HikingOC (Meet to Hike in Orange County & Travel the World)

This is a NO HOST hike (it was postponed from last week due to rain.) You can join those who hike here before on a regular weekly route or explore the route as described by following the map. This is a nice hike on the hills of Laguna Coast Wilderness. We will change the conditioning extra portion for level 3/3+ to Emerald and Laurel Canyons. It's one the most favorite/scenic trails in OC. The ocean views from the cliff at the end of Boat Canyon are like Hawaii, absolutely stunning!--- Boat Canyon above Laguna Beach --- DEPARTURE TIME : 7 - 7:05 AM DURATION/DISTANCE/ELEVATION: Plan on about 2+ hours for a hike from 2 to 11 miles, elevation 800 ft to 2000+ ft gain. General Rating/Difficulty: Levels 1+ to 3+: slow/moderate or fast pace for elevation, distance and pace. CLICK RATING TABLE (http://files.meetup.com/1554500/RATING%20TABLE.pdf) to read more about skill levels ROUTE : We will meet at Gate 14 of Laguna Coast Wilderness. Since this is a residential area, we'll limit number of participants, only RSVP if you are sure to go. Boat Canyon is a ridge above Laguna Beach, after a mile uphill, we'll stop the lookout or continue on Boat Canyon Rd to Boomer Ridge Rd and turning back or complete the full route with a lollipop loop (out to Boat Canyon, to Bommer Ridge, Old Emerald trail, down Laurel Canyon, up Willow Canyon, back to Bommer Ridge, to Water Tank direction to get to the canyon trail back to the trailhead) ESSENTIALS : wear good traction hiking shoes, bring water. There is no shade on this hike, but a great view at sunset if it's clear. Bring wind breaker or a jacket as it's still cool near the ocean. DIRECTIONS : We meet at Gate 14 LAGUNA COAST WILDERNESS TRAIL MAP (http://ocparks.com/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?BlobID=8204) Yahoo Map or Google to Dunnegan Dr and Dartmoor St, Laguna Beach. Please map your direction before hand and don't rely on your GPS alone as the trailhead is a bit tricky to find. Dartmoor St and Hillcrest Dr signs are under the tree branches, so it's tough for first time driving here. From Pacific Coast Hwy going south (pass Newport Beach, Corona Del Mar, Crystal Cove before reach to Laguna Beach), turn left on San Joaquin St (Viejo is the next light street), right on HILLCREST DR, Turn Left on DARTMOOR ST drive to the end. From PCH going North pass Laguna Beach turn right on San Joaquin St (right after you pass Viejo, the street with light), right on HILLCREST DR, Turn Left on DARTMOOR ST drive to the end REMINDER: ***By joining the meetup, you agree to Meetup Terms of Service releases the Organizer and Assistant Organizers from any liability related to incidents that occur at Meetup gatherings*** ***Hiking is a rewarding and pleasant activity in nature, but there are certain dangers you should be aware of. Those include, but are not limited to, trip and fall injuries, bee stings, poison oak exposure, ticks, mountain lions, coyote, snake bites or wildlife. By signing up for this event, you agree to hold harmless the hike organizer, assistant organizers and other participants for any injuries sustained during this hike*** > YOU acknowledge THAT WE ARE NOT PROFESSIONALS. > YOU ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR SAFETY