Trails of Quigley Canyon Open Space - Mostly Easy

****** Rain falling will cancel all hikes ******

Saturday, April 9, 2016 - Quigley Canyon Open Space

Distance: ~ 6.5 miles (4 loops combined and an in/ out 1.1 mile portion)

Gain: About 350 feet max, mainly on one hill that has a tough, steep descent. You can choose to avoid this one section, read on.

Rating: Easy to Moderate (due to periodic hills) - so there is something for everyone on this one.

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Description: This is a local and very convenient 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. We will be combining 4 individual loops and a 1.1 mile new access trail in and out.

There is one loop (Coyote loop on attached map) 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 at an area that has picnic tables to chill and chat, before we regroup for the remainder of the hike.

Open Space Map link: http://hikesantaclarita.com/files/2012/03/Quigley_Canyon_Trail.pdf

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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. Due to the steep uphill and downhill on one loop, poles are HIGHLY recommended and make sure your boots/ shoes have a good tread. No tennis shoes or flip flops please.

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

Adventure Pass: Not required.

Leader: Nikki

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