"Secret Steps" Hike - Rustic Cyn. "Nazi Sympathizers' Compound"

Summer is over, are you ready for another of our Secret Stairs hikes?

SUNDAY - October 11, 2015: "Rustic Canyon Nazi Sympathizers' Compound - and some GIANT Steps"

Distance: 4 Miles (approx.) - may be extended if group agrees (see below)

# Steps: 1117 !

Duration of Hike: ~2 - 3 Hours

Rating: Moderate +

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Some of the stairs leading up to terraces for fruit trees

Description:

If you enjoy Los Angeles History and hiking at a fairly Easy/ Moderate pace, with a very interesting and knowledgeable hike leader, this is the one you have been waiting for! This time our hike is #42 from Charles Fleming's book "Secret Stairs".

This hike is described by Fleming as a bucolic stroll through a secluded canyon that culminates in a hideous climb back up over 500 steps in a single staircase - so, you have been warned! Unlike the other "Secret Stairs", these sets of stairs were not intended for public use. They lead to the ruins of a 50 acre self-sustaining compound (I.e. its own power generation, water, farm). It was built by a wealthy mining heiress, allegedly for a group of Nazi sympathizers in the 1930's. We will hike both sets of stairs and view any building remains. Depending on the group size/ stamina, weather etc., we may add a mile or two to visit a few other interesting sites in the canyon.

Here is some intrigue to wet your appetite:

http://la.curbed.com/archives/2014/09/what_really_happened_at_rustic_canyons_rumored_nazi_ranch.php

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The Compound's Powerhouse

Background to the "Secret Stairs":

"The "Secret Staircases" are generally either from the 1920s boom years or from the Works Progress Administration in the 1940s. They were built because developers in hilly areas needed to find a way for prospective home buyers to get down from their houses to a school, church, or streetcar line. But the Depression, and then World War II, halted most staircase construction.

"Secret Stairs" by Charles Fleming is recommended reading to enhance your experience. Also, see the KCET TV video below for more about "Secret Stairs".

http://www.kcet.org/living/travel/socal_wanderer/outdoors/secret-stairs-los-angeles-video.html

Starting / Ending Point:

Exit the 405 Fwy at Sunset Blvd and head West for 3.1 miles to Capri Drive. Turn right on Capri Drive into a residential area and stay on it for 3.6 miles (passing thru a roundabout) to the far NW end of Capri Drive, where it meets Casale Road. Park anywhere you can. The group will assemble at this intersection near the entrance to Rustic Canyon, at the top of the Sullivan Fire Road. We will start down the trail at 9:00AM SHARP.

PARKING: NOTE!! There is limited parking in the residential area adjacent to the Starting Point, which is why we strongly recommend you carpool with us from Santa Clarita.

Directions to Santa Clarita Valley (Towsley Canyon) Carpooling spot:

From the North (Valencia), take the I-5 South to the Calgrove exit off ramp. Exit, turn right. Go through the signal and immediately turn right into the driveway for Towsley Canyon but park OUTSIDE the gate. Look for club members and leader here.

From the South (Fwy 5/14 interchange), take the I-5 North over the hill into Santa Clarita Valley. First off ramp is the Calgrove exit. At bottom of ramp, turn left. Go under the freeway and through the signal, then when you see the parked cars at Towsley canyon, immediately turn right and park OUTSIDE the gate. Look for club members and leader here.

Carpool: Meet at the Towsley Canyon front parking lot at 7:45AM. Carpool arrangements will be made at that time and we will leave at 8:00AM SHARP. Please be respectful of your driver's support by contributing something at the end of your carpool to help defray the cost of gas.

Bring: Good walking shoes or hiking boots are a must for this one. Water (at least 2 Liters), sunscreen, hat and snacks. Bug Head Nets and bug spray is recommended in the canyon.

Adventure Pass: Not needed.

Dogs: Sorry, not allowed in Rustic Canyon, best we can tell.

Leader: Chris Spicher

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