Hike Pico Canyon with Allen and Jim!

Note: Steve has badly spraine his ankle, so look for Allen and Jim near the Pepper Tree!

July 16-Pico Canyon-Length: 4 miles one way, 8 miles RT Difficulty: Moderate due only to length....trip can be made shorter by turning around before reaching the top ridge. This is a wonderful, historical road made for the use of the residents of Mentryville to tend the oil wells established in the back of the canyon and the top ridge in the late 1800s. There is old equipment scattered in the canyon, and historical markers noting the first oil wells in California. There is a slight gain to the midway point, but a more significant gain from the mid-point to the top. It's great to go steadily downhill on the way back! Coyotes, deer, and other small animals and reptiles are common on the trail. There are also wonderful flowers in this canyon, especially after wet winters! A portion of this trail/road has recently been paved for the movie companies. We will meet you at the trail head. Parking at the Trail head is $5.00. Parking outside the green MRCA gate is free. Note that if you park outside the gate, you will have to walk in to meet the hike leader about ¾ of a mile. Meet at 8:15 for an 8:30 departure.

DIRECTIONS TO THE TRAILHEAD: Exit I-5 at Lyons Avenue. Go East on Lyons. Continue to the end of Lyons (Now called Pico Canyon). If the MRCA gate is closed and locked, park at this point and walk into the park. If the gate is open, you can park inside the park. Proceed to the little old town of Mentryville, make a left over the culvert and park by the big Pepper Tree. There will be an entry gate opposite the Pepper Tree. You will be met under the Pepper tree by Leader: Steve