What we’re about
We're a group that gathers on Saturday mornings to hike. It's an excellent way to stay fit, meet new friends and explore gorgeous SoCal.
We try to mix it up, and try new hikes around the LA area. We welcome suggestions for new hikes from our members.
We are not trained professionals - just a group of friends who like to get together to hike, so remember that you are always participating at your own risk!
Please join us, all are welcome!
Upcoming events (1)
See all- Mint Canyon, Agua DulceAgua Dulce Movie Ranch, Inc., Agua Dulce, CA
AND THEY'RE OFF! Well not the 20 horses at Churchill Downs, but 20 hikers on a fire road in Agua Dulce. . .
If you've always dreamed of doing the PCT, but don’t have an extra five mos. on your schedule this year, or feel quite up for the ~ 2,650 mile trek, then here's a little taste of it, carrying just a daypack.
This Sat. will be our last chance to hike this beautiful section of the PCT before the Summer heat puts it off limits until the Fall.
What’s more, if you’ve never visited Vasquez Rocks, it’s right around the corner, so a great chance to stop enroute back and check out the first-class Nature Center and incredible rock formations of this popular Hollywood film shooting spot. Not to mention, they have the closest public restrooms to the TH, but since they're not open until 8 am, we're pushing back our start time to 8:30 am. Plus, there are other cool attractions in the area like William S. Hart Park.
The route is straightforward. . . begins on an uphill fire road heading NW where we’ll see the Agua Dulce Movie Ranch below. Who knew there were so many shooting locations in this corner of SoCal?
We’ll then turn N on a single track and soon be surrounded by gorgeous green mountains, cross a dry riverbed (maybe spotting some secret art for PCT thru-hikers) and do a gradual climb up to our vista/break point before returning the way we came.
Since most of the route s single track with few junctions, we'll line up by preferred pace to allow everyone a good workout, stopping occasionally to rearrange so we all get a chance to gab with one another.
If you’re a little concerned about the distance, note that for many of us, this is about the same drive as going to Baldy Village from LA.
Big shout-out and thanks to organizer Tim R. of the Community Hiking Club Meetup group, who shared this trail with us. Join their friendly group to learn more about their awesome hikes in the Santa Clarita (and environs) area.
Here’s the route on AllTrails.
STATS
Level: Moderate
Gain: ~ 1,550
Distance: ~ 8 – 8.5 miles
Time: ~ 4 hours
Type: Out and back, some fire road, but mostly single track dirt, entirely exposed
Dogs: Not recommended due to nature of trail
Water: N/A @ TH
Restrooms: N/A @ TH; nearest public restrooms are at Vasquez Rocks, 10700 W. Escondido Canyon Rd. Porta potties outside the Nature Center open at 8 am (turn R into Nature Ctr Parking after entering). Flush toilets inside the Nature Center open at 8:30 am (available after the hike)
Parking: No lot, park on side of road entirely off the pavement. No NFS pass req’d.
Bring: Hat w/chin strap (may be windy), sunscreen, 2-3L of water, salty snacks and/or electrolytes (yes, already!), a thermarest or other item to sit on during the break if desired (no convenient rocks), selfie snacks and optional snacks to share. Poles may be helpful on parts of the trail, but no particularly-steep sections.DIRECTIONS
For GPS, use 34855 Petersen Rd (Agua Dulce Movie Ranch), but the TH will be before you reach the Ranch (and Meetup bug wouldn't allow me to edit the pin).Take the 14/Antelope Valley Fwy N. to Agua Dulce Canyon Rd. N. Continue to Escondido Canyon Rd. and turn R and then L to continue on Agua Dulce Canyon Rd. to Sierra Hwy and turn L. Then R on Mint Canyon Rd. and R again on Petersen Rd. The TH/fire road will be on your R; park on either side of Petersen entirely off the pavement. (See photo)
Here’s a map.Two options for carpools. Pls arrange among yourselves or in the comments and note if you can drive or want to ride, share mobile #s and the like.
· NE corner of the LA Zoo parking lot (diagonally across from the Autry) at 7:00 am
· Newhall Park & Ride, 20303 Newhall Ave., Santa Clarita @ 7:45 am (it’s about a 25 min. drive from here to the TH)Shawn’s mobile: 213/308-7372
(no reception at TH; call by Friday if any questions)
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The Organizer, Assistant Organizers and event hosts in this group are not professional guides. The function of the organizer is only to organize the trip. Each person who signs up for a trip/meetup/ or outing is responsible for his or her own safety and the safety of his or her guests.
