Name: Twin Peaks East + Mt. Waterman
Start: 2015-08-01T08:00:00-07:00
End: 2015-08-01T11:00:00-07:00
Location: Buckhorn Campground Day Use Area

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/e/2/2/3/600_440157891.jpeg

THERE’S A PERFECT STORM OF REASONS for a longer and more challenging outing this Saturday. Three major International celebrations: "Friendship Day," "Beer Day" and "Forgiveness Day" . . .the one time a year we exonerate anyone who hasn’t brought ample snacks to share during previous hikes.

Coincidentally, if those three aren’t enough incentive, Peru and Ecuador also celebrate Pachamama Raymi, the Mother Earth Feast, on Aug. 1. (Just chanting “Pachamama” is comforting, no?)

This high-country hike makes the drive to the trailhead well worth it, with all the usual benefits of cooler temps, more varied terrain and more expansive views from the top. With few peaks obscuring the vista to the south, we should enjoy clear-day views of the L.A. basin, in addition to the high desert and possibly even Mt. San Jacinto.

While not a true “upside down” hike, the trail to Twin Peaks East (7,761 ft.) comes close, as after a gain of about 800 ft., we make a gradual descent of 1,145-ft. and then a steep climb of another 1,230-ft. for the remaining ½-to-3/4s mile to the summit. Then we rewind, heading down and up the saddle, and then over to Mt. Waterman (8,038 ft.) and a loop back down to our starting place.

Pachamama!

IMPORTANT NOTE : climbing the Twin Peak East has an elevation gain of 1,200 ft. in less than 3/4 mile with no clear trail and loose gravel at some points that may require the use of your hands.

THEREFORE MEMBERS WHO HAVE HIKED WITH SHAWN OR GEORGE PREVIOUSLY HAVE PRIORITY. NO GUESTS. FIRST-TIMERS INTERESTED IN ATTENDING – EMAIL SHAWN W/RECENT EXPERIENCE. EVERYONE ATTENDING SHOULD TRY TO GET ONE OR TWO ADDITIONAL HIKES IN THIS WEEK TO PREPARE, AND BEGIN HYDRATING (A LITER+ OR SO PER DAY MORE THAN USUAL) A FEW DAYS BEFORE THE HIKE.

Thanks to members Cecelia and Mona for recommending this hike, and to George for squeezing this in to his Langley training schedule!

STATS

Level: Advanced/Strenuous (only members who have hiked with Shawn or George previously may RSVP)

Total Gain: ~4,800 ft.

IMPORTANT NOTE : climbing the Twin Peak East has an elevation gain of 1,200 ft. in less than 3/4 mile with no clear trail and loose gravel at some points that may require the use of your hands.

Distance: ~ 11.5 miles

Time: ~ 7-to-8 hours (including 1 hour drive each way to trailhead + lunch break)

Type: Lollipop w/loop back via Mt. Waterman, fire road and single track w/some scrambling, intermittent shade

Dogs: Not recommended

Water: Not at trailhead, but available at the Buckhorn Campground (1 mile north of trailhead) and at several locations (Newcombs Ranch, Chilao, etc.) if needed enroute back

Restrooms: Not at trailhead. Vault toilets available at the Red Box Picnic area enroute (approx. 14 miles from the 210 on Angeles Crest Highway at the intersection of Mt. Wilson-Red Box Road) and at Buckhorn Campground (1 mile north of trailhead, 36 miles from La Canada ride share point). Finally, there are restrooms enroute back at the Mt. Waterman Ski Hut, Newcomb’s Ranch, etc.

National Forest Adventure Pass (http://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/r5/passes-permits/recreation/?cid=stelprdb5208699&width=full): Required ($5/day or $30/annual), which can be purchased at REI, Sports Chalet, Big 5, the Shell Station just south of the 210 at 4530 Angeles Crest Hwy or online.

Bring: At least 3-to-4 liters of water, sunscreen, hat, lunch and snacks to share. If you don’t typically hike with the 10 Essentials, this is a good time to do so. Review the list here. (http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/ten-essentials.html)

Poles may be helpful for the descent from the peak.

DIRECTIONS

We will meet at Buckhorn Day Use Area Parking Lot

From the 210 Freeway in La Cañada Flintridge, head northeast on Angeles Crest Highway (CA 2) for 32.8 miles. Pass Newcomb's Ranch, and later, the Mount Waterman Ski Area. Park in the small lot off the north (left) side of the road, just past mile marker 58, You should see a sign that reads Buckhorn Day Use Area.

Trailhead coordinates: 34.3465, -117.921 (34° 20′ 47.39″N 117° 55′ 15.60″W)

Car Pool: From the 210 Fwy, exit at Angeles Crest Hwy and drive north about a quarter mile to just past Milmada Dr. in LA CANADA, then park alongside the road. We will all meet here at 6:45 a.m. and car shuttle to Buckhorn Day Use Area. (https://www.google.com/maps/@34.3444658,-117.9159954,16z)Email Shawn if you’re planning to carpool so we’ll know to look for you.I have one extra Adventure Pass to loan anyone else driving to the trailhead.

Shawn’s mobile: 213/308-7372

George’s mobile: 818/355-3520

(If you have questions, contact us before Saturday as there will be limited-to-no mobile access at the trailhead)

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/e/3/4/5/600_440158181.jpeg

******************************************************************************

AS IF YOU NEEDED AN EXCUSE: Yet another article from the NYT (http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/07/22/how-nature-changes-the-brain/?partner=rss&emc=rss&_r=0) (w/250+ comments!) on the physical benefits to the brain of “visiting nature.”

***********************************************************************

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.

Shawn

George M

Saturday Morning Hikers

Travel & Outdoor

Hiking

Outdoor Fitness

Exercise

Fitness

Outdoors

Wellness

Outdoor Adventures

New In Town

Adventure

Healthy Living

Twin Peaks East + Mt. Waterman

Buckhorn Campground Day Use Area

Share

Saturday Morning Hikers

Twin Peaks East + Mt. Waterman

Saturday Morning Hikers

Details

Members are also interested in