Gold Creek to Oak Spring and Fascination Spring

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/7/0/c/8/event_99268872.jpegSure and begorra, St. Patty’s will mark our 100th Saturday getting together. . . and our second try at this trail. Assuming the skies stay clear this time, we’ll go for the green in Little Tujunga Canyon once more. (Note – this is March 17, not this Saturday the 10th).

This route north of Sunland has lots of beautiful vista points, the first of which comes after a steady uphill climb for about 1-1/2 miles. A short walk from there we’ll come to pretty, shaded Oak Spring, then continue on for another mile to the Yerba Buena Ridge fire road. We’ll decide from there about a few options. As the Scarecrow in the Wizard of Oz said,

• “This way is a very nice way” – up the fire road for another mile for some more panoramic views of the Tujunga and San Fernando valleys. Or,

• “It's pleasant down that way, too” -- down a narrow canyon trail for another mile to Fascination Spring. Or,

• “Of course, some people do go both ways,” so maybe we’ll do both. . . we’ll play it by ear.

Whichever route(s) we take, we’ll reconvene at the Yerba Buena fire road for our quick downhill return back the same way we came.

If anyone doesn’t want to do the entire route, don’t be put off by the length. You can turn around at Oak Spring (about 3-1/2 miles RT and 1,100 elevation gain) and return to the parking lot. Off the lot there’s a pretty flat hike along a creek you can hike along until the rest of the group gets back and/or we’ll divide up the carpool into for those who want to do the shorter hike.

STATS

Level: Moderate+

Gain: ~ 2,000 ft.

Distance: ~8+ miles

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

Type: Out-and-back, single track trail and fire road.

Dogs: Permitted on leash.

Water: Available at Hansen Dam parking area, not at trailhead.

Parking: Hansen Dam, see directions below. An Adventure Pass is required to park at the trailhead ($5), so carpool drivers will need one. If you can’t get to REI, Sports Chalet, or Big 5 to get one in advance, they’re conveniently available at the 7-Eleven (open 24 hours) at11348 Sunburst St. in Sylmar (http://maps.google.com/maps?q=11348+Sunburst+St.+Sylmar,+CA&hl=en&ll=34.27534,-118.378544&spn=0.015036,0.033774&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=29.578161,69.169922&vpsrc=6&hnear=11348+Sunburst+St,+Sylmar,+California+91342&t=m&z=15), just off the 210 freeway and enroute to the trailhead.

Bring: Water, sunscreen, a hat, and some snacks to share at our break. Poles could be helpful on the downhill.

Rain (but not a rainbow) Saturday morning cancels; check this site before you leave if you’re unsure.

DIRECTIONS

Since parking at the trailhead is limited, we’ll carpool from the lot at Hansen Dam & Recreation Center promptly at 7:45 am. So aim to arrive before that and be ready to go. It’s about 6 miles/15 minutes to the trailhead and there’s no cell service in the Canyon. We’ll warm up at the trailhead and get started by a little after 8 am. We should be back to the parking lot by noon.

The closest address for the parking lot is for the Hansen Dam Maintenance Facility (above) but the turn for the lot is south of that facility, on the south side of Foothill Blvd. between the 210 Freeway and Gladstone Ave.

From the 210 Freeway, exit at Foothill in Sylmar. Turn South on Foothill and then left into the parking lot (there’ll be signs flanking the entrance and the entire paved portion of the lot is rimmed by large stones).

If driving North on the 5, the Osborne exit is closed for construction, so exit at Branford, then turn left at Laurel Canyon Blvd. to Osborne; right on Osborne and right again on Foothill Blvd. When returning after the hike, note the Branford entrance to the 5 South is closed, so continue East on Laurel Canyon to the entrance just past Sheldon, which is open.

As you enter the Hansen Dam lot, drive straight in, and park to the right in the paved section of the lot vs. the dirt section to your left. Check the location on this map (http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=34.273376,-118.382883&spn=0.002203,0.004823&t=f&z=18&ecpose=34.27093282,-118.38288332,597.78,0,44.997,0&lci=com.panoramio.all) since Hansen Dam is a large park, and we’re not meeting at the Aquatic Center or the entrance off Osborne St. When looking at the link in satellite or Earth view, the 210 freeway is on the upper right corner; the red restroom building is near the center bottom.

If you RSVP and then decide not to come, call or text me early Saturday so we know to not wait for you.

Here’s a map (http://maps.google.com/maps?q=11480+Foothill+Blvd,+Los+Angeles,+CA&ll=34.271262,-118.382664&spn=0.057027,0.1478&hnear=11480+Foothill+Blvd,+Los+Angeles,+California+91342&t=m&z=13&vpsrc=6).

Shawn’s mobile: 213/308-7372

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