Whiting Ranch Hike (Levels 2+ to 3+/Moderate to Fast Pace-Strenuous)

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THIS GREAT HIKE THAT FITS REGULAR HIKERS WHO LIKE TO HAVE A WORKOUT IN ONE OF THE MOST OC SCENIC TRAILS OR ARE TRAINING FOR MOUNTAIN HIKES!

=====We will meet at the parking lot near Starbucks-Wahoos====

MEETING TIME: 2:00- 2:05 PM (finish the hike around 5ish sunset time)

GENERAL RATING/DIFFICULTY: Levels 2+ and 3+: Moderate and Strenuous for distance, elevation and pace. Click to see RATING TABLE (http://files.meetup.com/1554500/RATING%20TABLE.pdf) for more info about hiking levels

DISTANCE/ELEVATION/DURATION: Estimated 6-11 miles, level 2+ will go Moderate Pace and covers Dread Hill/Billy Goat. Level 3+: Estimate: 11 miles, 2,400+- ft gain and ~ 3+ hours (fast pace)

Please note: Hikers will join the organizer for a workout; there is no leader or sweeper on this hike

ESSENTIALS: Wear traction hiking shoes, bring water, snacks, sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat

ROUTE: starting on a flat trail for about 1.5 miles, our workout will begin going up Dreaded Hill, to Vista Lookout, Bill Goat, back to four Corners, down Castus Hill, then continue on Santiago Canyon up to Vulture View, then down Sage Scrub Hill and return by Sleepy Hallow, back on the flat to the trailhead.

***Moderate Group: skip Vista Lookout and Vulture View. Depends on the group to continue to Red Rock Canyon or going back via Whiting Road.

ABOUT WHITING RANCH:
Limestone Canyon & Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park encompasses approximately 4,300 acres of riparian and oak woodland canyons, rolling grassland hills and steep slopes of coastal sage scrub and chaparral. The park is highlighted by scenic rock formations, including the beautiful Red Rock Canyon. There are three intermittent streams: Borrego, Serrano and Aliso Creek meandering through the park, each hosting an abundance of wildlife. Remnants of the former cattle ranching days can be seen throughout the park.
Though 90% of the park burned in the Santiago Fire of 2007, the land is in the recovery process. Please respect that process by staying on marked trails and following park rules

More info:
Orange County Parks (http://www.ocparks.com/whitingranch/)
Whiting Ranch Wilderness (http://www.whitingranch.com/)

DIRECTION: from Fwy 405 or 5 going South, exit Bake Pkwy, turn left on Bake Pwky and going for about 5 miles. Turn right at Portola and turn right at the light of Glenn Ranch (park somewhere in Starbucks coffee parking). If you going North on 5, I think you should get off on Lake Forest and head toward Foothill Ranch, direction is similar to above

REMINDER

By joining the meetup, you agree to Meetup Terms of Service releases the Organizer and Assistant Organizers from any liability related to incidents that occur at Meetup gatherings
Hiking is a rewarding and pleasant activity in nature, but there are certain dangers you should be aware of. Those include, but are not limited to, trip and fall injuries, bee stings, poison oak exposure, ticks, snake bites, coyotes, mountain lions or wildlife. By signing up for this event, you agree to hold harmless the hike organizer, assistant organizers and other participants for any injuries sustained during this hike***

> YOU acknowledge THAT WE ARE NOT PROFESSIONALS.
> YOU ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR SAFETY