This is a loop hike. From the Sycamore Campground parking lot we'll hike up Big Sycamore Canyon for about a mile and then head east on the Serrano Canyon trail into a densely wooded narrow canyon, with a lovely seasonal stream crisscrossing the trail numerous times, and abundant wildlife. As we begin to gain elevation and the trail starts turning north a stunning vista of rolling grasslands (pre-fire) set against the steep outlines of Boney Ridge begins to emerge. This is Serrano Valley
We'll take advantage of the recent Springs Fire and explore the Serrano Family Home Site. This was a large ranch back in the day. The area is strewn with old farm equipment, water pumps, home items, and other artifacts. Before the fire the only artifacts visible were those that rose above the tall grass, or ones you would trip over. Today, after the fire I expect to see a veritable bonanza of artifacts including home appliances, tools, etc.
http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/f/8/0/600_263920832.jpeghttp://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/0/0/c/600_263920972.jpeg We'll crisscross many of the old ranch roads and trails there, exploring newly exposed ones, and take in the entire valley from west to east. Although this will provide plenty of length, we still need more elevation gain. To that end I would like to explore a trail I have seen only on satellite photos that head up the side of Boney Ridge (see top picture) and then bends back down to the Valley. If that trail turns up to be a dud we'll return to Sycamore Canyon via the Old Boney Trail. Thus, this is partially an exploratory hike
No Beginners. Hike is moderate to strenuous. I drew some lines on a map and I currently estimate hike will be about 10 miles with 1,000 ft net elevation gain (perhaps 2,000 ft total)....about 12 miles if we have to backtrack to the official trail.
