Mt. Lukens from Deukmejian Wilderness Park

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TWOFER. BOGO. CALL IT WHAT YOU LIKE. But on this last Saturday of the second month, you get two hikes in one. Your call if you do one or both (and you don’t have to make up your mind this very minute).

Co-led by the dynamic duo of George and Oscar, the hikes will start from the same trailhead at gorgeous Deukmejian Wilderness Park (http://www.lamountains.com/parks.asp?parkid=102) in northwestern Glendale. During the mid-20th Century, the area alongside the eastern Dunsmore Canyon stream was used by the Le Mesnager family as a vineyard and there are still grapevines surrounding the charming old stone barn at the trailhead.

Both hiking groups will start together. Hike 1 will ascend clockwise through Cooks Canyon passing over a stream and several footbridges to the Rim of the Valley Trail, continuing to the Haines Canyon fire road. Oscar will lead those short on time (or stamina) back from that point for a total roundtrip of a little less than 5 miles, with about a 1,200-ft. gain.

George will lead the Hike 2 Team onward for 3 more miles to the top of Mt. Lukens (5,074 ft.), the highest point in Los Angeles. After a stop at the top to take in the views and refuel, the group will head East to loop down via the Crescenta View trail, chalking up about 10 miles and nearly 3,000 ft. in gain for the day.

STATS (Haines Fire Road/Mt. Lukens)

Level: Advanced Beginner/Advanced

Gain: 1,200 ft./2,900 ft.

Distance: 4.8 miles/10 miles

Time: 2.5-3 hours/~6+

Type: Single track and fire road, out and back/Loop

Dogs: Permitted on leash

Water: Available at the trailhead

Restrooms: Available at the trailhead

Parking: Free parking at lots on site

Bring: 2-3 liters of water, layered clothing and jacket, hat, sunscreen, snacks to share. Those going to Mt. Lukens may want to bring a sandwich or more substantial snack. Poles may be helpful on the downhill from Mt. Lukens via Crescenta View Trail.

DIRECTIONS

For GPS purposes, the Park is above 3429 Markridge Road, La Crescenta 91214.

From the 210 Freeway, exit at Pennsylvania Ave. and head north to Foothill Blvd. Left on Foothill, and right on New York Ave. Continue north on New York until it dead ends at Markridge. Turn left and then the next right into the park. Drive north and park in any of the lots near the top of the hill (the lot on the right is closest to the barn where we’ll meet).

Here’s a map (http://goo.gl/maps/GdCGi).

George’s mobile: 818/355-3520

Oscar’s mobile: 818/621-0443

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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. 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.