WILD FLOWER EXPLOSION!! - Trails of Quigley Canyon Open Space - Mostly Easy

Saturday, 21 March, 2015 - Quigley Canyon Open Space

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This is a local and very convenient hike.

Quigley Canyon has 4 loops and another in/ out 1.1 mile portion, giving a total distance of ~ 6.5 miles. Gain is about 350 feet mainly on one hill that has a tough, steep descent. Make sure you wear good boots. There are easy, moderate and steep areas on this hike, so there is something for everyone. We will be combining 4 individual loops and a 1.1 mile new access trail in and out.

http://hikesantaclarita.com/files/2012/03/Quigley_Canyon_Trail.pdf

Due to the steep uphill and downhill on one loop, poles are HIGHLY recommended. There is one loop that includes a steep hill. If you would like to avoid this, you can sign out just before that portion or just take a break before we regroup for the remainder of the hike. The scenery is quite varied, with abundant birdlife and did we mention wildflowers..... We will see the ranches, incredible homes, an oil company, intermittent streams, and some pretty vistas. This set of trails is very private... when you consider how close it is to civilization.

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Meet your leader:

At the trail head at 8:00AM for an 8:15AM SHARP departure up the trail. Park on Placerita Canyon Road, see detailed directions below.

Directions to the Trailhead (GPS 34.379641, -118.502622):

Going North on the 14 freeway, exit at Placerita Cyn Road and turn left under the freeway (the opposite direction to the Placerita Nature center). Go straight through the light on Sierra Hwy and continue about 1/2 mile West on Placerita Cyn Rd, until you see a gated community barrier across the road ahead and a wooden split rail fence on the right. The parking lot on the right is the Trailhead - it is clearly marked "Quigley Canyon Open Space".

Bring:

Water (2 - 3 L), snacks, hiking poles if you have them and a camera. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and long pants in case some of the trails are getting overgrown. Make sure your boots/ shoes have a good tread.

Dogs: OK, if on a leash and well-behaved with other dogs / people

Rated: Easy to Moderate + (due to periodic hills)

Adventure Pass: Not required.

Leader: Lise

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