Elsmere canyon--rocks, critter crossings and views of the Valley

A LITTLE KNOWN JEWEL IN L.A.'S RIM-OF-THE-VALLEY PARK SYSTEM, BOUGHT AND PRESERVED BY THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA IN OCTOBER OF 2010

2 to 5 PM, Elsmere Canyon (2 miles north of Sylmar)

then, optional dinner. I'm open to suggestions.

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/b/7/f/7/event_18587095.jpeg

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/6/1/a/event_18841562.jpeg

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/c/3/a/4/event_22670084.jpeg

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http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/c/3/a/b/event_22670091.jpeg

WHERE: Elsmere Canyon park

WHAT'S THERE: A loop hike to oak trees, wildflowers, caves, rocks, 360 degree views of the San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valleys

DIFFICULTY: Medium--4/10...

ELEVATION GAIN: the hike totals 6 miles with 800 feet of elevation gain (begins at 1500 feet and reaches to 2300 feet) at the top of the Newhall Pass.

PHOTOS OF THE PLACE:

https://picasaweb.google.com/Rare.Earth.fotos/ElsmereAndGrapevineCanyons

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PRINTABLE TOPO MAP WITH TRAILS:

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/4/b/8/4/highres_78139332.jpeg

We will be hiking up the ridge on the west side of Elsmere Canyon to the caves and rocks. Then we will summit at "Fremont" at 2359 feet in the lower middle of this map. Then we will return via the trail along Elsmere creek.

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/4/b/8/4/event_78139332.jpeg

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A PRINTABLE STREET MAP TO THE HIKE IS HERE: http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/e/7/4/3/highres_22679203.jpeg

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/e/7/4/3/event_22679203.jpeg

DIRECTIONS:

A ZOOMABLE MAP IS HERE:

http://mapper.acme.com/?ll=34.36491,-118.50085&z=14&t=M&marker0=34.36491%2C-118.50085%2C3.5%20km%20SE%20of%20Newhall%20CA

HOW TO GET ELSMERE CANYON PARK: Take whatever freeway is near you to the 5 freeway where it splits into the 5 and 14 freeways in the north San Fernando Valley. Take the 14 freeway and at the first offramp called "Newhall Avenue" get off and go to the right. There is a big dirt parking lot and a sign saying "Whitney Canyon Park". If you park in the first dirt lot, parking is free, if you go past the gate, you have to pay to park. Don't worry, there are plenty of parking spaces.

BRING: 2 quarts of water, hiking shoes, hat, sunscreen, munchies

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LEGAL STUFF: finally, by going on this hike, you agree to assume all risks of this hike, and that no one at Meetup including the organizer is responsible for your safety. See the Meetup terms of service especially paragraph 6.2:

https://www.meetup.com/terms/

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