HOEGEE'S LOOP TRAIL / REFUEL at LUCKY BALDWIN'S DELIRIUM CAFE

LENGTH: 5 - 7.5 MILES* | ELEVATION GAIN: 1000' - 2100'*

DIFFICULTY: INTERMEDIATE (not suitable for beginners)

*If people are feeling frisky, we'll tack on a side trek to the summit of Mount Zion which adds 2.5 miles r/t and an additional 1100' of elevation gain, for a total hike of 7.5 miles/2100'.

RENDEZVOUS: The lower parking lot at Chantry Flat, near the restrooms.

DESCRIPTION: This loop hike starts at Chantry Flat and heads down the paved road, following the first section of the Gabrielino Trail to Roberts Camp. Then it ascends Lower Winter Creek to Hoegees Campground. Next it climbs steadily up the south slope of Winter Creek, following the Upper Winter Creek Trail. After some climbing, the trail descends back to Chantry Flat.http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/b/2/6/8/600_269145672.jpeg

HIGHLIGHTS: Deep lush wooded canyon, several stream crossings, shade!!!

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/b/0/8/8/600_269145192.jpeg

PARKING: There's limited parking available in the three lots at Chantry Flat. In the event that you find the lots completely filled, parking is allowed on the road, but each car must be entirely behind the white lane or it will be ticketed by the Forest Service, or towed if it blocks the road.

Adam's Pack Station, which is adjacent to the trail head offers parking for $10, but this lot also fills up quickly.

Another option for carpoolers is to meet and park at REI in Arcadia (5.3 miles from Chantry Flat / trail head) and consolidate to reduce the number of cars.

What I'm essentially getting at here is that parking for this hike may be a bit challenging and require some 'creativity', so I suggest arriving extra early to allow enough time to sort it all out and get to the fun stuff.

ADVENTURE PASS: Supposedly required to park at Chantry Flat although some of you already know my thoughts on this (i.e., it's really not required here or anywhere--see news link re: 9th Circuit Court ruling below) so...do whatever you're comfortable with in this regard!

http://www.whittierdailynews.com/ci_19974329

ESSENTIALS: Plenty of water, sunscreen, bug repellant

FOOD: Optional refueling afterward at Adam's Pack Station (right near trail head) or at Lucky Baldwin's Delirium Cafe:

21 Kersting Court, Sierra Madre, CA 91024

https://maps.google.com/maps?i=map&q=Lucky+Baldwins+Delirium+Cafe,21+Kersting+Court,Sierra+Madre,CA,US,91024-1929

This British-style pub has a LARGE selection of CRAFT BEERS on tap.

1. From trailhead, Head south on Santa Anita Ave (3.6 miles)

2. Turn right onto E Grandview Ave (1.2 miles)

3. Turn left onto N Baldwin Ave (0.3 miles)

4. Slight right onto Kersting Ct (destination will be on the right)

Release of Liability

The organizer (me) of this trip is a volunteer and is not a professional guide. The function of the organizer is only to organize this trip. Each person who signs up for a trip/hike/or outing is responsible for his or her own safety and the safety of his or her guests.

By signing up for this trip, or any other event organized by me, you are acknowledging that you are aware and have made your guests aware of the risks, dangers and hazards associated with any outdoor activity and freely accept and fully assume all such risks, dangers and hazards, and further agree to release and discharge the organizer (me) of this hike from and against any and all liability arising from your and your guest's participation in the group activities.

In addition, you and your guests are acknowledging that you agree to the Meetup terms of service especially paragraph 6.2: https://www.meetup.com/terms/

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/3/7/c/600_269160892.jpeg

Additional disclaimer: Hoegees and Hoagie bear no relation.