Hike to the 4077th MASH

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Leader: Dave Borchart

Location: 4077th Mash / Malibu Creek State Park, Calabasas

Difficulty: Advanced beginner (not recommended as a first time hike)

Distance: 6 miles roundtrip

Gain: 150 feet.

Time: 3 1/2 hours

Pace: Moderate / Group Based

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ATTENTION ALL PERSONNEL!

We are hiking to the outdoor set of America's favorite TV show... MAS*H ! The hike starts in the Malibu Creek State Park in Calabasas. The trail is relatively level and fairly smooth for most of the hike. We start our journey in the parking lot. We make our way to High rd. and follow it about 3/8 of a mile to a trail that leads us to Crags rd. The trail thus far has taken us through a few small meadows and down a gently sloping hill. From here we continue along Crags rd. to the visitors center where we will stop on our way back. There are outhouses here for those that may need them. As we continue our journey we will begin a small uphill trek that will take us above the north side of Century Lake and into a narrow lush canyon filled with chaparral, oak woodland, riparian woodland, fresh water marsh, coastal sage scrub and valley oak savanna. From here we have 1.1 miles to go to our destination, the 4077th! This area was destroyed as well as the set in the Malibu wild fire during the filming of the final 2 hour episode of MASH: Goodbye, Farewell, Amen forcing a mid filming re write. Upon arrival to the 4077th, we pass by an ambulance that has been 'cleaned up' and is suitable for some great photo ops. The only artifacts left in camp are a jeep and an ambulance, both just rusty hulks now. A small shed has been erected where the shower tent was located and contains numerous photos of the show as well as a few pages of various facts relating to the filming and such. The perimeter of the O.R. and the 'SWAMP' have been staked and roped to give an idea of where they were originally located. A replica 'sign post' has been installed outside of the Swamp. Several picnic tables are now sitting where Mess Tent once stood. The helipad is directly behind this location. Both the foot path and the jeep trail up to the helipad are still usable. From here you get a real good view of the camp, and Goat Butte, the mountains that you'd see in opening scene as the choppers flew in the wounded. We will take at least a 30 minute lunch break here and take time to look around as well as shoot some pictures before heading back.

To get the park, take the 101 freeway to Las Virgenes Rd in Calabasas. Exit the freeway and turn south

that would be left of you are coming from the San Gabriel or San Fernando valleys. Proceed approx. 4 miles south to Mullholland Drive. There are two dirt parking locations on the east side of the intersection, if none are available the park is 1/4 mile farther south on the right side of the road at 1925 Las Virgenes Road. Parking is $12.00. If you choose to park here, we will collect you on our way in.

I will be at the Monrovia Park and Ride on Myrtle in Monrovia at 9:15 am. We leave at 9:30. Be sure to bring a camera, at minimum 2 liters of water, a meal / snacks, sun glasses, a good pair of sturdy hiking boots and outer wear appropriate for that days weather. Some of the trail is in full sun and others in complete shade. The temps can change quite a bit.