Short/ Long Local Hikes: Weldon Cyn to East Cyn; or add on Mission Peak
Details
Shorter or Longer Local Hikes: Weldon Canyon to the junction with East Canyon, or go longer out to Mission Peak and back.
Distance/ Gain:
Both hikes are Out and Back (O/B) style; length depends on whether you do the second part (an extra ~3.7 miles round trip).
NOTE: If you just want to do the "Shorter" hike, once we hit East Canyon, you will check out with the leaders and then head back the same way you arrived, back down to Weldon Canyon. It is straightforward but you will also be able to follow the arrows (we will have left) to the trail head.
- "Shorter": Weldon to the East Canyon junction ~ 5.5 mile Round trip total with 900' gain. Views of SFV, SCV and Oat Mountain, returning to Weldon trail head. Fair warning - this hike starts steeply but does get much easier later. This hike should finish by 11.15 AM
- "Longer": Same as above but ~ 9.2 mile Round Trip hike with 1600' gain. At the East Canyon junction you continue to the top of East canyon, where you turn South on the Sunshine Canyon Motorway for an out and back to Mission Peak. 3.7 extra miles. Views of SFV, the Van Norman Reservoir, Balboa Blvd, the West side of San Gabriels and East side of the Santa Susana Mountains off to the West. Return the same way to Weldon trail head. This hike should finish by 12.30 PM
Rating:
Hike #1 - Easy+ / Moderate
Hike #2 - Moderate + (mainly for distance).
Both hikes are not for beginners - you need to be in good physical condition to complete them, due to some decent gain near the start, over a short distance.
Description: Visit the rolling hills, views and quiet oak woodlands of the 480-acre Michael D. Antonovich Open Space. The area straddles the ridgeline of the Santa Susana Mountains and features mixed woodlands of big cone Douglas-fir, big leaf maple, coast live oak, California black walnut, native ash, and valley oak. Chances are high we will meet almost no one else for most of the hike.
Meet your leader: At the Weldon Canyon Trail Head at 7:45 AM for a 8:00 AM SHARP departure up the canyon. Park off the road near the brown Weldon Canyon sign.
Directions to Weldon Canyon Trail Head (22925 Coltrane Avenue, Newhall (34.34103, -118.52595):
Exit the I-5 freeway if going North, at Calgrove Blvd. Turn West and follow Calgrove around a curve and through one signal. You are now on the Old Road. Pass Towsley Cyn on the right; keep going along the road South and under the 5 FWY until you see a bridge on right that goes over the 5 FWY (Weldon Canyon Rd. to Coltrane Avenue). Follow it, as if going to the Oak Tree Gun Club, but stop near the brown Weldon Cyn sign on the left.
Bring: Lots of water, snack/lunch, hiking poles and a camera. Good shoes with tread are a must going up Weldon. If the day is cool, bring an extra layer, especially if going to Mission Peak, as it usually is windy.
Adventure Pass: Not required
Dogs: Ok, if on a leash and well-behaved with other dogs / people.
Leader(s): Nancy H