Spooky Looking VASQUEZ ROCKS - a Quick Local Hike

October 31, 2015 - A Quick Local Hike, before getting ready for those darling Trick or Treater's

Spooky Looking (well sorta....) but very photogenic, VASQUEZ ROCKS, the creek trail, Pacific Crest Trail and the Animal Corridor Tunnel

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(A spooky evening view of The Spires at Vasquez rocks)

Distance: No more than 5 miles

Gain: A little coming back up from the creek bed

Rating: Easy to Moderate family hike. (If you are a hard core hiker this hike may be a little too laid back for you!)

Description: We will take you on an easy family/ nature hike through some of the most beautiful and well known areas of Vasquez Rocks. You may recognize many of the features from television and feature films (e.g. Star Trek, The Flintstones, Planet of the Apes, etc.). You will pass the most prominent rock (the Spires above), just before you get to the parking area (see details below).

We will hike some of the many trails in the park at a fairly leisurely pace for about 5 miles. The trails have many of the plants clearly marked so you can work on your identifications!

Definitely a hike to bring the camera on!

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Indian's head rock:

Scary Ravens lurking on the top of his head.....reminds me of Johnny Depp's crazy Tonto in his recent Lone Ranger flop. Did I mention that Vasquez rocks has featured in many movies.... and .....OMG!! another small face is popping out of that Indian's chin!

Directions: Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park is located near Agua Dulce Springs, north of the 14 -Palmdale freeway. The park is about midway between Santa Clarita and Palmdale.

From Valencia, take the SR-14 North to the Aqua Dulce Canyon Road exit. Exit and turn left. Continue on this road. It will take a sharp curve to the right. It will become Escondido Canyon Road. Continue straight through the stop sign. Look for the Vasquez Rocks Park entrance on the right.

When you enter the driveway for Vasquez Rocks, do NOT go to the visitor's center but make a left hand turn on the rock chips/dirt road. Follow this road all the way to the far side of the furthest dirt parking lot (the one surrounded by a green tubular metal fence). Look for the group here.

Bring: A snack and water (2-3 liters recommended), electrolytes if it is a hot day, sunscreen, hat, hiking poles if you have them. This is definitely a hike for you to bring a camera on, especially if you like geology, wild flowers, unusual rock formations and animal tracks. Wear layered clothing in case it gets hot or cold and boots with tread. No flip flops or tennis shoes.

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Adventure Pass: Not required.

Dogs: OK, if on leash and well-behaved around people with hiking poles and other dogs.

Kids: If adventurous and say > 10 are welcome.

Meet your leader: Meet in the Vasquez Rocks parking lot, East of the large rock spires at 8:00AM for an 8:15AM SHARP departure.

Leader: Steve i.

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