A tad of geology and plenty of exercise, Geo-hike Mount San Antonio (aka Baldy)

Sorry about the last minute announcement:

The Bowl-Ski Hut trail is a particularly good route to learn some of the major geologic features of the San Gabriel Mountains as is crosses an ancient and major mid-crustal fault zone. Plus it's a beautiful hike.

Cross posted with Geo-hikes: https://www.meetup.com/Geo-hikes/

You'll learn a bit about field geology and Mount San Antonio (aka Baldy, elev=10,068') and get some great exercise. We'll see the mid-crustal Vincent thrust, the Pelona Schist, 122 million year old Wilson Diorite, Precambrian gneiss, loads of landslide and debris flow deposits, discuss the nearby San Andreas fault plate boundary; plus do a beautiful and somewhat challenging hike. This geo-hike will be along the south and east flanks of Mount San Antonio. We'll go up the Bowl-Ski Hut Trail to the peak, and down the Backbone Trail to the Top of the Notch Restaurant. Might grab a beer there, and one can take the lift down from there or walk the service road back to the parking lot at Manker Flats. If there's time, I'll demo some basic compass and map skills along the way. I'll bring some loaner compasses and maps for those with interest.

It's a 11.3-mile loop with 3,900 feet of elevation gain if you walk the entire loop. You'll need to be in good hiking shape due to the elevation gain. It won't be the fastest hike up the mountain. We don't fly past all the interesting stuff. We'll stop here and there for the geology and to take-in the beauty; but it won't be the slowest hike up the mountain either (about a 2-3 mph pace).

Bring water, lunch, your normal hiking stuff, good boots or trail runners. Usually lots of sun on these trails, so a hat and sun block. It will probably be warm but weather this high can change quickly, so bring something warm just in case. Check the weather forecast before going.

To reach trailhead: Interstate 210 to Baseline Road (exit 52) turn left on Baseline Road, right on Padua Avenue, right onto Mount Baldy Road, pass through Mount Baldy Village and continue to Manker Flats Campground. Park along Mount Baldy Road. We'll meet at trailhead sign near intersection of Falls and Baldy Roads

You'll need a National Forest Adventure Pass to park at Manker Flats (purchased at Big 5, REI, some gas stations near base of mountains).

For those of you with lots of interest in the geology look at these:

Geologic map at: https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/Prodesc/proddesc_71722.htm

Informative geologic guidebook by Professor Nourse at nearby CalPoly Pomona Geology Dept at:
http://geology.cpp.edu/janourse/ArticlesAbstracts/SCGS%20ESGMRoadLogPDF.pdf

DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY

IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY:

The hike host is a volunteer and not responsible for the group. Safety should be a priority for everyone in the group. Please treat this meet-up as hiking with a group of friends. If you become fatigued and unable to continue the hike, it is expected you will advise the hike host of this and return to our starting point on your own. If you are able to proceed, it is expected that you will maintain line of sight with other members of the group at all times and help to promote the group’s safety and fitness goals.

Outdoor sports and other events we plan can be inherently dangerous and accidents may happen. By participating in any posted event, you are taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The Mt. San Jacinto Hiking Club Meetup Group (SJHC) and its organizers are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions.

If you choose to sign up for this or any SJHC Meetup event, you are releasing the SJHC Meetup Group and its organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience.

** Anyone 18 yrs. or younger must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.