Hike Cedar Creek Trail to Fish Bowls!

Saturday, July 28

Hike Cedar Creek Trail to Fish Bowls!

Distance: 10 miles round trip Out and back hike

Hiking Time: 5 hours hiking plus 1 hour fun time at the Fish Bowls

Elevation Gain: 1800'

Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous on a hot dayhttp://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/b/e/f/c/event_62808892.jpeg

Highlights: The forested trail climbs through cedar and pines to the headwater of Piru Creek. Near the headwaters are the Fish Bowls, a series of deep potholes carved in the rock creek bed. One is deep and a great place to jump in and cool off.

Trail Description: From the trailhead follow Cedar Creek Trail for an easy couple of miles through oaks, pines, wildflowers and scattered redwoods to Cedar Creek Camp. From the shaded camp the trail continues with a steady climb up the forested slopes. After a mile of switchbacks you come to a http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/8/f/e/0/event_61656832.jpegsigned junction. To the left is a trail that leads to Pine Mountain Lodge camp. Bear right onto the Fish Bowls trail. The trail winds around the mountain and descends along the backbone of a ridge offering great views of the Mt. Pinos high country. At the bottom of the descent is Fish Bowls camp. Bear left, crossing the creek into the camp. Continue through the camp and follow the trail 0.2 miles upstream. Return the way you came. Although the trail is dog friendly I wouldn't bring one due to snakes.

Directions to Trailhead: Take Interstate 5 north to http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/5/8/4/event_61662372.jpegFrazier Park exit. Follow Frazier Mt. road west 7 miles and turn left on Lockwood Valley road. Chuchupate Ranger station is 1 mile on your left, last restroom stop. From the Ranger Station drive 9.5 miles to the 7NO3 road turnoff. Turn left. There is a mileage sign with destinations to Pine Springs, GradeValley and Mutau Flats. Follow this road, which turns into dirt, to road 7NO3B and turn right towards Thorn Meadow. The Cedar Creek trailhead is about 8-10 miles from the Lockwood Valley Road. Adventure Pass Required.

To carpool meet at Towsley Cyn between 5:45-6:00 am. Its 1.5 hours to the trailhead and 5-6 hours on the trail. We should be back to Towsley between 3-4 pm.

Hike Leader: Dave

Rated: Moderate to Strenuous