Hoyt Mountain via Dark Canyon

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HERE’S A GOOD REASON TO STICK TOGETHER on our hikes, especially on St. Nicholas Day. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Nicholas_Day)

The most popular story told by grandparents in France is one about three children who wandered away and got lost. Cold and hungry, a wicked butcher lured them into his shop where he killed them and salted them away in a large tub.

But St. Nick later revived, and presumably, desalinated them, making for Max Merriment.

For those who still insist on misbehaving, Krampus (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krampus) trails not far behind St. Nick, frightening children with rusty chains and bells, or just stuffing them in his sack and carrying them away to his lair.

Thus forewarned, here’s Saturday’s plan.

We’ll add a little distance and elevation to this usually-short trek by starting back a bit, from the Dark Canyon trailhead vs. Hoyt Mountain Rd. or George’s Gap. The first half-mile is a steep-ish, single-track ascent that pays off with expansive views in no time. At the junction with the Grizzly Flat and Mt. Lukens trails, we’ll head East on a fire road with a very gradual ascent, stopping enroute at a convenient picnic table and later at a colorful water tank (who knew Peter Max frequented these parts?).

From there it’s about a mile more to the end of the fire road and base of Hoyt. The last half-mile to the top is steep and via a not-well-marked use trail. If anyone’s uncomfortable with that, you can relax and enjoy the sights from the saddle at the base (and/or play lookout for Krampus), as we’ll return the same way.

STATS

Level: Moderate (for length/some steepness)

Gain: ~1,600 ft.

Distance: ~ 7 miles

Time: 3-1/2-to-4 hours

Type: Out and back, single track and narrow fire road; some scrambling for ½ mile to the peak

Dogs: Permitted on leash

Water: Not available at trailhead

Restrooms: Not available at trailhead; options = gas stations/retail outlets at exit from 210 freeway to Angeles Crest Highway

Parking: In small paved turnoff on the west side of the road; National Forest Service Pass required ($5/day or $30 annual online (http://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/r5/passes-permits/recreation/?cid=stelprdb5181410&width=full), from REI, Sports Chalet, Big 5 or the 76 Station just south of the 210 exit on the 2). I have an extra pass; email me if you’d like to borrow it.

Bring: 2-3 liters of water, hat, sunscreen, poles could be helpful on the descent from the peak, seasonal snacks (no Thanksgiving leftovers; they’re officially past their acceptable date to bring) to share at the top.

DIRECTIONS

Read these carefully and call Shawn with any questions before Saturday, as mobile reception is dicey at the trailhead. This is the same parking area/trailhead we used for Grizzly Flat earlier this year.

From the I-210, take the Angeles Crest Highway (2) exit and head north for approx. 5.5 miles. There will be a small mile marker that reads “30.02” (http://files.meetup.com/1578994/IMG_0299.JPG) on the right side of the road, just before a larger yellow sign that says, “Developed Campgrounds Only” (http://files.meetup.com/1578994/IMG_0300.JPG)(click on links for photos; both are posted in the Files folder, in the drop down menu under the More tab above).

There is a small lot on the left side of the road just opposite the 30.02 mile marker (coordinates N34 15.433, W 118 11.800). If you get to the large, blacktopped turnout on the right side of the road, you’ve gone too far. However, if the space at the Dark Canyon trailhead is full, you can park at that turnout and walk back to the trailhead. Wherever you park, be cautious about turning or walking across Angeles Crest, and remember to display your Adventure Pass.

Here’s a map. (https://www.google.com/maps/place/34%C2%B015%2726.0%22N+118%C2%B011%2748.0%22W/@34.214641,-118.151093,11z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x0?hl=en)

If anyone wants to carpool, meet at Milmada and Angeles Crest Hwy (https://www.google.com/maps?q=Milmada+Drive+and+Angeles+Crest+Hwy,+La+Ca%C3%B1ada+Flintridge,+CA&hl=en&ie=UTF8&ll=34.20859,-118.200145&spn=0.007382,0.014162&sll=34.208573,-118.196239&sspn=0.007382,0.014162&hnear=Angeles+Crest+Hwy+%26+Milmada+Dr,+La+Ca%C3%B1ada+Flintridge,+California+91011&t=m&z=16). at 7:30 am and we’ll divide up into a few cars.

Shawn’s mobile: 213/308-7372

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