Upper Rustic Canyon via Caballero Canyon and the Bee Tree Trail

Our hike will start at Caballero Canyon in Tarzana, the old stomping grounds of Edgar Rice Burroughs. Although the trail starts on the fringes of the San Fernando Valley, it quickly escapes into the peace and quiet of The Big Wild. The typical Caballero Canyon hike is a little too tame for us so we will be extending it into Upper Rustic Canyon by way of the little-known -- and hence little-used -- Bee Tree Trail. This will be about a 8 mile loop with over 1500 ft total ascent.

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Here we are, as "The Weekday Hikers" back in June 2007 at the Caballero Canyon trail head. We've been doing this one for a long time!

We'll take a side trip to the Blue Gorge -- a 6 foot wide, 20 foot high slot cut into the granite by the east fork of Rustic Canyon creek. The gorge contains a couple small seasonal waterfalls. Its narrow, moss-strewn walls were formed 150 million years ago out of Santa Monica slate, the oldest material in the mountains

Here is a 3D video of the Blue Gorge from my hike in 2011 - 3D glasses are required

https://youtu.be/cbxBOsRUstI

We should all know by now what a "little-known" and "little-used" trail can look like, right? There will be some scraggly sections so long pants and long sleeves is recommended. Know how to recognize poison oak. Trekking pole can come in handy on a couple of short and rugged sections.

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Post Hike Lunch: El Patron Mexican Restaurant & Cantina

https://goo.gl/maps/4ye7gxxihLK2

Directions:

Caballero Canyon trailhead is on east side of Reseda Blvd 2 miles south of the 101 and across the street from Braemar Country Club. Parking on street is OK.

Take the 101 Freeway and exit at Reseda Blvd. Go south on Reseda towards Tarzana for approximately 2.2 miles.

Bring lugsoles, 2 qt water, snacks, sunscreen, hat