Whiting Woods South Ridge Loop
Details
http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/6/9/d/e/event_202287102.jpegWe’re showing our love with a heart-healthy conditioning hike this Saturday, aka pre-Valentine’s in the Verdugos. As much as it pains me to do a rerun, I think the statute of limitations has expired on this one, and those of you who did join us last time may appreciate this even more in the cooler weather.
Building materials magnate Perry Whiting (http://www.whitingwoods.org/History.htm) started buying tracts of land in the Verdugos in 1915. One of his better deals appears to be the 260 acres he nabbed for $20K from an opium dealer in 1921.
Bring opium, chocolate, whatever it takes to see you through the uphill on this one.
The clockwise loop starts off innocuously enough on a pleasant, shaded single-track trail. We’ll continue east over Mesa Lila Road, then take a steep firebreak up to the Verdugo Motorway (two miles). At a junction of various fireroads (with a conveniently placed bench for our table), we’ll pause for a snack and the views of LaCrescenta and the Angeles National Forest to the north and all of Glendale and the Valley to the south and west. Then we’ll continue west on the fire road to Whiting Woods Motorway and take that down to our starting point (four miles).
STATS
Level: Moderate+ (for early firebreak portion only)
Gain: ~ 1,600 ft.
Distance: 6 miles
Time: 3-to-3-1/2 hours
Type: Single track and fire road, loop, mostly exposed
Dogs: Permitted on leash
Water: Not available at trailhead
Restrooms: Nearest are a few blocks west at Crescenta Valley Park, 3901 Dunsmore Ave (http://goo.gl/maps/15zO0)., Glendale, CA. From Pennsylvania Ave. south, take Honolulu Ave. West (east of the intersection, the road is labeled Montrose) and drive a few blocks to the park.
Parking: Free street parking
Bring: Hat, sunscreen, at least two liters of water, extra points for heart-shaped snacks
DIRECTIONS
From the I-210, take the Pennsylvania Ave. exit and head south for about a half mile. You’ll pass the Honolulu Ave. sign that heads west and stay on Pennsylvania until it bears right and becomes Honolulu Ave. heading east. Turn right/south on Whiting Woods Road. Drive 0.3 miles and park at the end of the road.
Here’s a map (http://goo.gl/maps/kKjGL).
This is a residential neighborhood so please be respectful and keep quiet until we start on the trail.
Shawn’s mobile: 213/308-7372
**********************************************************************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. By signing up for a hike, or any other event organized by this group, you are acknowledging that you are aware and have made your guests aware of the risks, dangers and hazards associated with any outdoor activity and freely accept and fully assume all such risks, dangers and hazards, and further agree to release and discharge the organizer, assistant organizers and event hosts of this Meetup group from and against any and all liability arising from your and your guest's participation in the group activities.