5th Annual St. Patrick's Day Hike on Boney Mountain, 12 miles

St. Patrick's Day in 2009 was my first trip up to Boney Mountain State Wilderness via the Mountaineers' Route, and now it's become a yearly event. Wear green for some fun photo opps.

For those of you familiar with this wilderness area--you've probably been to the summit (Sandstone Peak/3,111'), Tri-Peaks, and Inspiration Point countless times. Today we'll explore those OTHER rocky outcroppings, e.g. Hole in the Rock, Gibbon Rock, Mushroom Rock, Boney Overhang, etc.

Every year the hike is a bit different; there are just so many trails and rocks to explore.

I'm bringing friends as guests, but everyone else must be signed up individually.

Trailblazing: No, nothing new here. These trails have been trodden before.

Exploratory: Maybe a bit, re-finding a route we've done before.

Bushwhacking: Yes, probably; some trails are brushy.

Estimated Miles: 12
Elevation Gain: 3,000' - 3,500'
Terrain: Single track, fireroad, some steep, rocky, slippery trails, rock scrambling.

The rock scrambling is all pretty easy. If you can climb a ladder, you can handle this!

Sunset: 7:02PM
Twilight: 7:27PM

Meeting place in Newbury Park: will be emailed to participants.
Time: Arrive earlier. We'll wait for you until 8:00AM, then we're off.

Hike will be rescheduled if there's rain in the forecast, or if it has rained the day before. Not a good idea to do this route if trails & rocks are wet.

Level: It depends on your level of conditioning. If you're used to the stats, this will suit you.

Pace: Moderate overall because we have so much fun exploring, checking out scenery, taking pics. It might be 2mph overall average.

Bring: Snacks, lunch, water, the ten essentials (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ten_Essentials). Trekking poles a plus. We return before sunset, but you should always bring a headlamp.

Wear: Layers, long pants and sleeves for brush/poison oak/tick protection, hiking shoes/boots with lug soles, gaiters if you have them, gloves for rock scrambling/brush protection.
Dogs: Sorry, no dogs for this one since dogs are prohibited in State Parks, and we'll be on some of those trails. http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/2/3/c/event_21668764.jpeg

Gibbon Rock http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/c/1/c/8/event_13729608.jpeg

The shooting stars were in full bloom on 3/17/10

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/2/1/3/event_21668723.jpeg

Hole in the Rock.