Upper Devil's Canyon in the San Gabriels (your choice 6 or 10 miles)

Saturday, May 2, 2015:

1. Upper Devils Canyon Campsite, plus

2. 20' Waterfall (optional)

3. Distance: 6 Miles Round trip to Devils Canyon Campsite

Gain: 1400' total (on the way back)

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours total

Difficulty: Moderate (for gain)

1. and 2) Distance: 10 miles Round trip to Campsite and on to Waterfall

Gain: 2100' total (on the way back)

Hiking Time: 6-7 hours total

Difficulty: Moderate +++ (for gain, distance and some boulder hopping)

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Description:

As you stand at the trailhead and look down into Devil's Canyon there is no clue of the clear, cascading stream and the cool, shady environment hidden in the crease of the canyon, 2000' below. The trail is a 3 mile single track to the campsite and then a 2 mile footpath to the waterfall. Getting down to the bottom isn't bad at all, but remember what goes down must climb out!

The trail zigzagging descent will take you across slopes clothed in chaparral and mixed forest. We will pass several tributaries that feed into Devils Canyon's stream. Once we are next to the stream the trail comes upon a shaded wilderness campsite, a good place to rest. Going downstream pass this campsite we will follow a path, without inordinate difficulty for the average hiker, for 2 miles, crossing and recrossing the stream, boulder-hopping, and occasional hiking through willow and brush. Along the trail we will pass alders and sycamores cluster along the stream, while live oaks and big cone Douglas firs stand on higher benches and slopes. At 5 miles we will arrive at a 20' waterfall where we will enjoy the view, a snack and then return the same way back to the trailhead.

Meet your Leader: For those wishing to carpool we will meet at Towsley Canyon SCV (directions below) at 6:45AM for a 7:00 AM SHARP Departure .

Alternately you can meet at the trailhead at 08:15 AM.)

Please be respectful of your driver's support by contributing something at the end of your carpool to help defray the cost of gas - THX.

Directions to Towsley Canyon, Santa Clarita, Carpool meeting spot: From Valencia, take the I-5 South to the Calgrove exit. Exit, turn right. Go through the signal and immediately turn right into the driveway for Towsley Canyon. Park OUTSIDE the gate. Look for the hiking club members and leader there.

Directions from Towsley to the Devil's Canyon Trailhead: Take 5 to 210 East. Exit Interstate 210 at Angeles Crest Highway in La Canada-Flintridge. Drive 25 miles north and east to the Devils Canyon Trailhead on the right that is just south of the Chilao Visitor Center turnoff. Parking area is across the street from the trailhead.

Directions from Palmdale to the Switzer Trailhead: Take the Angeles Forest Hwy to the intersection with the Angeles Crest Hwy (2), turn left and east until you see the Devils Canyon Trailhead on the right, just south of the Chilao Visitor Center turnoff. Parking area is across the street from the trailhead.

Positive Note: There are restrooms at the trail head.

Dogs: OK, on leash and if well behaved around people / other dogs. If you bring a dog, please drive yourself. Bear in mind that this is a long all day hike.

Adventure Pass: Yes , 1/car. Available at Acton Ranger Station, Little Tujunga station, REI - Nothridge, Sport Chalet - Stevenson Ranch ($5 a day/ $30 a year) or any other Ranger Station.

BRING: Poles, lunch/snacks, boots with good tread, lots of water and electrolytes, camera, hat and sunscreen. This is a beautiful hike but because of the water in could be buggy. Bring a bug screen and insect repellant just in case.

Leader: Dave Sweep: Steve

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