RATING SCALE \nRating 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! \n1 – A long walk \n2 – 4 mile hike w/little elevation gain \n3 – 5 mile hike w/up to1000 ft. elevation gain \n4 – 5+ mile hike w/up to1500 ft. elevation gain (heart rate increases at times) \n5 – 7+ mile hike w/over 1500 ft. elevation gain (heart rate increasing even more at times) \n6 – 7+ mile hike w/over 2000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be trying to remember how to perform CPR) \n7 – 5+ mile hike w/over 2000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be muttering expletives to yourself) \n8 – 10+ mile hike w/over 3500 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be angry with the hike leader) \n9 – 10+ mile hike w/over 5000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be thinking of reporting the hike leader to the authorities) \n10 – Use your imagination \nClass 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. \nDISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY \nIMPORTANT\, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY: \nI 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. \nOutdoor 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.
URL:https://www.hikingwithdean.com/event/oak-spring-and-yerba-buena-ridge-loop-2/
LOCATION:Oak Spring Trail (Gold Creek Trailhead)\, 9998-9954 Gold Creek Rd\, Sylmar\, CA\, 91342\, US
CATEGORIES:Valencia Hiking Crew
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210203T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210203T220000
DTSTAMP:20260405T042117
CREATED:20210202T213456Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210202T213456Z
UID:10000306-1612378800-1612389600@www.hikingwithdean.com
SUMMARY:Challenging Steep Night Hike: Teepee Loop off of Mt. Lukens Truck Trail
DESCRIPTION:STATSDifficulty: 4/10 Moderate but steep uphillLength: 3.2 miles\, 1.5 hours plus breaksElevation gain and loss: 1\,150 FtView: Mountains & City LightsDetails: Steep uphill\, great view from midpoint & easy downhill on road \nTRAILHEAD INFOCA-2\, La Cañada Flintridge\, CA 91011 \nGetting there might be tricky so please review the “How To Find Us” section & pull up the location on a map before driving there.If ANY questions\, call Keith 213.507.2221 or Steven 818.516.6444 \nNight-hiking in LA is amazing! Trails are practically empty\, breeze is cool\, & the beautiful city below you offers unlimited full-definition entertainment! \nWe take short rest stops as needed. At the peak/midpoint\, we take a nice break to have beer/soda/snacks & look at beautiful scenery. \nPlease RSVP & arrive by 6:55 pm for a 7 pm start. Change your RSVP ASAP if you can’t make it to give others a chance to hike. Repeat “No Shows” will get last priority on future hikes. \nCOMMON-SENSE NOTES* COVID-19 guidelines apply: Masks\, Social Distancing\, Feeling Well* Please wear proper hiking boots* Consider long pants in case there is some brush along the way* Bring plenty of water to drink* Bring a headlamp to use after dark* Bring a Mask in case you get too close to anyone else* Fun\, yummy snacks are always appreciated* Bring a Cheerful Attitude 🙂 \nWe hike every Wednesday night & for variety we do other trails that are similar to this one (never boring). \nWe hope to see you! \nSteven213.986.SNOW \n* * * * * * * * * *VHC INFO. AND DISCLAIMERS \nFarzan Rule: We start the hike at the Posted hike time-SHARP! \nPLEASE – Know your limits & abilities. Check weather conditions\, dress accordingly & 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 & fun. \nVHC HIKE RATING SCALERating a hike is subjective\, meaning the difficulty of a hike will be in direct relation to how often you hike & the type of hike you prefer. Keep in mind that any hike can have the following: un-even hiking surfaces\, various obstructions\, water/water crossings or bouldering/rock hopping. A great hike will have all of these! \n1 – A long walk2 – 4 mile hike w/little elevation gain (E.G.)3 – 5 mile hike w/up to 1000 ft. E.G.4 – 5+ mile hike w/up to 1500 ft. E.G. (heart rate increases at times)5 – 7+ mile hike w/over 1500 ft. E.G. (heart rate increasing even more at times)6 – 7+ mile hike w/over 2000 ft. E.G. (at times you might be trying to remember how to perform CPR)7 – 5+ mile hike w/over 2000 ft. E.G. (at times you might be muttering expletives to yourself)8 – 10+ mile hike w/over 3500 ft. E.G. (at times you might be angry with the hike leader)9 – 10+ mile hike w/over 5000 ft. E.G. (at times you might be thinking of reporting the hike leader to the authorities)10 – Use your imagination \nDISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITYIMPORTANT\, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY: \nI 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. \nOutdoor sports & other events we plan can be inherently dangerous & accidents may happen. By participating in any posted event\, you’re taking responsibility for your own safety & well-being. The VHC Meetup Group & its organizers are not trained leaders & 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 VHC Meetup events\, you are releasing the VHC Meetup Group & 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 & experience.
URL:https://www.hikingwithdean.com/event/challenging-steep-night-hike-teepee-loop-off-of-mt-lukens-truck-trail/
LOCATION:Mount Lukens Truck Trail\, Mt Lukens Truck Trail\, La Cañada Flintridge\, CA\, US
CATEGORIES:Valencia Hiking Crew
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210205T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210205T150000
DTSTAMP:20260405T042117
CREATED:20210204T213526Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210204T213526Z
UID:10000155-1612519200-1612537200@www.hikingwithdean.com
SUMMARY:Creek and Waterfall -Big Tujunga
DESCRIPTION:***Hike is waitlisted. For the time being\, you must have hiked with us previously\, strict limit of the total number of attendees \nYOU 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. We will be stopping for lunch but there is plenty of room to spread out while our masks are off. \nNot for beginnersWe will cross creek 5 times maybe more if we go for the second waterfall\, wear shoes you don’t mind getting wet. Trail is out and back not hard \nDistance: 7 milesRating: Moderate 7/10Trail: Single track \nIMPORTANT: We are meeting 10:00am at Ralphs 10455 Sunland Blvd\, Sunland-Tujunga\, CA 91040 it is off 210 Fwy. we will caravan from hereI do not recomend carpooling————— \nPLEASE – 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. \nVHC HIKE RATING SCALE \nRating 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! \n1 – A long walk \n2 – 4 mile hike w/little elevation gain \n3 – 5 mile hike w/up to1000 ft. elevation gain \n4 – 5+ mile hike w/up to1500 ft. elevation gain (heart rate increases at times) \n5 – 7+ mile hike w/over 1500 ft. elevation gain (heart rate increasing even more at times) \n6 – 7+ mile hike w/over 2000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be trying to remember how to perform CPR) \n7 – 5+ mile hike w/over 2000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be muttering expletives to yourself) \n8 – 10+ mile hike w/over 3500 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be angry with the hike leader) \n9 – 10+ mile hike w/over 5000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be thinking of reporting the hike leader to the authorities) \n10 – Use your imagination \nClass 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. \nDISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY \nIMPORTANT\, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY: \nI 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. \nOutdoor 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.
URL:https://www.hikingwithdean.com/event/creek-and-waterfall-big-tujunga/
LOCATION:10455 Sunland Blvd\, 10455 Sunland Blvd\, Sunland-Tujunga\, CA\, 91040\, US
CATEGORIES:Valencia Hiking Crew
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210207T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210207T140000
DTSTAMP:20260405T042117
CREATED:20210206T213542Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210206T213542Z
UID:10000159-1612686600-1612706400@www.hikingwithdean.com
SUMMARY:Simi Peak: Lang Ranch Loop
DESCRIPTION:****Waitlisted\, limited to small group. Must follow CDC guidelines and you must have hiked with us previouslyThe plan is to take one of Don’s scramble routes to Simi Peak. \nNot for beginners/no sweepShould you join us\, you must be okay with scrambling\, possible bushwhacking\, loose rocks\, etc. \nWrite up is Don’sThe StatsDistance: 7 milesRating: 5/10Elevation gain: 1700 feet \nThe Trail: A loop trail w/ some minor exploration\, single track and some uneven rock surfaces. \nThe Plan \nNO shuttle as we’ve done in the past. From our meeting point on Lang Ranch Pkwy\, we’ll head in on the Albertson Fireroad before heading straight up a “trail” I recently scouted to the Secret Pasage to Simi Peak (aka Rabbit Ridge). This will put us just below Simi Peak. Once at the peak\, we’ll check out the awesome views of the surrounding areas before heading back to the cars. Our return\, and much simpler route\, will take us through China Flat and than back to Lang Ranch Pkwy via the Albertson Fireroad. \nNote: This is the more rugged approach to Simi Peak and will have some rome rock scrambling and uneven trails. \nFrom Simi Peak (the highest point in the area)\, on a clear day\, you can see the Simi Valley\, Conejo Valley\, San Fernando Valley\, Oxnard Plains\, Pacific Ocean and a few of the Channel Island \nThe Story \nThe Chumash Indians lived in these canyons for thousands of years. Many trails within the canyons were original Chumash trails before they were expanded by cattle ranchers. In this large expanse of habitat\, deer\, bobcats\, coyotes and rabbits roam. Stroll to Sulphur Springs or hike to the top of Simi Peak and view the cities you’ve left behind. \nToday\, a great diversity of plants and animals live in the canyons. Wide-spread oaks and outcrops of sedimentary rock provide excellent nesting sites for owls\, hawks and other raptors (birds of prey). The abundance of raptors indicates a large prey population\, especially small mammals and reptiles. In more rugged areas where cattle didn’t graze\, we can still find a variety of native plant communities\, including chaparral\, coastal sage scrub and riparian woodlands. \nDirections \nFrom the East\, West & South – take the 101 toward Thousand Oaks. Exit at Westlake Boulevard and turn north (away from the ocean). Drive 4.1 miles and turn right on the Lang Ranch Parkway. Continue 0.8 miles and park where the Lang Ranch Parkway makes a sharp left. \nFrom the North – take the 23 south toward Thousand Oaks. Exit at the Avenida De Los Arboles exit and turn left (east) on Avenida De Los Arboles. Drive 1.5 miles and turn right on Westlake Boulevard. Drive 0.2 miles and turn left on the Lang Ranch Parkway. Continue 0.8 miles and park where the Lang Ranch Parkway makes a sharp left. \nParking is free.****************************************The Fine Print \nPLEASE – 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. \nThe 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) \nRSVP’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. \nVHC HIKE RATING SCALE \nRating 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! \n1 – A long walk \n2 – 4 mile hike w/little elevation gain \n3 – 5 mile hike w/up to 1000 ft. elevation gain \n4 – 5+ mile hike w/up to 1500 ft. elevation gain (heart rate increases at times) \n5 – 7+ mile hike w/over 1500 ft. elevation gain (heart rate increasing even more at times) \n6 – 7+ mile hike w/over 2000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be trying to remember how to perform CPR) \n7 – 5+ mile hike w/over 2000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be muttering expletives to yourself) \n8 – 10+ mile hike w/over 3500 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be angry with the hike leader) \n9 – 10+ mile hike w/over 5000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be thinking of reporting the hike leader to the authorities) \n10 – Use your imagination \nClass 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. \nDISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY \nIMPORTANT\, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY: \nI 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. \nOutdoor 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 VHC 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 VHC Meetup events\, you are releasing the VHC 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.**********************************************************************************
URL:https://www.hikingwithdean.com/event/simi-peak-lang-ranch-loop-2/
LOCATION:3536 Lang Ranch Pkwy\, 3536 Lang Ranch Pkwy\, Thousand Oaks\, CA\, 91362\, US
CATEGORIES:Valencia Hiking Crew
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210214T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210214T150000
DTSTAMP:20260405T042117
CREATED:20210212T213406Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210212T213406Z
UID:10000398-1613289600-1613314800@www.hikingwithdean.com
SUMMARY:The Grand Canyon (not that one)
DESCRIPTION:WAITLISTED to small group. MUST follow CDC guidelines \nDistance: 12 miles round tripRating: 9/10\, due to exploratoryElevation gain: 2500 ft.Trail: Lollipop route\, single track\, asphalt\, fire roads and no trail in the GC. \nAdditional Notes: I will only allow people that I have been hiking with during quarantine AND to those I have hiked this trail with before. There will be some bushwhacking and butt sliding. Long Pants? Long sleeve shirts? Band Aid re-supply? \nThe Plan \nBelow the slopes of Mount Lowe\, the “Grand Canyon” is modest by the standards of the San Gabriels and certainly bears no resemblance to the famous ditch of the same name. The uphill leg of this adventure follows the path visitors once took on the Mount Lowe RR to get to the Alpine Tavern where our entry into the Grand Canyon begins. The off-trail hike down the length of the Grand involves the descent of several steep but short earthen slopes (most safely accomplished by sliding on one’s rear end)\, but is otherwise a quite straightforward off-trail hike. It involves a pleasant wooded canyon where there are several human artifacts of interest. At its terminus the Grand discharges into Millard Canyon where we’ll pick up a trail back up to the Sunset Ridge trail and back towards Echo. Once at Echo we can either take the E-Pole or standard route down depending on how “beat up” we are. \nThe Story \nThe portion of the Mt. Lowe Railway beyond Echo Mountain was the Alpine Division\, which took visitors up to the Alpine Tavern for food and accommodations. The Alpine Division\, according to the Pacific Electric Railway’s Employee’s Timetable\, was 3.57 miles in length\, and her longest stretch of straight track just 225’. Yet another highlight on the Alpine Division was Circular Bridge\, about the halfway point to Alpine Tavern from Echo Mountain. This engineering fete was the brainchild of engineer David Macpherson\, where the track completes a full circle and doubles back on itself at a higher level. Those that remember riding on this route in its heyday say this was the scariest part of the ride. Cars would periodically stop for souvenir shots. Upon arriving at Crystal Springs and Alpine Tavern\, the terminus of the Alpine Division\, one could have a bite to eat and stay the night. Other amusements in the area included hiking or horseback riding to the summit of Mount Lowe\, billiards\, miniature golf\, tennis\, viewing the silver fox farm\, hiking up to Inspiration Point\, riding the famous One Man and a Mule Railway\, or just mingling with the visitors around the great fireplace. \nDirections: Parking is limited so plann on arriving on-time. If you click the link above\, the actual meeting spot is where Chaney Trail intersects with Mt. Lowe Rd. \nTo the Chaney Trail Gate: Exit the 210 fwy in Pasadena at Fair Oaks and go north to Loma Alta Dr. Turn left here and then turn right on Chaney Trail (flashing yellow light overhead). Take Chaney Trail to the top\, you’ll see a gate to your right. Park here\, but do not block the gate. continuing down the road past where the gate is will take you down to parking for Millard Campground. We are not meeting down there. \nThis location does require a National Forest Adventure Pass for parked vehicles. These passes can be purchased at most ranger stations (if open) in the area of our hike\, most sporting goods\, convenience stores and gas stations. The cost is $5/day or $30/yr. When buying an annual pass for $30 you can also buy an additional annual pass for $5. Splitting this fee with someone is the most economical way to get the passes. A National Parks Pass can also be used for parking as well and should have come with a rear view mirror hanger. \n******************************************************************* \nThe Fine Print \nPLEASE – 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. \nThe 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) \nRSVP’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. \nVHC HIKE RATING SCALE \nRating 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! \n1 – A long walk \n2 – 4 mile hike w/little elevation gain \n3 – 5 mile hike w/up to1000 ft. elevation gain \n4 – 5+ mile hike w/up to1500 ft. elevation gain (heart rate increases at times) \n5 – 7+ mile hike w/over 1500 ft. elevation gain (heart rate increasing even more at times) \n6 – 7+ mile hike w/over 2000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be trying to remember how to perform CPR) \n7 – 5+ mile hike w/over 2000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be muttering expletives to yourself) \n8 – 10+ mile hike w/over 3500 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be angry with the hike leader) \n9 – 10+ mile hike w/over 5000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be thinking of reporting the hike leader to the authorities) \n10 – Use your imagination \nClass 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. \nDISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY \nIMPORTANT\, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY: \nI 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. \nOutdoor 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.
URL:https://www.hikingwithdean.com/event/the-grand-canyon-not-that-one/
LOCATION:Chaney Trail gate\, 3730 Chaney Trail\, Altadena\, CA\, 91001\, US
CATEGORIES:Valencia Hiking Crew
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210226T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210226T190000
DTSTAMP:20260405T042117
CREATED:20210224T213413Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210224T213413Z
UID:10000176-1614355200-1614366000@www.hikingwithdean.com
SUMMARY:Mt Thom Full Moon Picnic
DESCRIPTION:*** 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. DO NOT APPROACH ANYONE WITHOUT YOUR FACE COVERING. \n*** Hike is waitlisted. For the time being\, you must have hiked with us previously. Limiting the total number of attendees (~10) so please change your RSVP immediately if you cannot make it. Apologies for not being able to add everyone but safety is the main priority right now. \nBring a headlamp and warm layers! \nNO potluck\, bring food for just yourself\, something comfortable to sit on and maybe a small sheet or blanket. There will be a concrete platform to safely spread out on. \n************************* \nAny pace welcome to hike Mt Thom as an out and back. The plan is to hike up to the Las Flores Motorway\, take in the views with some snacks\, enjoy the full moon and head back the way we came. There will be a couple points to stop along the way to take a short break and regroup. It’s pretty straightforward but will mark the trail\, if needed. \nSTATS \nDistance: 6.5 miles \nElevation Gain: 1400 feet \nRating: Moderate 5/10\, not for beginners \nTrail: fire road\, single track\, some shade \nBring a headlamp and warm layers!! \nWe will meet at the gate at the end of Sunshine Dr. Street parking is restricted close to the gate so pay attention to parking signs. We will park down the road on Sunshine Dr or Balmoral Dr where there is free residential parking. When returning to the cars\, please keep in mind this is a residential neighborhood. \nDirections: \nTake the exit for Mountain St from the 2/Glendale Fwy between the 210 and 134 fwys. Turn onto E Mountain St going downhill to N Verdugo Rd. Make a right turn on N Verdugo Rd. In about a quarter of a mile\, take the left split to Canada Blvd. Follow Canada for about a half mile and make a left onto Colina Dr. Take Colina to Sunshine Dr. Continue on to the intersection of Sunshine and Sandringham Dr.\, just after the stop sign at Polaris Dr. There should be street parking available on your right. We will walk a short distance up Sunshine to the gate at the end of the road. \n************************** \nThe Fine Print \nPLEASE – 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. \nThe 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) \nRSVP’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. \nPLEASE – 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. \nVHC HIKE RATING SCALE \nRating 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! \n1 – A long walk \n2 – 4 mile hike w/little elevation gain \n3 – 5 mile hike w/up to 1000 ft. elevation gain \n4 – 5+ mile hike w/up to 1500 ft. elevation gain (heart rate increases at times) \n5 – 7+ mile hike w/over 1500 ft. elevation gain (heart rate increasing even more at times) \n6 – 7+ mile hike w/over 2000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be trying to remember how to perform CPR) \n7 – 5+ mile hike w/over 2000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be muttering expletives to yourself) \n8 – 10+ mile hike w/over 3500 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be angry with the hike leader) \n9 – 10+ mile hike w/over 5000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be thinking of reporting the hike leader to the authorities) \n10 – Use your imagination \nClass 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. \nDISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY \nIMPORTANT\, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY: \nI 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. \nOutdoor 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 VHC 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 VHC Meetup events\, you are releasing the VHC 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.
URL:https://www.hikingwithdean.com/event/mt-thom-full-moon-picnic/
LOCATION:1199 Sunshine Dr\, 1199 Sunshine Dr\, Glendale\, CA\, 91208\, US
CATEGORIES:Valencia Hiking Crew
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210227T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210227T140000
DTSTAMP:20260405T042117
CREATED:20210225T213420Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210225T213420Z
UID:10000182-1614416400-1614434400@www.hikingwithdean.com
SUMMARY:Haines Canyon to Mt Lukens
DESCRIPTION:*** 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. DO NOT APPROACH ANYONE WITHOUT YOUR FACE COVERING. \n*** Hike is waitlisted. For the time being\, you must have hiked with us previously. Limiting the total number of attendees (~12) so please change your RSVP immediately if you cannot make it. Apologies for not being able to add everyone but safety is the main priority right now. Those we’ve been hiking with who demonstrate Covid precautions will be given priority. \nSTATS \nDistance: 10.5 Miles \nElevation Gain: 2900 ft \nDuration: 5 hours \nTrail: Fire road and single track\, w/areas of deteriorating trails and steep\, uneven downhills\, possible bushwhacking \nRating: 8/10\, due to trail condition and gain \nParking pass: Not needed \nNot for beginners – no sweep!! We’ll be keeping a moderate pace and regrouping as needed. \nWrite up is Don’s: \nTHE STORY \nNot many small or medium-sized cities can boast three mountain ranges within its border\, but Glendale does. Stretching east and north from the San Fernando Valley\, the city takes in substantial parts of the San Rafael Hills and the Verdugo Mountains\, plus a small slice of the San Gabriel Mountains at the city’s northern extremity. \nAt this northernmost spot in Glendale\, overlooking the foothill communities of La Crescenta and Tujunga\, lies Deukmejian Wilderness Park\, named after the former California Governor George Deukmejian. The park’s 700 acres of chaparral-covered slopes are drained by two ravines with steep gradients: Cooks Canyon and Dunsmore Canyon. During the mid-20th Century\, the area alongside the Dunsmore Canyon stream was used by the Le Mesnager family as a vineyard\, An old stone barn at the trailhead is reminiscent of that time. \nMt. Lukens is the tallest peak within the Los Angeles city limits\, and it has spectacular views of the Los Angeles basin and surrounding mountains from the summit. \nOn exceptional days both the south and west facing beaches can be seen. When looking north\, you see a large portion of the Tujunga Canyon watershed with views of Condor Peak (http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/188361/condor-peak.html)\, Fox Mountain # 2 (http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/197574/fox-mountain-2.html)\, Josephine Peak (http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/155186/josephine-peak.html)\, Strawberry Peak (http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/151749/strawberry-peak.html)\, and more. \nWe usually make a loop from Deukmejian Wilderness Park in Glendale\, but this time we’re going to try a route that’s been on my list for a while – starting at the Haines Debris Basin. I have not done this route but the trail should be pretty straightforward. \nThe portion of the Rim of the Valley trail in particular has some areas of loose rocks and soil as well as a few Yucca maize portions. Walking poles could be helpful to some in these areas. \nDIRECTIONS \nFrom the 210 fwy take the Lowell Ave exit to Honolulu Ave. Go west. It veers right and turns into Tujunga Cyn Blvd. In just over a mile and a half turn right on Haines Cyn Ave. Make a right on Day St and a left to join Haines Cyn again. Though we will be meeting at the very end of Haines\, there isn’t much parking there so grab any available parking spot you see when you’re on Haines or turn left on Apperson St to look for a spot. \nWe will meet at the gate at the end of Haines. Please keep in mind this is a residential neighborhood – keep any noise to a minimum. Allow yourself a few extra minutes to find parking and walk to the trailhead. \n************************************************** \nThe Fine Print \nPLEASE – 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. \nThe 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) \nRSVP’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. \nVHC HIKE RATING SCALE \nRating 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! \n1 – A long walk \n2 – 4 mile hike w/little elevation gain \n3 – 5 mile hike w/up to 1000 ft. elevation gain \n4 – 5+ mile hike w/up to 1500 ft. elevation gain (heart rate increases at times) \n5 – 7+ mile hike w/over 1500 ft. elevation gain (heart rate increasing even more at times) \n6 – 7+ mile hike w/over 2000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be trying to remember how to perform CPR) \n7 – 5+ mile hike w/over 2000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be muttering expletives to yourself) \n8 – 10+ mile hike w/over 3500 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be angry with the hike leader) \n9 – 10+ mile hike w/over 5000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be thinking of reporting the hike leader to the authorities) \n10 – Use your imagination \nClass 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. \nDISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY \nIMPORTANT\, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY: \nI 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. \nOutdoor 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. \n*******************************
URL:https://www.hikingwithdean.com/event/haines-canyon-to-mt-lukens/
LOCATION:Haines Canyon\, Los Angeles\, CA\, 91042\, US
CATEGORIES:Valencia Hiking Crew
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210308T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210308T190000
DTSTAMP:20260405T042117
CREATED:20210308T213407Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210308T213407Z
UID:10000428-1615219200-1615230000@www.hikingwithdean.com
SUMMARY:Sudden Hike ~ Skyline Trail in Honor of Don T.
DESCRIPTION:*** 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. DO NOT APPROACH ANYONE WITHOUT YOUR FACE COVERING. Hike is waitlisted. For the time being\, you must have hiked with us previously. \nFor those who never had the pleasure of hiking with Don\, I can’t say enough about what a remarkable person he was and what a profound influence he had on so many lives – how much he put in to grow his group\, make it uniquely his own and fill our weekends with memorable adventures\, all while making great friends in the process. You can find hiking groups everywhere but Don had a way of finding the best routes\, on and off the beaten path…and always included a personal touch in his write ups. Every year\, we try to do a birthday hike to remember and honor him. \nFeel free to bring snacks to eat but sharing is discouraged at this time due to Covid. \nSTATS \nDistance: 6.5 miles \nElevation Gain: 1700 feet. \nRating: Moderate 5/10\, not for beginners. \nTrail: Fire Road\, Non-maintained Fire Road and Single Track w/very little shade. \nDaylight Saving Time doesn’t end until the weekend so bring a headlamp. \nWe will meet at the Skyline trailhead and make our way to the Verdugo Motorway\, maybe go to one of the towers\, and head back the way we came. When returning to the cars\, please keep in mind this is a residential neighborhood. \nDirections: \nIf heading north on the 5 fwy\, take Olive exit to Olive Ave. Head northeast\, towards the mountains\, until you reach the Country Club arch. Drive through. Road becomes Country Club Dr. Follow it until road veers right to S. Via Montana. \nIf heading south on the 5 fwy\, take the Verdugo Ave exit. Make a left. Follow the road as it turns left and becomes Verdugo. Head northeast\, towards the mountains. Make a left on any of the ten streets to Olive Ave where you will turn right. Follow Olive until you reach the Country Club arch. Drive through. Road becomes Country Club Dr. Follow it until road veers right to S. Via Montana. Park on either side of street when the first house on the left comes into view. \n************************** \nThe Fine Print \nPLEASE – 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. \nThe 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) \nRSVP’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. \nPLEASE – 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. \nVHC HIKE RATING SCALE \nRating 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! \n1 – A long walk \n2 – 4 mile hike w/little elevation gain \n3 – 5 mile hike w/up to 1000 ft. elevation gain \n4 – 5+ mile hike w/up to 1500 ft. elevation gain (heart rate increases at times) \n5 – 7+ mile hike w/over 1500 ft. elevation gain (heart rate increasing even more at times) \n6 – 7+ mile hike w/over 2000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be trying to remember how to perform CPR) \n7 – 5+ mile hike w/over 2000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be muttering expletives to yourself) \n8 – 10+ mile hike w/over 3500 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be angry with the hike leader) \n9 – 10+ mile hike w/over 5000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be thinking of reporting the hike leader to the authorities) \n10 – Use your imagination \nClass 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. \nDISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY \nIMPORTANT\, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY: \nI 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. \nOutdoor 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 VHC 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 VHC Meetup events\, you are releasing the VHC 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.
URL:https://www.hikingwithdean.com/event/sudden-hike-skyline-trail-in-honor-of-don-t/
LOCATION:Skyline Trailhead\, 300 South Via Montana\, Burbank\, CA\, US
CATEGORIES:Valencia Hiking Crew
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210313T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210313T150000
DTSTAMP:20260405T042117
CREATED:20210310T213458Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210310T213458Z
UID:10000430-1615626000-1615647600@www.hikingwithdean.com
SUMMARY:ZUMA - Ridge and Scramble Loop
DESCRIPTION:*** 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. DO NOT APPROACH ANYONE WITHOUT YOUR FACE COVERING. \n*** 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. Limiting the total number of attendees so please change your RSVP immediately if you cannot make it. Apologies for not being able to add everyone but safety is the main priority right now. Those we’ve been hiking with who demonstrate Covid precautions will be given priority. \n************************** \nWe gave this route a try last year. Though we saw damage from the fire and rains\, the landscape didn’t seem too drastically changed. It’s not Don’s original Zuma but it will have to do for now so we can avoid a car shuttle. Only sign up if you are ok with route finding\, uneven terrain and trail washouts. Towards the end\, there is also a wall to climb up with the assistance of a rope. \nThis is a twist on Don’s Zuma Creek. No car shuttle for this one. We will be starting at Newton Canyon\, going up part of the Backbone Trail to the Zuma Ridge Trail and Buzzard’s Roost. From there\, we’ll drop down to the canyon and continue up Zuma Creek – scrambling\, rock hopping and creek walking. Wear shoes you can get wet. \nWrite-up is Don’s (with some modification): \nThe Stats \nDistance: >10-11 miles – a guess \nElevation Gain: >2000 feet – a guess \nLevel: 8 out of 10\, scenery factor: priceless \nThe Trail: Single track\, rock & boulder hopping\, scrambling\, trailblazing and some bushwhacking. PO avoidance. \nTime: 6-7+ hours \n \n \nThe Plan \nDon’t let the mileage fool ya this is a beautiful\, very RUGGED and STRENUOUS hike through Upper Zuma Canyon\, and Newton Canyon. There is poison oak everywhere in this canyon so you’ll be determining how sensitive you are to it if you don’t already know. I’d definitely recommend a thorough post hike scrubbing with one of the many PO products on the market. Hike involves some BUSHWHACKING and mostly CLIMBING OVER BOULDERS. Good balance and rock climbing skills are helpful. Also\, depending on water flow\, you can count on getting your feet wet. \nA good portion of the hike is BOULDERING and some CLIMBING over huge sandstone boulders along Zuma Creek. We’ll stop for a lunch where Edison Rd intersects Zuma creek before starting our bouldering portion of our return to the cars. While the trail up to this point will have been a bit of a challenge this is really where the fun starts. Towards the end of the hike\, there’s a steep hill to climb (possibly crawl) up. \nTHIS HIKE TAKES A LOT OF ENERGY!!! (mostly due to climbing up and around the boulders). \nBring Lunch. \nRain does not cancel. \nMy recommended Poison Oak remedy. Apply “Ivy Off” before the hike. Have a damp wash cloth with pre applied grease cutting dish soap on it in a zip lock. Wash exposed areas at the last water crossing before climbing out of the canyon. Shower with cold water and more dish soap ASAP. \nDirections \nWe’ll meet at the Backbone Trail Trail Head parking on Kanan Dume at Newton Canyon Trailhead. \nFrom PCH: go north on Kanan Dume Rd. Kanan Dume is west of Pepperdine\, west of Latigo Canyon Rd\, and east of Trancas Canyon Rd. Go about 4.1 miles. It will be on the left just after the first tunnel. \nFrom the 101 (Ventura Freeway): go south on Kanan Dume Rd. Pass Mulholland and Latigo Canyon Rd. On Kanan you’ll go through two tunnels. The trail head will be on the right just before the third tunnel. \n************************** \nThe Fine Print \nPLEASE – 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. \nThe 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) \nRSVP’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. \nVHC HIKE RATING SCALE \nRating 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! \n1 – A long walk \n2 – 4 mile hike w/little elevation gain \n3 – 5 mile hike w/up to 1000 ft. elevation gain \n4 – 5+ mile hike w/up to 1500 ft. elevation gain (heart rate increases at times) \n5 – 7+ mile hike w/over 1500 ft. elevation gain (heart rate increasing even more at times) \n6 – 7+ mile hike w/over 2000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be trying to remember how to perform CPR) \n7 – 5+ mile hike w/over 2000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be muttering expletives to yourself) \n8 – 10+ mile hike w/over 3500 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be angry with the hike leader) \n9 – 10+ mile hike w/over 5000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be thinking of reporting the hike leader to the authorities) \n10 – Use your imagination \nClass 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. \nDISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY \nIMPORTANT\, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY: \nI 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. \nOutdoor 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.
URL:https://www.hikingwithdean.com/event/zuma-ridge-and-scramble-loop/
LOCATION:Backbone Trail – Kanan Trailhead\, Kanan Dume Rd\, Malibu\, CA\, 90265
CATEGORIES:Valencia Hiking Crew
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210317T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210317T203000
DTSTAMP:20260405T042117
CREATED:20210316T213421Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210316T213421Z
UID:10000434-1616000400-1616013000@www.hikingwithdean.com
SUMMARY:Tree of Life in the Verdugos-loop
DESCRIPTION:*** 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. DO NOT APPROACH ANYONE WITHOUT YOUR FACE COVERING. \n*** 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. Limiting the total number of attendees so please change your RSVP immediately if you cannot make it. Apologies for not being able to add everyone but safety is the main priority right now. Those we’ve been hiking with who demonstrate Covid precautions will be given priority. \nDistance: 5 miles-ish \nElevation Gain: <2000 ft. \nRating: 6/10\, not for beginners \nTrail: Single Track\, Fire Break\, Fire Road – steep uphill sections \nDirections: We will meet off the 210 fwy across Southland Nursery\, from here we will take the steepest trail up. After our snack break at the Tree of Life we will go back to our cars down the fire road. Bring headlamp \nCheck the Weather (http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/hdfForecast?query=Sunland%2C+California) \n***************************************** \nThe Fine Print \nPLEASE – 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. \nThe 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) \nRSVP’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. \nVHC HIKE RATING SCALE \nRating 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! \n1 – A long walk \n2 – 4 mile hike w/little elevation gain \n3 – 5 mile hike w/up to1000 ft. elevation gain \n4 – 5+ mile hike w/up to1500 ft. elevation gain (heart rate increases at times) \n5 – 7+ mile hike w/over 1500 ft. elevation gain (heart rate increasing even more at times) \n6 – 7+ mile hike w/over 2000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be trying to remember how to perform CPR) \n7 – 5+ mile hike w/over 2000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be muttering expletives to yourself) \n8 – 10+ mile hike w/over 3500 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be angry with the hike leader) \n9 – 10+ mile hike w/over 5000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be thinking of reporting the hike leader to the authorities) \n10 – Use your imagination \nClass 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. \nDISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY \nIMPORTANT\, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY: \nI 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. \nOutdoor 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 VHC 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 VHC Meetup events\, you are releasing the VHC 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.
URL:https://www.hikingwithdean.com/event/tree-of-life-in-the-verdugos-loop/
LOCATION:7415 La Tuna Canyon Rd\, 7415 La Tuna Canyon Rd\, Sun Valley\, CA\, 91352\, US
CATEGORIES:Valencia Hiking Crew
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210320T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210320T130000
DTSTAMP:20260405T042117
CREATED:20210317T213618Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210317T213618Z
UID:10000435-1616227200-1616245200@www.hikingwithdean.com
SUMMARY:Slide Mountain Fire Lookout Tower
DESCRIPTION:Details \nDistance: 11 miles RT\, out and back \nElevation Gain: 2\,600 approx. \nIf you enjoy a good workout hike that ends with a great 360 degree view of the North West section of the Angeles National Forest\, including Pyramid lake\, then Slide Mountain Lookout is the place to be. \nThe Slide Mountain Lookout is a two-story metal tower with the cab on top. Built in association with the construction of Pyramid Reservoir in 1969\, it has vistas of Interstate 5 and the Sespe Wilderness. \nSlide Mountain is listed in the National Historic Lookout Register. \nhttps://www.anffla.org/towers/slide-mountain/ \nDESCRIPTION Slide Mountain Lookout tower is accessed from the end of Templin Hwy. The trail is accessed by walking on a closed portion of the Templin Hwy for a bit over a mile and then it’s a fire road and trail to the tower. You can see the tower from the 5 freeway. There will be some amazing views from the top. \nDIRECTIONS Follow I-5 North past Castaic to the Templin Highway exit. Turn left underneath the Interstate and drive about 1/4 mile to “T-intersection\,” that will be Old 99 / Golden State Hwy.Take this to the end. This is Frenchman’s Flat. \nPARKING PASS REQUIRED As with all National Forest Land\, a parking pass is required. You can purchase a National Forest Adventure Pass\, Day ($5\, Pink in color) or Annual ($30\, color depends on year)\, at most major L.A. area sporting good stores like REI and Big 5. You will get a ticket here if you don’t have an adventure pass. \nDISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY \nIMPORTANT\, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY: \nI 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. As a courtesy and in keeping with Covid-19 safety protocols\, hikers are expected to wear a mask if within 6 feet of another hiker. Hike is cross-posted with Early Bird Hiking Meetup
URL:https://www.hikingwithdean.com/event/slide-mountain-fire-lookout-tower/
LOCATION:Frenchmans Flat Campground\, Castaic\, CA\, 91384\, US
CATEGORIES:Valencia Hiking Crew
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210320T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210320T190000
DTSTAMP:20260405T042117
CREATED:20210319T213459Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210319T213459Z
UID:10000442-1616259600-1616266800@www.hikingwithdean.com
SUMMARY:Mission Peak from Neon Way Conditioning Hike
DESCRIPTION:Description:The hike ascends to Mission Point\, aka Mission Peak\, via the Mario A DeCampos Trail. The peak is the second highest summit in the Santa Susana mountain range behind Oat Mountain. This trail meanders up a beautiful ridge through walnut and oak groves and open grassland\, providing broad views of the San Fernando Valley and its surrounding mountains. Just before reaching Mission Peak the trail takes a series of switchbacks\, which Don T calls the “Stacked Rock Switchbacks” and pass the trees locally known as “Three Trees.” This is an out and back hike and while there are a few more steep areas most of the elevation gain is spread throughout the hike. The trail is a nice fire road with no steep drop offs. It can be windy at times or at certain areas of the trail. \nDuration: 2 hours \nAllTrails info:https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/mission-point-via-de-campos-trail \nFor Safety:Carry water. Wear proper footwear\, bring snacks\, sunscreen\, a hat and be aware of weather conditions. Dogs must be friendly\, leashed and picked up after. Bring water for your dog! Know your limits and if you’re having problems or decide not to finish a hike please let someone know. Be alert for ticks\, rattlesnakes\, hyrax\, skink and poison oak.The purpose of this meetup is to have a regular place where people can unwind and safely hike in the company of friends after work. Considering that the start time is at 5:45 p.m.\, the tailend of the hike will be past dusk. So\, bring a headlamp to avoid any mishap while we go down the trail. \nFor Covid-19 rules\, see comment of the host. \nDirections:From the 405 Fwy get on the 118 Fwy going west and exit Balboa Blvd and turn right going north\, 2 miles to Sesnon Blvd. turn left 1 mile to Neon Way\, turn right\, it will dead end into a cul-de-sac. From the Santa Clarita area you can exit the 5 Fwy at Balboa and turn right on Sesnon following the above directions from there. \nThis location IS NOT in O’Melveny Park which you will pass heading to our meeting spot. This is a residential neighborhood so please be courteous when parking. There’s not a lot of parking on the cul-de-sac\, but plenty in the area so leave yourselves a little bit of time to get to our meeting spot. \nMapquest (private residence) (http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Granada+Hills&state=CA&address=12863+Neon+Way) \n******************************************************************* \nThe Fine PrintThe 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)” ~Don T.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. \nDISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY: \nIMPORTANT\, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETYI 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. \nOutdoor 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.
URL:https://www.hikingwithdean.com/event/mission-peak-from-neon-way-conditioning-hike/
LOCATION:Mission Peak\, 12999 Neon Way\, Granada Hills\, CA\, 91344\, US
CATEGORIES:Valencia Hiking Crew
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210321T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210321T140000
DTSTAMP:20260405T042117
CREATED:20210319T213459Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210319T213459Z
UID:10000444-1616320800-1616335200@www.hikingwithdean.com
SUMMARY:Sunday Saunter from Haines Cyn to Hidden Terraces and Beyond
DESCRIPTION:*** 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. DO NOT APPROACH ANYONE WITHOUT YOUR FACE COVERING. \n*** Hike is waitlisted. For the time being\, you must have hiked with us previously. Limiting the total number of attendees so please change your RSVP immediately if you cannot make it. Apologies for not being able to add everyone but safety is the main priority right now. Those we’ve been hiking with who demonstrate Covid precautions will be given priority. \nSTATS \nDistance: 4 mi out and back or 7.5 mi lollipop \nElevation Gain: 1500 give or take \nDuration: 4 hours \nTrail: Fire road and single track\, w/areas of deteriorating trails and steep\, uneven downhills\, possible bushwhacking \nRating: 7/10\, due to trail condition and gain \nParking pass: Not needed \n***This is NOT a conditioning hike. The pace will be as fast as the slowest hiker.*** \nThis is a relaxed pace Sunday saunter. We won’t be in a rush and will have an opportunity to do some exploring in the area below Mt Lukens. \nFrom Haines Canyon Debris Basin\, we’ll go in search of a hidden gem Shawn\, of Saturday Morning Hikers\, shared with me the last time we hiked in the area. Hidden Terraces was a well kept secret until the Station Fire in 2009 revealed its location. We’ll take a long break here to enjoy our find. If you’d like\, you can turn back here for a 4 mile round trip hike or continue to see the blue bug just off the trail on the way to Mt. Lukens. From there\, we’ll connect to the part of the trail that will take us back to the debris basin to complete a 7.5 mile hike. \nWalking poles could be helpful. \nTHE STORY \nHistorically\, Haines Canyon had a dependable water flow. The stream was channeled and piped to bring water to Tujunga via the Haines Canyon Water Company. Apparently\, because of this\, a small community (gone today) developed high in the canyon\, which carried the unlikely name of Azteca Park. Also\, an extensive sand and gravel open-pit mine was dug at the canyon mouth in the early ’30s. This open pit has an interesting story attached to it. \nLike all the canyons of the San Gabriels\, when it rained hard\, a mixture of water\, rocks and mud gushed out of Haines Canyon\, flooding the town below. But\, in the big flood of New Years 1934\, the gravel pit was there to interrupt the deadly flow coming out of Haines Canyon. While every other canyon poured rocks and mud into the neighborhoods below\, the big gravel pit caught and held the debris flow\, saving the residents below the canyon. This example is said to have been the inspiration for the debris basins that were built everywhere after the ’34 flood. \n– Mike Lawler \nThe mouth of Haines Canyon also used to have a large grove of Douglas firs\, with some trees as large as four feet in diameter. The entire length of Haines\, as well as most of the canyons in the local range\, were covered with fir trees. Once they were cut down for firewood\, they never grew back. \nDIRECTIONS \nFrom the 210 fwy take the Lowell Ave exit to Honolulu Ave. Go west. It veers right and turns into Tujunga Cyn Blvd. In just over a mile and a half turn right on Haines Cyn Ave. Make a right on Day St and a left to join Haines Cyn again. Though we will be meeting at the very end of Haines\, there isn’t much parking there so grab any available parking spot you see when you’re on Haines or turn left on Apperson St to look for a spot. \nWe will meet at the gate at the end of Haines. Please keep in mind this is a residential neighborhood – keep any noise to a minimum. Allow yourself a few extra minutes to find parking and walk to the trailhead. \n************************* \nThe Fine Print \nPLEASE – 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. \nThe 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) \nRSVP’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. \nVHC HIKE RATING SCALE \nRating 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! \n1 – A long walk \n2 – 4 mile hike w/little elevation gain \n3 – 5 mile hike w/up to 1000 ft. elevation gain \n4 – 5+ mile hike w/up to 1500 ft. elevation gain (heart rate increases at times) \n5 – 7+ mile hike w/over 1500 ft. elevation gain (heart rate increasing even more at times) \n6 – 7+ mile hike w/over 2000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be trying to remember how to perform CPR) \n7 – 5+ mile hike w/over 2000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be muttering expletives to yourself) \n8 – 10+ mile hike w/over 3500 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be angry with the hike leader) \n9 – 10+ mile hike w/over 5000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be thinking of reporting the hike leader to the authorities) \n10 – Use your imagination \nClass 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. \nDISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY \nIMPORTANT\, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY: \nI 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. \nOutdoor 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.
URL:https://www.hikingwithdean.com/event/sunday-saunter-from-haines-cyn-to-hidden-terraces-and-beyond/
LOCATION:Haines Canyon\, Los Angeles\, CA\, 91042\, US
CATEGORIES:Valencia Hiking Crew
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210327T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210327T160000
DTSTAMP:20260405T042117
CREATED:20210318T213411Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210318T213411Z
UID:10000440-1616832000-1616860800@www.hikingwithdean.com
SUMMARY:Camp Idle Hour Via Echo Mountain
DESCRIPTION:Waitlisted-limited -Prioritizing to those who I have hiked with this trail before and who I know for sure hikes at group’s pace (Carmen’s)\, follows CDC guidelines\, s. distancing\, wears a face covering \nThe StatsDistance: 14Rating: 8/10Elevation Gain: 4000Trail: Mostly trail\, with some fire road. \nNOT FOR BEGINNERS AND NO SWEEPERIntermediate and advanced hikers only \nWrite up is Don’s \nThe Plan \nWe did this route for the frst time in early 2012 and it’s very worthy of spot in the permanent VHC rotation. I thought we can avoid the heat or warm weather if starting from Echo. The area near Idlehour reminds me of Big Santa Anita Canyon and we won’t have to worry about parking. We start at Echo Mountain trailhead on Lake Street\, go up to Echo\, then the Sam Merrill trail to Inspiration Point. From here we’ll pick up the Idlehour Trail which will eventually get us over to Henninger Flats. Bring Lunch!! \nThe Story \nWe start the day at the Cobb Estate which belonged to a wealthy lumber magnate\, and had several gold mines and water wells on its property before the buildings were completely razed in 1959. One year later\, the Marx Brothers bought the land and wanted to turn the area into a cemetery. Luckily\, students from the aptly named John Muir High School bought the land and donated it to the Forest Service. Now the land houses several miles of equestrian trails\, a small botanical garden\, and the entrance to the Echo Mountain Trail. \nThe entire history of Echo Mountain is much to lengthy to publish here. The Echo Mountain House was finished in November of 1894. This grand Victorian 70-room hotel\, perched 3\,000 feet above the valley equaled the Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego. It featured three wings\, a north and an east which were the main quartering wings\, and a center wing\, the dining room\, which reached back towards Castle Canyon and Echo Canyon\, for which the mountain takes its name. Its stairway lead directly up from the Incline landing. As many of us know who have been to Echo and those who will make this trek for their first time will find out the foundation of this building is still in place as well as portions of the stairway seen above. Inspiration Point (4714′) is one of five officially-named Inspiration Points in Los Angeles County alone! Interestingly\, this is one of those cases where the place in common usage differs from the place officially named by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names. Most people think of Inspiration Point as the ~4540′ saddle just east of the official Inspiration Point. The official Board\, for good reasons\, probably couldn’t bring themselves to name a saddle (http://tchester.org/sgm/site/definitions.html) as a point. Inspiration Point and the area have a rich history. The storied Pacific Electric Railway built an open-air shelter there in 1924-1925\, with locating tubes showing the location of points of interest ranging from nearby sites to Catalina Island. The locating tubes are pieces of pipe that are oriented so that the view through the pipe is centered on the point of interest. \n \nLofty ridges\, dramatic canyons and a trail camp cradled in the peaceful woods are a few of the many attractions visited by Idlehour Trail\, which offers the hiker a grand tour of the Front Range of the San Gabriel Mountains. Naturalist John Muir called this country “rigidly inaccessible” after an 1877 exploration of Eaton Canyon. To get through the thorny chaparral\, Muir was compelled to creep for miles on all fours. Later a trail was built\, but it was no walk in the park. Early hikers stepped gingerly up and down Eaton Canyon via a narrow trail across the wall of the gorge high above the canyon bottom. These days\, the well-engineered Mt. Wilson Toll Road offers hikers a safe way around the precipitous lower canyon\, while the fine Idlehour Trail traverses the canyon’s more mellow upper reaches. Camp Idle Hour\, a resort from 1915 to 1929\, was a favorite of hikers who loved its location in the shade of oak\, bay and spruce. These days Idlehour Trail Camp\, about midpoint of this ramble\, invites hikers to idle away an hour or so in the same tranquil setting that pleased an earlier generation. \n \nThe Henninger Flats area was originally purchased by Mr. Peter Stiel through the Federal Homestead Act. Mr. Stiel kept the ownership until he sold it to his friend William K. Henninger in August of 1893. Henninger had been squatting on the area since 1884. Upon his death in March of 1894\, the property was willed to his daughters\, Louisa Francisco and Susan Griljava. The property was then sold in February 1895\, by auction\, to Harry C. and Harriet M. Allen of Pasadena. Selling price was $2\,600. In October 1895\, the Allens sold the property for $5\,000 to four men (W. Morgan\, J. Vandevort\, J. Holmes and W. Staats). These four men then sold the property in December 1895 to the Mt. Wilson Toll Road Company for $76\,600. Although various people used or leased the area\, the Mt. Wilson Toll Road Company stayed with the owners until it was purchased by Los Angeles County in 1928. In 1945\, additional acreage was acquired from the Federal government by a land swap deal. This last deal brought the total acreage to approximately 232 acres as compared to the original 120 acres. \nDirections: This is a car shuttle so we will meet at Pinecrest Drive and Crescent in Altadena\, consolidate cars and then drive to the trailhead. \nTake the 210 fwy towards Altadena/Pasadena area. Exit on North Altadena Drive and go north for about three miles and turn right on Crescent Drive until the street intersects with Pinecrest Drive. Park here – pay attention to the posted signs. \n**************** \nPLEASE – 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. \nThe 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) \nVHC HIKE RATING SCALE \nRating 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! \n1 – A long walk \n2 – 4 mile hike w/little elevation gain \n3 – 5 mile hike w/up to1000 ft. elevation gain \n4 – 5+ mile hike w/up to1500 ft. elevation gain (heart rate increases at times) \n5 – 7+ mile hike w/over 1500 ft. elevation gain (heart rate increasing even more at times) \n6 – 7+ mile hike w/over 2000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be trying to remember how to perform CPR) \n7 – 5+ mile hike w/over 2000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be muttering expletives to yourself) \n8 – 10+ mile hike w/over 3500 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be angry with the hike leader) \n9 – 10+ mile hike w/over 5000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be thinking of reporting the hike leader to the authorities) \n10 – Use your imagination \nDISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITYIMPORTANT\, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY: \nI 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. \nOutdoor 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.
URL:https://www.hikingwithdean.com/event/camp-idle-hour-via-echo-mountain/
LOCATION:At  the corner of Pinecrest Dr. and Crescent Dr\, At the corner of Pinecrest Dr & Crescent Dr\, Altadena\, CA\, US
CATEGORIES:Valencia Hiking Crew
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210403T061000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210403T200000
DTSTAMP:20260405T042117
CREATED:20210207T213421Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210207T213421Z
UID:10000163-1617430200-1617480000@www.hikingwithdean.com
SUMMARY:Iron Mountain (strenuous)
DESCRIPTION:So all you have been doing for months is getting outdoors and hiking & running. Let’s do Big Iron! \nThe Numbers:Distance: 14 miElevation Gain: 7200 ft\, it’s a doozy!Rating: 9/10Trail: Wear long pantsParking: Bridge to Nowhere trailhead and adventure Pass is required.Park at 6am for 6:10 departureGroup Size: 10-15. A bit depends on future covid guidelines. \nBe responsible in assessing your readiness for this hike \n-I have never done this trail\, so bear with me when I pause to check the route.-There is no water on the trail. Bring everything you need and extra. I will cache water-Most of the route is extremely exposed to the sun.-Bring first lunch & second lunch and snacks; it’s a long day.-Rain and heat wave cancels; perhaps Apr 17 as backup date.-Contact me privately if you want to share an emergency contact.-I plan to have a Garmin InReach \nCovid Rules – We will likely know more about the relevant rules as we get closer. I’m hoping the diligence and vaccine rollout will mean a fun time together. I’m not doing Big Iron my first time as a hike-your-own-hike and will cancel if the rules are that restrictive.
URL:https://www.hikingwithdean.com/event/iron-mountain-strenuous/
LOCATION:Bridge to Nowhere – Trailhead\, Camp Bonita Rd\, La Verne\, CA\, 91750\, US
CATEGORIES:Valencia Hiking Crew
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210410T070000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210410T123000
DTSTAMP:20260405T042117
CREATED:20210407T213505Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210407T213505Z
UID:10000213-1618038000-1618057800@www.hikingwithdean.com
SUMMARY:Manzanita Ridge via the Mt. Wilson Trail
DESCRIPTION:Distance: 10.2 miElevation gain: 3\,700′Route type: Out & backWell-trafficked\, single track trail with some steep drop-offsNOT FOR BEGINNERS \nThis is a moderate hike with a nice and steady incline. The first (and last) mile is fully exposed\, but beyond that you will be surrounded by a lush and beautiful forest. \nThe Mount Wilson Trail was built in 1864 by Benjamin “Don Benito” Wilson. He had planned to use it to bring down timber for his ranch. Not much timber was cut\, and the trail was repurposed to construct the first Mt. Wilson Observatory\, established by Harvard College in 1889. \nThe trailhead for the Mt. Wilson Trail can be found right next to the historic Lizzie’s Trail Inn. From 1906 to 1950\, the The Pacific Electric railway brought thousands of aspiring Mt. Wilson hikers to Sierra Madre. In 1890\, a lunch stand was created at the base of the Mt. Wilson Trail to serve the hikers heading up and down the trail. From 1925 to 1935\, the stand was operated by Lizzie McElwain\, and this is when Lizzie’s Trail Inn became famous. A menu of fried chicken\, ravioli\, and distilled spirits (in the age of prohibition) was a hit. The business closed in 1948\, and is now preserved as a museum for the public good. \nTrail Description: \nFrom the intersection of Mira Monte Avenue and Mt. Wilson Trail Drive\, walk up the drive about 150 yards to the beginning of the marked trail on the left. Follow the trail briefly up to a ridge top road where you’re greeted by another trail sign. Veer to your left and follow the road to the main trail as it begins to climb\, high on the western slope of Little Santa Anita Canyon. \nAt the 1.5 mile mark you reach the trail junction with First Water — so named because it’s the first place where you can get water. There is a junction here that leads down a short spur trail to the creek\, where there is in fact water running most of the time. \nThe trail continues to climb up Little Santa Anita Canyon and at 3.5 miles you reach Orchard Camp. This is roughly the halfway point up to the summit of Mt. Wilson\, earning it the nickname of the Halfway House. \nAt one time there were a number of cabins and buildings at Orchard Camp to support the construction of the Mt. Wilson Observatory. Today all that remains are some concrete steps and fragments of the foundations. It’s a good place to take a snack break and catch your breath. \nContinuing on past Orchard Camp\, there is another steep ascent to reach Manzanita Ridge and The Bench. This is the 5.1 mile mark and our turnaround point. From this junction it’s another 2.4 miles to the summit of Mt. Wilson. This is also the point that the Mt. Wilson Trail meets up with the Gabrielino Trail (The Mt. Wilson route from Chantry Flat). \nThe views here are fantastic. On a clear day you can easily see the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island many miles away. \nTrail Stats – approximate \nFirst Water 1.5 miles 1\,950′ elevationOrchard Camp 3.5 miles 2\,960′ elevationManzanita Ridge 5.1 miles 4\,470′ elevation \nGetting to the Trailhead: \nFrom I-210\, take the Baldwin Ave. exit\, head north for 1.5 miles (through downtown) and turn right on Mira Monte. The park will be on the left in 0.2 mile. Park where available. \nAnd\, if you want more information on the history of the Mount Wilson Trail\, check out this website\, http://www.dankat.com/mstory/trail.htm \nThis hike is not for beginners and you must be comfortable hiking alone at certain places along the trail. Wearing a mask when passing within 6 ft of another hiker is expected of all hikers. \nSee you there!
URL:https://www.hikingwithdean.com/event/manzanita-ridge-via-the-mt-wilson-trail/
LOCATION:189 E Mira Monte Ave\, 189 E Mira Monte Ave\, Sierra Madre\, CA\, 91024\, US
CATEGORIES:Valencia Hiking Crew
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210411T070000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210411T140000
DTSTAMP:20260405T042117
CREATED:20210405T213513Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210405T213513Z
UID:10000209-1618124400-1618149600@www.hikingwithdean.com
SUMMARY:Top of Topanga-Loop
DESCRIPTION:*** 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. DO NOT APPROACH ANYONE WITHOUT YOUR FACE COVERING. \n*** 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. Limiting the total number of attendees so please change your RSVP immediately if you cannot make it. Apologies for not being able to add everyone but safety is the main priority right now. Those we’ve been hiking with who demonstrate Covid precautions will be given priority. \n**************************Distance: 9 \nElevation Gain: 2100 \nRating: Intermediate/Advanced 7-10 \nNot for beginners\, no sweeper this time \nTrail: Fire road\, single track\, class 1\,2 rock climbs and some street crossings. \nThe Hike \nExcellent variety\, views and exercise along this nine mile loop hike with an elevation gain of 2\,400′. The trail climbs and follows a ridge line through interesting rock formations to one of the best observation points in the Santa Monica Mountains; The Topanga Lookout. Topanga Lookout\, the former site of a fire tower\, stands above Red Rock Canyon Park and offers fine views of the Santa Monica Mountains\, Calabasas\, and the Santa Susana Mountains. \nAfter taking in the view and enjoying a break/early lunch\, we’ll follow the trail down to the shaded valley below and return to the parking area.Directions \nFrom the 405/101 Freeway… Exit Mulholland Dr /Valley Circle Blvd and go south on Mulholland Dr for 0.5 mi Turn Right on Valmar St for 1.2 mi Turn Right on Mulholland Hwy for 3.8 mi Left on Stunt Rd for 1.0 mi Park at turnout on Right************************** \nThe Fine Print \nPLEASE – 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. \nThe 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) \nRSVP’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. \nVHC HIKE RATING SCALE \nRating 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! \n1 – A long walk \n2 – 4 mile hike w/little elevation gain \n3 – 5 mile hike w/up to 1000 ft. elevation gain \n4 – 5+ mile hike w/up to 1500 ft. elevation gain (heart rate increases at times) \n5 – 7+ mile hike w/over 1500 ft. elevation gain (heart rate increasing even more at times) \n6 – 7+ mile hike w/over 2000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be trying to remember how to perform CPR) \n7 – 5+ mile hike w/over 2000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be muttering expletives to yourself) \n8 – 10+ mile hike w/over 3500 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be angry with the hike leader) \n9 – 10+ mile hike w/over 5000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be thinking of reporting the hike leader to the authorities) \n10 – Use your imagination \nClass 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. \nDISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY \nIMPORTANT\, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY: \nI 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. \nOutdoor 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.
URL:https://www.hikingwithdean.com/event/top-of-topanga-loop-2/
LOCATION:1699 Stunt Rd\, 1699 Stunt Rd\, Calabasas\, CA\, 91302\, US
CATEGORIES:Valencia Hiking Crew
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210414T163000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210414T193000
DTSTAMP:20260405T042117
CREATED:20210412T213501Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210412T213501Z
UID:10000474-1618417800-1618428600@www.hikingwithdean.com
SUMMARY:Tree of Life in the Verdugos
DESCRIPTION:*** 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. DO NOT APPROACH ANYONE WITHOUT YOUR FACE COVERING. \n*** 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. Limiting the total number of attendees. Apologies for not being able to add everyone but safety is the main priority right now. \nThe trail starts out steep and doesn’t offer much of a break for the first mile or so. This is not a conditioning hike and we won’t be in a hurry to reach our destination (but NOT a beginner hike either). Bring warm layers since we will be stopping for breaks and to wait for the last hiker. Poles will be helpful. Bring a headlamp. \nTHE PLAN \nWe’ll take a VERY steep trail up to the Tree of Life\, make our way over to Verdugo Peak for a short snack break\, then head back down the fireroad. \nSTATS (est.) \nDistance: 6 miles-ish \nElevation Gain: <2000 ft. \nRating: 6/10\, NOT for beginners! \nTrail: Single Track\, Fire Break\, Fire Road – very\, very steep uphill sections. \nDirections: The La Tuna Trailhead is located just off the 210 fwy. Exit La Tuna Canyon Road and park across the street from Southland Nursery. Pay attention to parking signs. Meet at the forest gate. \nParking is free on La Tuna or in the dirt lot between the forest gate and the on-ramp to the 210. \n**************************************************** \nThe Fine Print \nPLEASE – 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. \nThe 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) \nRSVP’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. \nVHC HIKE RATING SCALE \nRating 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! \n1 – A long walk \n2 – 4 mile hike w/little elevation gain \n3 – 5 mile hike w/up to 1000 ft. elevation gain \n4 – 5+ mile hike w/up to 1500 ft. elevation gain (heart rate increases at times) \n5 – 7+ mile hike w/over 1500 ft. elevation gain (heart rate increasing even more at times) \n6 – 7+ mile hike w/over 2000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be trying to remember how to perform CPR) \n7 – 5+ mile hike w/over 2000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be muttering expletives to yourself) \n8 – 10+ mile hike w/over 3500 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be angry with the hike leader) \n9 – 10+ mile hike w/over 5000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be thinking of reporting the hike leader to the authorities) \n10 – Use your imagination \nClass 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. \nDISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY \nIMPORTANT\, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY: \nI 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. \nOutdoor 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 VHC 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 VHC Meetup events\, you are releasing the VHC 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.
URL:https://www.hikingwithdean.com/event/tree-of-life-in-the-verdugos/
LOCATION:La Tuna Trailhead\, S La Tuna Canyon Rd\, Sun Valley\, CA\, 91352\, US
CATEGORIES:Valencia Hiking Crew
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210417T070000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210417T130000
DTSTAMP:20260405T042117
CREATED:20210407T213505Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210407T213505Z
UID:10000215-1618642800-1618664400@www.hikingwithdean.com
SUMMARY:Mt. Lukens from Hoyt Mountain Trail
DESCRIPTION:Distance: ~14 milesElevation gain: ~2\,400 feetLevel: ModerateType: Out and BackTrail Type: some single track and fire roadRoute: Hoyt Mountain Road to Grizzly Flat Trail to Haines Canyon Motorway to Mount Lukens Truck Trail and back.What to Bring: 3+ liters of water\, food for snacks/lunch\, hat for sun protection. (optional: hiking poles and bug repellent) \nThis is a gentle though lengthy hike. I did this hike last May when the spring flowers were in full bloom and Grizzly Flats was absolutely lovely. Trail is partially shaded with some single track trail\, some overgrown fire road and some fully exposed fire road as you approach the summit. It is likely that poodle dog bush will be thriving as well as poison oak\, so be advised. Some people are highly allergic to these plants and there are places along the trail that are overgrown with vegetation and you may not be able to avoid contact. \nNOT FOR BEGINNERS due to distance. \nParking: on the North side of Angeles Crest Highway at a small unmarked turnout near mile marker 30.60. Trail is approximately 2.4 miles beyond the Angeles Crest Fire Station. \nhttps://www.google.com/maps/place/Angeles+Crest+Hwy+%26+Hoyt+Mtn+Rd\,+California+91042/@34.260339\,-118.1943819\,17z/data=!4m13!1m7!3m6!1s0x80c2e968cef4a887:0x6627ca97b379d374!2sAngeles+Crest+Hwy+%26+Hoyt+Mtn+Rd\,+California+91042!3b1!8m2!3d34.2603268!4d-118.1921819!3m4!1s0x80c2e968cef4a887:0x6627ca97b379d374!8m2!3d34.2603268!4d-118.1921819 \nDirections: From the 210 freeway\, take the Angeles Crest Highway (Highway 2) exit and head north for 6.2 miles. A National Forest Service Adventure Pass ($5 per day or $30 for the year) is required for parking here. \nDISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY \nIMPORTANT\, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY: \nI 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. As a courtesy and in keeping with Covid-19 safety protocols\, hikers are expected to wear a mask if within 6 feet of another hiker.
URL:https://www.hikingwithdean.com/event/mt-lukens-from-hoyt-mountain-trail/
CATEGORIES:Valencia Hiking Crew
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210417T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210417T140000
DTSTAMP:20260405T042117
CREATED:20210413T213416Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210413T213416Z
UID:10000462-1618648200-1618668000@www.hikingwithdean.com
SUMMARY:Fish Canyon Narrows to Rogers Camp
DESCRIPTION:COVID precautions still apply. 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. DO NOT APPROACH ANYONE WITHOUT YOUR FACE COVERING. This will be out and back so we’ll plan on spreading out on the trail. \nPlease read the write up – there will be stream crossings but water levels are probably low enough to keep your feet dry. \nThis write up is Don’s: \nThe Stats \nDistance: <11 miles\, moderate pace \nElevation Gain: 1100 ft \nRating 5/10 \nTrail: a bit of asphalt\, single track trail\, some rock hopping; out and back \nParking fee/pass: NO \nThe Plan \nThis elevation gain on such a long hike makes this an advanced beginner router if you’re willing to put forth a bit more effort. If some beginners decide to join us\, it is an easy trail to follow if you decide to return to the cars. The further in we go the more potential for water crossings. The main canyon is almost 4 miles in from the start\, but with minimal elevation gain\, and is quite beautiful. Our final destination and lunch spot will be Rogers Trail Camp. Seemingly in the middle of “no-where” there are a couple of picnic tables\, fire ring and even a short tunnel bored into the rock about 20 feet. \nThe fine print: I have no idea how much water is in the area!!!! It could make it a bit more challenging and hopefully a bit more fun. The chances that we’ll be going through water is about 99%\, though not much deeper than a foot. Keep in mind the unavoidable water is not until the middle portion of the hike. \nThe area: Here\, amid the arid-looking mountains north of Castaic Lake\, Castaic Creek flows the better part of the year through a sinuous gorge flanked by picturesque sandstone outcrops. The creek is perfect for wading – shallow\, slow-moving\, and warmed by the sun. Fish Canyon Narrows: In the trenchlike confines of middle Fish Canyon\, aridity and moisture stand side by side\, separated by a matter of a few yards. Mountain mahogany\, manzanita and other drought-resistant shrubs cling to the walls\, while a shallow stream gurgles merrily past a line of oaks\, sycamores\, willows\, and cottonwoods. It is almost as if a little slice of the Pacific Northwest was transplanted to Southern California. \nAnd also. . . When we hike this area I’m always asked if the body of water we see to the south is Castaic Lake. Well\, I looked it up and here’s what I found: \nPUMPED STORAGE \nElderberry Forebay\, a small reservoir separated from Castaic Lake by Elderberry Forebay Dam\, is located at the upper end of Castaic Lake and provides regulatory storage for Castaic Power Plant. During on-peak hours when the value of energy is high\, water from Pyramid Lake\, located north of Castaic\, flows 7.5 miles through the AngelesTunnel and the turbines of Castaic Power Plant to produce electricity. The water then enters Elderberry Forebay. During off-peak hours (nighttime and all day Sunday) when the cost of power is low\, water stored in Elderberry Forebay is pumped back into Pyramid Lake. This type of hydroelectric plant operation is called pumped storage. \nDirections:The trailhead is located off of the 5 freeway north of the City of Santa Clarita which is north of the San Fernando Valley. On the 5 freeway go about 6 miles north of Lake Hughes/Castaic and exit at Templin Hwy. Go right to the end of Templin Hwy (about 4 miles). There will be a barrier at the end of Templin; park here. There is also a road that goes to a DWP facility at the end of Templin; you do not need to go down this road. \nCarpooling/Caravaning/Lunch Pick-Up: When I hike in this area I usually stop at a Starbuck’s in Valencia. In Valencia exit at Valencia Blvd off of the 5 fwy and go west. Turn right on The Old Road and meet in the Starbucks parking lot. We’ll need to leave the parking lot by 8:00 am. The address for you map challenged navigation folks is 26802 The Old Road\, Santa Clarita 91381. \n************************** \nThe Fine Print \nPLEASE – 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. \nThe 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) \nRSVP’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. \nVHC HIKE RATING SCALE \nRating 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! \n1 – A long walk \n2 – 4 mile hike w/little elevation gain \n3 – 5 mile hike w/up to 1000 ft. elevation gain \n4 – 5+ mile hike w/up to 1500 ft. elevation gain (heart rate increases at times) \n5 – 7+ mile hike w/over 1500 ft. elevation gain (heart rate increasing even more at times) \n6 – 7+ mile hike w/over 2000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be trying to remember how to perform CPR) \n7 – 5+ mile hike w/over 2000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be muttering expletives to yourself) \n8 – 10+ mile hike w/over 3500 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be angry with the hike leader) \n9 – 10+ mile hike w/over 5000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be thinking of reporting the hike leader to the authorities) \n10 – Use your imagination \nClass 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. \nDISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY \nIMPORTANT\, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY: \nI 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. \nOutdoor 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 VHC 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 VHC Meetup events\, you are releasing the VHC 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.
URL:https://www.hikingwithdean.com/event/fish-canyon-narrows-to-rogers-camp/
LOCATION:Fish Canyon Narrows Trailhead\, 37773 Templin Hwy\, Castaic\, CA\, 91384\, US
CATEGORIES:Valencia Hiking Crew
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210425T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210425T140000
DTSTAMP:20260405T042117
CREATED:20210420T213526Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210420T213526Z
UID:10000485-1619339400-1619359200@www.hikingwithdean.com
SUMMARY:PIRU CREEK!
DESCRIPTION:Waitlisted: Only adding those who I’ve hiked with on this trail before and those I’ve been hiking with during pandemic. Covid-19 guidelines apply. \n* Piru Creek was my very first official hike with VHC\, April 17\, 2010!! when getting wet wasn’t avoidable\, and still isn’t\, so wear shoes you don’t mind getting wet. \nPoison Oaks: Yes! \n \nDon’s 2010 write-up: \nBOULDERING AND ROCK HOPPING = UNEVEN HIKING SURFACE \nDistance 7 milesRating 5/10Bring Lunch \nPiru Creek in the Los Padres National Forest rushes down the eastern flank of Pine Mountain in Ventura County\, it’s captured behind the dam that forms Pyramid Lake in extreme northwestern Los Angeles County\, and then exits below the dam through Piru Gorge and tumbles south to Lake Piru and\, eventually\, the Santa Clara River in Ventura County. If we were to hike to Lake Piru it would be 14 miles. We’re going to hike from Frenchman’s Flat\, working our way down the cottonwood and willow fringed banks. \nThe creek slips over water-worn boulders\, some the size of cars\, and collects in silt-bottomed pools. The seamed and shattered walls down the length of the gorge\, up to 500 feet high\, disclose at least five distinct changes in the bedrock as you travel downstream. These rocks reflect a variety of ages\, from older than 600 million years (Precambrian metamorphic rocks) to tens of millions of years old (Eocene sedimentary rocks). Several faults cross the route\, including the northernmost end of the San Gabriel Fault. Elevation gain and loss is less than 700 feet for this one. \nThere IS some bouldering\, but mostly rock hopping. I’ve decided to use rafting terms to give a better description. This hike has Class I rock hopping and a few Class II’s\, but is nothing like Santa Paula Creek or Bridge to Nowhere. Of course each time we try and go in a bit further and ya never know what we’ll come across. Good luck staying dry. \nThis is an out and back route along a trail that is hard to follow at times. Walking poles might be helpful in some areas and you might also want to wear pants as there will be some areas of the trail that are overgrown. If it’s hot and you want to take a dip\, BRING OR WEAR A BATHING SUIT. \nPARKING PASS REQUIRED As with all National Forest Land a parking pass is required and can be purchased at Sport Chalet\, Big 5 and other places. $5/day or $30/yr. You will get a ticket here. \n \nDirections: On the 5 freeway go about 6 miles north of Lake Hughes/Castaic and exit at Templin Hwy. Go left\, under the freeway and turn right at the end on what Mapquest calls the Golden State Hwy. Take this to the end\, this is Frenchman’s Flat. \nCarpool/Caravan: Valencia Starbucks. From the 5 Fwy in Valencia\, exit at Valencia Blvd and go west. Turn right on The old Road. Be there in time and ready to leave by 8:00 am . The address is 26850 The Old Road\, Valencia\, 91381. \n \nPLEASE – 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\, POs\, uneven footing\, spectacular views\, beautiful fawna 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. \n1 – A walk2 – A longer walk3 – 3 mile hike w/little elevation gain4 – 5+ mile hike w/500 ft. elevation gain (heart rate increases at times)5 – 5+ mile hike w/1000 ft. elevation gain (heart rate increasing even more at times)6 – 7+ mile hike w/1000 ft. elevation gain7 – 7+ mile hike w/1500 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be trying to remember how to do CPR)8 – 5+ mile hike w/2000 ft. elevation gain (a great feeling of accomplishment when done)9 – use your imagination10 – I don’t lead or do these. 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 Meetup Group and it’s 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 Hikers Meetup events\, you are releasing the Valencia Hikers Meetup Group and it’s organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience.
URL:https://www.hikingwithdean.com/event/piru-creek/
LOCATION:Frenchmans Flat\, California\, CA\, 91384\, US
CATEGORIES:Valencia Hiking Crew
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GEO:34.5455162;-118.6964752
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210430T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210430T150000
DTSTAMP:20260405T042117
CREATED:20201118T213458Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20201118T213458Z
UID:10000084-1619787600-1619794800@www.hikingwithdean.com
SUMMARY:Camping at Pinnacles National Park
DESCRIPTION:Write up with a few changes from the same prior VHC event: \nPAYPAL PAYMENT SECURES YOUR SPOT. $27 per person for 2 nights. NO REFUNDS after March 31\, 2021 to compel commitment. Forfeited fees will be be donated to the Yosemite Conservancy under VHC’s name. MAX ~10 people. \nCAMPING INFO \nOne group site (Good for 20 people\, but we are limiting the attendance to 10 due to the pandemic). Parking will be limited to 5 vehicles. Please\, carpool if possible. \nCheck in time is at 1:00 pm on Friday. \nMAKE SURE YOU READ DRIVING DIRECTIONS BELOW. THERE IS NO THROUGH ROAD THAT CONNECTS THE EAST AND WEST ENTRANCES OF THE PARK. You want the EAST entrance location to the visitor’s center. \nMake sure you have adequate amount of gas when you enter the park. You may run out of gas if you exit the park and head home using the I-5. \nLast time\, I had cellular service in the park using Google Fi. But it was spotty. \nShowers: There is one men’s and one women’s shower stall located by the park pool. Cost is 50 cents for 3 minutes. There is also a pool available during certain times of the year. \nFood: Due to the pandemic situation\, everyone will be responsible for their own food. Please bring whatever you will need for your cooking and camping needs. And don’t forget your chairs. \nThere are fire pits but fires are NOT allowed at this time. \nENTRANCE/PARK FEE: \nThere is a fee to enter the park of $ 30.00 per vehicle payable at the East Entrance Station when arriving at the park (Driving directions below). \nIt also helps to support our national parks by buying the America the Beautiful annual pass. You hit 2 birds with one stone. I encourage you to get it from your local REI store or other sales outlet. The parks need our help. In return\, we get a year of exemption paying national park entrance fees. \nPARKING: \nPlease arrange carpools. We are allowed limited parking. The remainder of the cars will have to be parked in overflow parking\, which is located behind the Visitors Center. There is no additional fee to park in overflow. \nA Couple of Hikes Options: \n***High Peaks- Balconies Cave Loop \nStats: Distance- Approximately 9.5 Miles \nElevation Gain- Approximately 1\,800’ \nRating- 5/10 \nTrail Type- Maintained trail with some steep rocky sections. Balconies Cave will require scrambling down and through some large boulders to reach the cave. \n***Bear Gulch/Condor Gulch Loop \nStats: Distance-Approximately 6.0 Miles \nElevation Gain- Approximately 1\,325’ \nRating- 4/10 \nTrail Type- Maintained trail with some steep rocky sections. \n***There are also some coastal hikes and sightseeing in Monterey. The temps will be cooler along the coast so pack accordingly. \nMore Information Regarding the Hikes and Pinnacles National Park: \nPinnacles National Park\, located near the San Andreas Fault along the boundary of the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate\, is an excellent example of tectonic plate movement. The Pinnacles Rocks are believed to be part of the Neenach Volcano that occurred 23 million years ago near present-day Lancaster\, California\, some 195 miles (314 km) southeast. The giant San Andreas Fault split the volcano and the Pacific Plate crept north\, carrying the Pinnacles. The work of water and wind on these erodible volcanic rocks has formed the unusual rock structures seen today. \nEstablished in 1908 to preserve the incongruent and beautiful rock formations for which Pinnacles is named\, the Park originally protected only 2\,060 acres. It now encompasses about 26\,000 acres in the southern portion of the Gabilan Mountains\, one of a series of parallel northwest-trending ridges and valleys that make up the Central Coast Range. \nFault action and earthquakes also account for the talus caves that are another Pinnacles attraction. Deep\, narrow gorges or shear fractures were transformed into caves when huge boulders toppled from above\, and wedged in the fractures before reaching the ground. These boulders became the ceilings of the talus caves that now entice not only people\, but also several kinds of bats. \nThe Pinnacles Talus Caves provide a nesting ground for 14 out of the 23 species of bats in California. There is currently a colony of Townsend’s Big-eared Bats in the Bear Gulch Cave and a colony of the Western Mastiff bat in the Balconies Cave area. Townsend’s big-eared bats are listed as a “sensitive species” by the state of California\, and Pinnacles National Park is required to protect them. The colony in the Bear Gulch Cave is the largest maternity colony between San Francisco and Mexico. The National Park has constructed gates that allow areas of the cave to be open at certain times of the year\, providing the colonies of bats show no signs of disturbance. We will visit the Balconies Cave on our loop hike on Saturday\, and the Bear Gulch Cave on our loop hike on Sunday. Rain preceding our trip could cause closure of the caves due to flooding\, but this would not effect our hike otherwise as there are trails routed around the caves for this reason. \n \nBear Gulch Trail/Cave \nPinnacles National Park has also joined the California Condor Recovery Program as a release and management site in 2003. The park currently manages 32 free-flying condors. Maybe we will be lucky enough to see some. \nSpring is the most popular time to visit Pinnacles National Park. Temperatures are mild\, the wildflowers are abundant and both Talus caves are usually open to the public. \nHigh Peaks-Balconies Cave Loop \nAfter Breakfast\, we will consolidate cars and head over to the Old Pinnacles trailhead where we will start our hike on the High Peaks Balconies Cave Loop. Heading south on the Bench Trail\, we will pick up the High Peaks trail on the right. Just past the junction with the Tunnel trail\, the High Peaks Trail gets narrow and steep\, crossing through a rocky area where steps have been cut into the rock to form steep staircases to get you across the crown of the pinnacles. Once across the pinnacles\, we will descend to the Juniper Canyon Trail. After descending 0.6 miles on the Juniper Canyon trail\, we will take a short detour on the Tunnel Trail to see the tunnel\, before descending the rest of the Juniper Canyon Trail to the Balconies Trail. Balconies Trail turns northeast and heads gradually downhill into a canyon framed by tall rock formations and into the Balconies Cave itself. Balconies Cave is a talus cave\, formed when boulders tumbled into this steep canyon and created a cave ceiling. We will be climbing down and around boulders and through openings to get across Balconies Cave\, Don’t forget your headlamp. After leaving Balconies Cave\, we will close the loop by taking the Old Pinnacles Trail back to the cars at the trailhead. \n \n \n \nBear Gulch/Condor Gulch Loop \nThe trailhead is located the Bear Gulch Day Use Area where we will start our hike going south on the Bear Gulch Trail to Bear Gulch Cave and the Bear Gulch Reservoir. From here we will head north up the Rim Trail to the junction with the High Peaks Trail. Above the Rim Trail\, the High Peaks Trail climbs 850 feet over 1.5 miles to a junction with the Juniper Canyon Trail near Scout Peak. Those just wanting to visit the cave and not complete the loop hike\, can simply turn right at the junction with the High Peaks Trail and head back to the trailhead on the Bear Gulch Trail. For those wanting to complete the loop\, we will continue on the High Peaks Trail ( a small section going through the best section of the pinnacles of which we did on Saturday ) to pick up the Condor Gulch Trail and its descent to the Bear Gulch Trail and back to the cars. \n \n \nLink to hiking maps: \nPinnacles Park Trail Map (http://files.meetup.com/1132792/Pinnacles%20National%20Park%20Map.pdf) \nHigh Peaks Balconies Cave Loop (http://files.meetup.com/1132792/Pinnacles%20High%20Peaks%20-Balconies%20Cave%20Loop.pdf) \nBear Gulch-Condor Gulch Loop (http://files.meetup.com/1132792/Pinnacles%20Bear%20Gulch-Condor%20Gulch%20Loop.pdf) \nDriving Directions ( Copied from the park website ) : \nTHERE IS NO THROUGH ROAD THAT CONNECTS THE EAST AND WEST ENTRANCES OF THE PARK !! \nUsing a Online Map Website: \nUsing the search term “Pinnacles National Park” or the official park address will yield a different actual point on the map depending on which site is used. For directions or location using online maps\, copy and paste the following coordinates into the search: \nFor the East Side of Park (Pinnacles Visitor Center): 36.493545\, -121.146646 \nUsing GPS Navigation: \nWhen entering the park address or name in a GPS device\, motorists can be routed to a side of the park which they did not intent to visit. When using GPS\, verify your route using a map or the driving directions listed below. \nFor devices which coordinates may be manually entered\, use the above coordinates to aid in your navigation to the intended side of the park. \nDIRECTIONS \nTake Hwy 101 North to the town of King City. \nExit at 1st Street. \nTurn right toward King City. \nContinue straight until 1st St turns into Bitterwater Rd (Monterey County G13). \nFollow Bitterwater Rd until it intersects Hwy 25. \nTurn left on Hwy 25 (North) and follow for ~15 miles. \nTurn left onto Hwy 146 to enter the park. \nTurn left into the Pinnacles Campground and check in at Pinnacles Visitor Center. \nFrom LA area\, 5 Fwy is also an option but requires more driving off the Fwy. Probably not best at night. Approximately 260 mi to Pinnacles from the Valley. \nTake 5 Fwy north. Continue on the 5 where the 5 and 99 split. \nApproximately 16 miles after Kettleman City/Hwy 41 (remaining on the 5)\, take exit 325 for Jayne Ave. \nTurn left onto W Jayne Ave. \nIn approx 12 mi\, turn left onto 198 W (McDonalds and Auto Zone at the intersection). \nDrive ~34 mi\, turn right onto Hwy 25. \nDrive ~33 mi\, turn left into Hwy 146. \nVisitor’s Center will be on the left after a couple of miles. \n************************************************* \nThe Fine Print \nPLEASE – 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. \nRSVP’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. \nVHC HIKE RATING SCALE \nRating 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! \n1 – A long walk \n2 – 4 mile hike w/little elevation gain \n3 – 5 mile hike w/up to1000 ft. elevation gain \n4 – 5+ mile hike w/up to1500 ft. elevation gain (heart rate increases at times) \n5 – 7+ mile hike w/over 1500 ft. elevation gain (heart rate increasing even more at times) \n6 – 7+ mile hike w/over 2000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be trying to remember how to perform CPR) \n7 – 5+ mile hike w/over 2000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be muttering expletives to yourself) \n8 – 10+ mile hike w/over 3500 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be angry with the hike leader) \n9 – 10+ mile hike w/over 5000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be thinking of reporting the hike leader to the authorities) \n10 – Use your imagination \nClass 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. \nDISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY \nIMPORTANT\, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY: \nI 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. \nOutdoor 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 VHC 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 VHC Meetup events\, you are releasing the VHC 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. \n***
URL:https://www.hikingwithdean.com/event/camping-at-pinnacles-national-park/
LOCATION:Pinnacles National Park\, California\, CA\, 95043\, US
CATEGORIES:Valencia Hiking Crew
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210505T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210505T200000
DTSTAMP:20260405T042118
CREATED:20210505T213501Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210505T213501Z
UID:10000236-1620234000-1620244800@www.hikingwithdean.com
SUMMARY:Sudden Hike ~ Wishing Tree in the Verdugos
DESCRIPTION:COVID precautions still apply. YOU MUST BRING A FACE COVERING to meet up at the trailhead. Please be mindful of other people’s space. \nCome out to celebrate VHC’s 13th ANNIVERSARY\, Cinco de Mayo\, Teacher Appreciation Week\, National Hoagie Day or simply come stretch your legs and enjoy the outdoors with friends. \nTHE PLAN \nAlways finding new trails and routes around the Verdugos. The Chandler Fire Road will take us winding in the hills above Burbank to the Wishing Tree. Once we arrive at our destination\, we will stop for a snack break and watch the setting sun. Bring warm layers since it tends to get windy here. Sunset is at 7:41. \nThis trailhead is in a residential neighborhood so please be mindful of noise. \nSTATS (est.) \nDistance: 7 miles-ish \nElevation Gain: <2000 ft. \nRating: 5/10\, not for beginners \nTrail: Single Track\, Fire Break\, Fire Road\, Out and Back\, Very Steep Uphill Sections \nDirections: From the 5 fwy\, exit at Hollywood Way. Go north and make an immediate left on Glenoaks Blvd. You’ll want the right lane because you’ll make another immediate turn to go right on Hollywood Way. Follow it until it curves left into Lanark St. Make a right on Edmore Pl and find parking where it meets Olivia Terrace. Meet at the forest gate on your right. Olivia Terrace dead ends so\, if you go too far\, turn around and find parking around the bend. \n******************************************************************************************************** \nThe Fine Print \nPLEASE – 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. \nThe 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) \nRSVP’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. \nVHC HIKE RATING SCALE \nRating 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! \n1 – A long walk \n2 – 4 mile hike w/little elevation gain \n3 – 5 mile hike w/up to 1000 ft. elevation gain \n4 – 5+ mile hike w/up to 1500 ft. elevation gain (heart rate increases at times) \n5 – 7+ mile hike w/over 1500 ft. elevation gain (heart rate increasing even more at times) \n6 – 7+ mile hike w/over 2000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be trying to remember how to perform CPR) \n7 – 5+ mile hike w/over 2000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be muttering expletives to yourself) \n8 – 10+ mile hike w/over 3500 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be angry with the hike leader) \n9 – 10+ mile hike w/over 5000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be thinking of reporting the hike leader to the authorities) \n10 – Use your imagination \nClass 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. \nDISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY \nIMPORTANT\, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY: \nI 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. \nOutdoor 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 VHC 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 VHC Meetup events\, you are releasing the VHC 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. \n******************************************************************************************************
URL:https://www.hikingwithdean.com/event/sudden-hike-wishing-tree-in-the-verdugos/
LOCATION:Olive Terrace Walking Trail\, 10031 Olivia Terrace\, Sun Valley\, CA\, 91352\, US
CATEGORIES:Valencia Hiking Crew
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X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Olive Terrace Walking Trail 10031 Olivia Terrace Sun Valley CA 91352 US;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=10031 Olivia Terrace:geo:-118.3491397,34.2202835
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210508T070000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210508T140000
DTSTAMP:20260405T042118
CREATED:20210419T213411Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210419T213411Z
UID:10000483-1620457200-1620482400@www.hikingwithdean.com
SUMMARY:Mt. Baldy via the Ski Hut Trail
DESCRIPTION:This is a loop hike going up the Ski Hut trail and coming down the Devil’s Backbone trail to Baldy notch. \nOPTIONAL lunch at the Notch Restaurant before heading down. \nFrom the notch\, there is a 3 mile fire road to walk back to Manker Flats.If you want to take the ski lift down instead\, the cost is $10 and you will have to buy tickets in advance for that price at this link\, \nhttps://mtbaldyskilifts.ltibooking.com/products/mt-baldy-one-way-scenic-chairlift-ride?type=1&start_date=2021-05-08 \nNOT FOR BEGINNERS. This is a STRENUOUS hike. \nOPTION 1: If you are still a “newbie” hiker and want some experience at higher altitudes\, you will want to only hike to the Ski Hut and return the same way back to Manker Flats. Total mileage will be approximately 4.6 miles and you should be finished in 4 hours or so. Even though this hike option is shorter\, it is still a hard and strenuous hike. \nOPTION 2: If you are an advanced / intermediate hiker going to the summit\, this will be either an 8 mile or an 11 mile hike. \nDistance: 11 miles or 8 miles depending on your choice to walk down from Baldy Notch or take the ski lift down. \nElevation Gain: ~4\,000 ft. \nMax elevation : 10\,064 ft. \nRating: 8/10 Strenuous \nTrail: Looped some pavement\, fire roads\, but mostly single track and rocky trails \nESSENTIALS: \n3 Liters of water (Minimum)SunscreenHatSnacksHiking Poles (Recommended)Layered clothing (can be windy & chilly at the summit)Money for ski lift (optional) and grub from The Notch \nCheck the Weather (http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/hdfForecast?query=91759&searchType=WEATHER) \nThis is considered a high altitude hike and high altitude sickness\, AKA acute mountain sickness\, is a possibility. Good Physical health is important. The San Antonio Ski Hut/Baldy Bowl Trail is considered the most direct route to the summit of Mount Baldy (10\,064′). This climb is considered strenuous. \nAs you approach the Manker Flat parking area you will be on a 4 lane road with a wide center divider. Parking is on both sides and in the divider. After you pass the Manker Flat campground on the right\, look for Angeles Falls Road. There is access through the divider at this point\, so you can turn left and park hopefully closer to the trail head. There is a gate across Angeles Falls road and porta potties. This is the trail head. The road up to Baldy is VERY curvy with VERY tight turns. Anybody who does not like twisty roads with dropoffs should be a passenger! \nPLEASE –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 fellow hikers can be extremely hazardous\, rewarding and fun. \nDISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY \nIMPORTANT\, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY: \nI 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. \nOutdoor 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 Early Bird Hiking 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 Early Bird Hiking Meetup events\, you are releasing the Early Bird Hiking 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. \nAs a courtesy to others\, we will wear a mask when within 6 ft of another hiker. Hike is cross-posted with Early Bird Hikers
URL:https://www.hikingwithdean.com/event/mt-baldy-via-the-ski-hut-trail-6/
LOCATION:Manker Flat\, California\, CA\, 91759\, US
CATEGORIES:Valencia Hiking Crew
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210509T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210509T143000
DTSTAMP:20260405T042118
CREATED:20210504T213444Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210504T213444Z
UID:10000230-1620549000-1620570600@www.hikingwithdean.com
SUMMARY:Tom Sloan Saddle - Inspiration Point via Dawn Mine
DESCRIPTION:COVID precautions still apply. YOU MUST BRING A FACE COVERING to meet up at the trailhead. Please be mindful of other people’s space. \nTom Sloan Dragon on Mother’s Day. This is a VERY steep climb (scramble) right off the bat with 1800 ft of gain in the first two miles. Not for beginners. \n \nThe Stats \nDistance: 12.5 miles \nRating: 8/10\, due to steep ascent \nElevation gain: ~3\,500 \nTrail: Looped single track \nDuration: 6+ hours \nParking Pass: NO \nThere might be about 2 miles of bushwhacking to Inspiration Point. The trail exists but could be overgrown. The last time it was actually well maintained but that was a couple years ago. \n \nWrite up is Don’s: \nThe Plan \nWe will start on a steep ascent up from Cobb State \nWARNING: The very last portion of the uphill trail is short\, but with a lot of loose rock and you will need to be alert for debris from hikers in front of you. I’d suggest leaving a buffer space between hikers when ascending. \nNext we’ll be going near Dawn Mine and head up to the trail that will get us up to Tom Sloan Saddle. After a break we will start the bushwhacking portion to get to Inspiration. From Inspiration Point we will take the Castle Cyn Trail down to our cars. There is Poodle Dog bush in this area! \n \nThe Story \nBrown Mountain (4466 ft.) is as nicely positioned for scenic views as a mountain surrounded by higher peaks can be. Its long summit rises between Millard Canyon and Bear Canyon in the front range of the San Gabriel Mountains. \nThis mountain is named after the mid-19th American abolitionist\, John Brown. It seems that his two sons lived near the head of El Prieto Canyon in the 1880’s and spent a lot of time exploring the front range. To honor dear old dad\, the sons named this mountain after him. \nFor a peak under 5\,000 feet\, you get your money’s worth of panorama at the summit. Looking north\, beyond Bear Creek\, your eye catches the distinctive shape of Strawberry Peak and Josephine Peak to its left. To the east stand San Gabriel Peak\, Mt. Markham and Mt. Lowe. To the west is the magnificent chasm that is the Arroyo Seco and across Angeles Crest Highway\, you can make out the antennas of Mt. Lukens in the distance. To the south is Millard Canyon and beyond that\, a usually hazy view down into the San Gabriel Valley metropolis. \nDirections: We’ll meet at the gate to the Cobb Estate at the north end of Lake Street which ends at Loma Alta in Pasadena. Free parking is on the street and depending on availability could require some extra walking. Exit the 210 Fwy at Lake St in Pasadena and head North. \n**************************************************** \nThe Fine Print \nPLEASE – 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. \nThe 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) \nRSVP’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. \nVHC HIKE RATING SCALE \nRating 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! \n1 – A long walk \n2 – 4 mile hike w/little elevation gain \n3 – 5 mile hike w/up to 1000 ft. elevation gain \n4 – 5+ mile hike w/up to 1500 ft. elevation gain (heart rate increases at times) \n5 – 7+ mile hike w/over 1500 ft. elevation gain (heart rate increasing even more at times) \n6 – 7+ mile hike w/over 2000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be trying to remember how to perform CPR) \n7 – 5+ mile hike w/over 2000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be muttering expletives to yourself) \n8 – 10+ mile hike w/over 3500 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be angry with the hike leader) \n9 – 10+ mile hike w/over 5000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be thinking of reporting the hike leader to the authorities) \n10 – Use your imagination \nClass 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. \nDISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY \nIMPORTANT\, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY: \nI 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. \nOutdoor 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.
URL:https://www.hikingwithdean.com/event/tom-sloan-saddle-inspiration-point-via-dawn-mine/
LOCATION:Echo Mountain trailhead\, Intersection of E Loma Alta Drive and Lake Ave\, Altadena\, CA\, 91001\, US
CATEGORIES:Valencia Hiking Crew
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210512T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210512T200000
DTSTAMP:20260405T042118
CREATED:20210511T213411Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210511T213411Z
UID:10000515-1620838800-1620849600@www.hikingwithdean.com
SUMMARY:Cross Town Trail to Teepee
DESCRIPTION:COVID precautions still apply. YOU MUST BRING A FACE COVERING to meet up at the trailhead. Please be mindful of other people’s space. \nGoing to the teepee for another evening hike. Such a great trail for a short but tough workout. We’ll break at the top to enjoy some food and look at the city lights. \nThere are sections of the trail that are VERY steep and slippery so poles will be helpful. Bring warm layers and a headlamp as well. I will mark the trail if you can’t make the start time or want to go up at your own pace. This is a residential neighborhood so please be mindful of noise. \nStats \nDistance: 4 Miles \nElevation Gain: ~1300 ft. \nDuration: 2.5 hours \nTrail: Fire road\, single track\, out and back \nRating: 5-6/10 \nThe Story \nBoth the ascent and descent are fire roads/breaks or single uneven trails. The views are enjoyable at night. There are also a few interesting landmarks up there\, such as a TeePee. \nDirections: \nFrom the 210 Freeway exit Angeles Crest Hwy (2) North as if you were going to Mt. Wilson. Shortly after the first curve will be Harter Lane. Turn Left here and go as far as you can on Harter. \n************************** \nThe Fine Print \nPLEASE – 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. \nThe 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) \nRSVP’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. \nVHC HIKE RATING SCALE \nRating 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! \n1 – A long walk \n2 – 4 mile hike w/little elevation gain \n3 – 5 mile hike w/up to 1000 ft. elevation gain \n4 – 5+ mile hike w/up to 1500 ft. elevation gain (heart rate increases at times) \n5 – 7+ mile hike w/over 1500 ft. elevation gain (heart rate increasing even more at times) \n6 – 7+ mile hike w/over 2000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be trying to remember how to perform CPR) \n7 – 5+ mile hike w/over 2000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be muttering expletives to yourself) \n8 – 10+ mile hike w/over 3500 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be angry with the hike leader) \n9 – 10+ mile hike w/over 5000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be thinking of reporting the hike leader to the authorities) \n10 – Use your imagination \nClass 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. \nDISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY \nIMPORTANT\, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY: \nI 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. \nOutdoor 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.
URL:https://www.hikingwithdean.com/event/cross-town-trail-to-teepee/
LOCATION:Cross Town Tr (VHC)\, 5397 Harter Ln\, La Crescenta\, CA\, 91011\, US
CATEGORIES:Valencia Hiking Crew
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210516T084500
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210516T133000
DTSTAMP:20260405T042118
CREATED:20210511T213453Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210511T213453Z
UID:10000517-1621154700-1621171800@www.hikingwithdean.com
SUMMARY:Advanced Exploratory Loop from Haines Canyon
DESCRIPTION:COVID precautions still apply. YOU MUST BRING A FACE COVERING to meet up at the trailhead. Please be mindful of other people’s space. \nTHE PLAN \nTHIS IS AN EXPLORATORY – I have only done portions of this trail and would like to see if we can connect a couple of them. Please read the whole write up. \nImportant notes: \nEXPLORATORY \nBUSHWHACKING \nBRING POLES \nMORE WATER THAN YOU THINK YOU’LL NEED \nEXTRA TIME TO FIND PARKING – SEE FARZAN RULE \nSTAY WITH THE GROUP – SAFER IF EVERYONE STICKS TOGETHER \nVERY\, VERY STEEP \nWe will start at Haines Cyn and follow a trail along the foothills that will allow us a bit of a warm up before the fun begins. Three miles in\, we will meet up with the Kill ‘Em Quick trail. Here we will gain over 1000’ of elevation in just one mile. There are about 30 switchbacks that will lead us to a ridge. This ridge is a bit of an unknown… the plan is to connect to a point we reached last year that has amazing views of the valley and surrounding areas. Also\, a bit of a surprise up here with a story behind it. This is where we’ll take our lunch break before heading down a couple miles of steep trail back to our cars. \nThere will be a couple places to stop\, catch our breath\, take in the views and regroup. Poles and an adventurous spirit will be very helpful. \nSTATS ~ a guess \nDistance: 8-9 Miles \nElevation Gain: >3000 ft \nDuration: 5 hours \nTrail: Fire road and single track\, w/areas of deteriorating trails and steep\, uneven downhills\, possible bushwhacking \nRating: 8/10\, due to trail condition and gain \nParking pass: Not needed \nNot for beginners – no sweep!! We’ll be keeping a moderate pace and regrouping as needed. \n**************************************************** \nTHE STORY \nA couple of local residents made some cool videos of their crazy adventures. One of them was an exploration of an abandoned detention center and the trail the juvenile detainees maintained as part of their training program: \n“The Kill ‘Em Quick Trail was built by juvenile offenders detained at nearby Camp Routh\, a LA County probation department fire camp\, abandoned in 2009. Camp Routh had a program that trained some of the detainees to fight forest fires. As part of the training requirements\, these detainees had to make it up the ridge in under 30 mins wearing their forest fire gear\, some carrying chainsaws. \n“In one of the abandoned buildings\, there’s an old whiteboard with the Kill ‘Em Quick climber rankings\, a competitive list of times between detainees\, staff and the fire department.” One of the probation officers set the record with a time of just 15 minutes. \nA couple quotes that will let you know what you’re in for: “Is this even a trail?” “This trail won’t last if people don’t use it.” “This trail is gnarly.” Sounds like a VHC hike to me. \nDIRECTIONS \nFrom the 210 fwy take the Lowell Ave exit to Honolulu Ave. Go west. It veers right and turns into Tujunga Cyn Blvd. In just over a mile and a half turn right on Haines Cyn Ave. Make a right on Day St and a left to join Haines Cyn again. Though we will be meeting at the very end of Haines\, there isn’t much parking there so grab any available parking spot you see when you’re on Haines or turn left on Apperson St to look for a spot. \nWe will meet at the gate at the end of Haines. Please keep in mind this is a residential neighborhood – keep any noise to a minimum. \n*** Allow yourself a few extra minutes to find parking and walk to the trailhead. \n************************************************** \nThe Fine Print \nPLEASE – 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. \nThe 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) \nRSVP’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. \nVHC HIKE RATING SCALE \nRating 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! \n1 – A long walk \n2 – 4 mile hike w/little elevation gain \n3 – 5 mile hike w/up to 1000 ft. elevation gain \n4 – 5+ mile hike w/up to 1500 ft. elevation gain (heart rate increases at times) \n5 – 7+ mile hike w/over 1500 ft. elevation gain (heart rate increasing even more at times) \n6 – 7+ mile hike w/over 2000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be trying to remember how to perform CPR) \n7 – 5+ mile hike w/over 2000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be muttering expletives to yourself) \n8 – 10+ mile hike w/over 3500 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be angry with the hike leader) \n9 – 10+ mile hike w/over 5000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be thinking of reporting the hike leader to the authorities) \n10 – Use your imagination \nClass 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. \nDISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY \nIMPORTANT\, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY: \nI 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. \nOutdoor 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. \n****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
URL:https://www.hikingwithdean.com/event/advanced-exploratory-loop-from-haines-canyon/
LOCATION:Haines Canyon\, Los Angeles\, CA\, 91042\, US
CATEGORIES:Valencia Hiking Crew
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210518T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210519T050000
DTSTAMP:20260405T042118
CREATED:20210517T213407Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210517T213407Z
UID:10000534-1621362600-1621400400@www.hikingwithdean.com
SUMMARY:Shooting the Core of the Milky Way (Joshua Tree National Park)
DESCRIPTION:It’s Milky Way season! And I’m shooting the Milky Way on Tuesday\, 05/18/2021. The location will be at Cholla Cactus Garden inside of Joshua Tree National Park\, where an L.A. astrophotography group went there this weekend under windy conditions. Having read their Meetup board\, they were still able to have a great night. But 05/18/2021 will have better shooting conditions than 05/15/2021 because the wind will be a lot weaker. \nThe plan (just like what the astrophotography group did): In case other than me are interested\, we will meet at 6:30 p.m. at the Denny’s parking lot\, at 56895 Twentynine Palms Highway\, Yucca Valley\, CA 92284. \nhttps://www.google.com/maps/place/56895+Twentynine+Palms+Highway\,+Yucca+Valley\,+CA+92284/@34.1202533\,-116.4232492\,3a\,75y\,100.89h\,90t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1swo8zCvWELQfOCwUkm5L1yA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!4m5!3m4!1s0x80db27f6f274d007:0x253bd60d431afa30!8m2!3d34.1202343!4d-116.4231236 \nThen at 7:00 PM\, we head to the shooting location. \nWe go to the Cholla Cactus Garden through the Joshua Tree North Entrance. \nAfter entering the park\, we will drive for about 5 miles before turning left on Pinto Basin Road. After about 10 miles\, Cholla Cactus Garden will be on the right side. And the cactus garden is a short walk from the parking lot. Feel free to explore the garden to plan your shots. Note that there are no restrooms at this location. \nI plan to stay past midnight and into the early morning like what the astrophotography group did. But anyone who attends this event may choose to tailor one’s own schedule. \nVHC has done many hikes inside the Joshua Tree National Park. So\, please consider that there may be no cellular coverage in the area where we are going. For adequate preparation\, I recommend that one uses Google Maps with its offline feature. \nSky quality forecast near the vicinity: \nhttps://www.cleardarksky.com/c/JSAATCAkey.html?1 \nRecommended Items to Bring: \n-DSLR/mirrorless camera (I’m just bringing an APS-C sensor camera because I just gave away my Canon 5D Mark III full frame camera)-Lens (Preferably wide-angle and fast prime lens)-Tripod-Remote shutter release or intervalometer if one plans to use a star tracker and stack pictures-Lens warmer (in case conditions are too cold)-Camera batteries-Memory card-Lens blower-Headlamp/Red light-Trail/hiking shoes-Warm clothes-Food/water
URL:https://www.hikingwithdean.com/event/shooting-the-core-of-the-milky-way-joshua-tree-national-park/
LOCATION:Cholla Cactus Garden Trail\, Pinto Basin Rd\, Twentynine Palms\, CA\, US
CATEGORIES:Valencia Hiking Crew
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