Name: Fish Canyon Narrows from the Templin Highway gate (north of Castaic Lake)
Start: 2017-06-10T07:00:00-07:00
End: 2017-06-10T10:00:00-07:00
Location: Stearns Street Park-and-ride parking lot

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DESCRIPTION OF HIKE: Moderate 11 miles round-trip with ~1,000’ of elevation gain/loss. NOTE THE 7:00 A.M. CARPOOL STARTING TIME.

After driving to the parking area at the gated eastern end of Templin Highway in the Sierra Pelona Mountains just north of Castaic Lake, we’ll hike nearly three miles eastward on the no-longer-maintained Warm Springs Fish Canyon Truck Trail to the abandoned Cienega Campground that damaged by flooding in 2002. Then we’ll head north on a lovely single-track trail in Fish Canyon through which a pleasant stream flows. We’ll have many easy stream crossings in the Narrows as it passes through hundred-foot cliffs with red rock walls reminiscent of the Zion National Park’s Virgin River Narrows. We’ll turn around at a backpacking campsite where there’s a fork in the trail. NOTE: In 2009 Los Angeles Magazine published a list of “the ten best hikes in Los Angeles” and selected this hike as number one.

PREPAREDNESS: Bring 2-3 liters/quarts of water (or other suitable liquid) and lunch/snack. Wear appropriate footwear (preferably hiking boots) and be prepared for bright sunlight (sunglasses), heat (layers of clothing), and/or precipitation (rain gear). Hiking pole(s) and a camera might come in handy.

NOTE: At the beginning of each outing you will be required to read and sign a liability release form (a sign-in sheet).

DIRECTIONS TO THE CARPOOL LOCATION IN SIMI VALLEY:

Take Hwy 118 to the Stearns Street exit in Simi Valley.

If you’re approaching FROM THE WEST, turn left onto Stearns Street [there’s a divider in the street], drive north under Hwy 118, make a U-turn at the first opportunity, drive south under Hwy 118 and turn right into the Park-and-ride lot.

If you’re approaching FROM THE EAST, turn left onto Stearns Street [there’s a divider in the street], drive south under Hwy 118 and turn right into the Park-and-ride lot.

Park and wait for the hiking leader(s) who will distribute specific driving directions.

DIRECTIONS TO THE BEGINNING POINT OF THE HIKE AT THE EAST END OF TEMPLIN HIGHWAY (for anyone who intends to meet us at the trailhead parking area) – NOTE: You should be in the parking area (see below) by 8:00 a.m.

In Simi Valley, take Highway 118 east to I-405; head north on I-405 until it merges with I-5.

From the junction of I-5 and I-405 (heading north toward Santa Clarita Valley) drive 25 miles north on I-5 to the Templin Highway exit (#183) and take it.

Turn right (east) and drive 4 miles to the gate blocking further access on the paved road.

Park near the gate (on the left side of the road when facing the gate).

NOTE: Do not block the gate or the Los Angeles City Water and Power Road on the right (it leads down to the Elderberry Forebay of Castaic Lake).

Wait for the hiking leader(s) to arrive.

DISCLAIMER:

The organizer(s) or leader(s) take no responsibility and will not be held responsible for any injuries or accidents that may occur during any Rancho Simi Trail Blazers Club (RSTB) hike/outing. These events can be inherently dangerous and accidents will happen.

By participating voluntarily you are taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being and acknowledge, appreciate, and in consideration for being allowed to participate in any way you further agree:

1. The risk of injury from the many of the activities is significant, including the potential for permanent paralysis and death, and while particular skills, rules, equipment, and personal discipline may reduce this risk, the risk of serious injury does exist; and

2. TO KNOWINGLY AND FREELY ASSUME ALL SUCH RISKS, both known and unknown, EVEN IF ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES or others and assume full responsibility for your participation; and

3. To willingly agree to comply with the stated and customary terms and conditions for participation. If, however, you observe any unusual significant hazard during your presence or participation, you will remove yourself from participation and bring such to the attention of the nearest official immediately; and

4. You, for yourself and on behalf of your heirs, assigns, personal representatives and next of kin, HEREBY RELEASE AND HOLD HARMLESS Rancho Simi Trail Blazers, its organizers, officers, officials, agents, and/or employees, other participants, sponsoring agencies, sponsors, advertisers, and, if applicable, owners and leasers of premises used to conduct the event ("RELEASEES”), WITH RESPECT TO ANY AND ALL INJURY, DISABILITY, DEATH, LOSS OR DAMAGE TO PERSON OR PROPERTY, WHETHER ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES OR OTHERWISE, to the fullest extent permitted by law.

Activity participant agrees that this release will apply to all known and unknown as well as unanticipated claims, injures and damages resulting from group activities, as well as those now disclosed and all rights under section 1542 of the Civil Code of California and hereby are expressly waived. Section 1542 of the Civil Code of California reads as follows:

“A general release does not extend to claims which the (participant) does not know or suspect to exist in his (or her) favor, at the time of execution of the release, which if known by him (or her) must have materially affected his (or her) (participation and agreeing to) the release.”

By participating in any group event or activity, you hereby, for yourself, your heirs, assigns, personal representatives and next of kin, your executors and administrators, waive any and all rights and claims for damages you may have against any and all entities and individuals associated with the group, their representatives, successors and assigns and will hold them harmless and free of all liability or claim of negligence related to any and all injuries, disability, illness, death, loss or damage to person or property, suffered in connection with any and all activities organized by the group.

Les Wilson

Rancho Simi Trail Blazers

Travel & Outdoor

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Fish Canyon Narrows from the Templin Highway gate (north of Castaic Lake)

Stearns Street Park-and-ride parking lot

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Fish Canyon Narrows from the Templin Highway gate (north of Castaic Lake)

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