East Canyon Trail to Jones Junction

DESCRIPTION: We’re pivoting from the Chilao to Mt. Hillyer hike to a local favorite (East Canyon) in an abundance of caution due to local fires and to stay clear of emergency vehicles and traffic. This is an old club favorite. It’s an out-and-back trail that is popular for birding, hiking, biking and running, but should not be too busy during our trek (I hope). Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash. AllTrails reports the trail is in good shape and has some excellent back country as well as summit views.

DETAILS:

• Hike Organizer(s): Michele E.
• Meet: Trailhead near small parking lot at 7:45 am, departure at 8:00 am sharp (Jan 11).
• Distance: Approximately 5.8 miles.
• Elevation gain: Approximately 1,328 feet.
• Time: Approximately 3.0 hours hiking including a snack break.
• Conditioning: You need to be in generally good physical condition.
• Dogs: Dogs are allowed.
• Restrooms: Are down the road from the trailhead
• Adventure Pass: None Required.

IMPORTANT NOTES: We’ll hike at a brisk pace and ask everyone to stay with the group for a friendly and safe outing. Hiking may be hazardous due to uneven footing, stream crossings, exposures, snakes, bugs, poison oak, etc. Please be aware of your abilities and their limits. You are responsible for your own safety and well-being. This event may be cancelled due to inclement weather or other conditions. You can check the weather and other conditions on the AllTrails GPS Trail Map link below.

ESSENTIAL GEAR: Hiking boots and poles. Clothing layers recommended. Snacks and 2+ liters of water and electrolytes or salt tablets. Hat and sunscreen.

The Ten Essentials of Hiking (link)

THIS HIKE RANKING: Level 3, Intermediate (see chart below).
Please only sign up to attend hikes that are consistent with your ability. Based on your hiking during the last 90 days, how would you score on the CHC Hike rating scale of one to five assuming a brisk pace?

CHC HIKE RANKING SCALE:
1. Beginner: 1-3 miles, less than 500 feet elevation gain.
2. Beginner/Intermediate: 1-7 miles, less than 700 feet elevation gain.
3. Intermediate: 5-10 miles, 1000-2000 feet elevation gain.
4. Intermediate/Advanced: 7-12 miles, up to 3000 feet elevation gain.
5. Advanced: 10-17 miles, 3000 feet or more elevation gain.

TRAILHEAD LOCATION: From the Angeles Crest Highway, take the upper Chilao Campground Road for about a quarter mile (you will pass the Visitor Center). The Horse Flats trailhead will be on your left. The parking area is very small but there are many places to park nearby. You want to turn into the second entrance, the one closest to the visitor center.

Driving Directions (link)

NAVIGATION: We highly recommend the AllTrails app be installed on your cell phones and/or you print a copy of the trail map so you can personally navigate the trail if you need to.

GPS Trail Map (link)

The Community Hiking Club is a Non-Profit 501C3 organization. We rely on donations to continue sponsoring hikes like this. Please contribute by donating via: Cash contribution (at each hike), or via Zelle at 6617135610; or via Venmo at: @Heidi-Webber-5

DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY - IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY:
When you sign up for this event, you are releasing Community Hiking Club from any liability or responsibility with your participation in this group activity. While safety is a priority for everyone in the group, hiking can be inherently risky. By participating in any posted event, you are assuming responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The Community Hiking Club (CHC) Meetup Group and its organizers and hike leaders are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in our events. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions. If you choose to sign up for any Community Hiking Club Meetup events, you are releasing the Community Hiking Club Meetup Group and Hike Leaders from all liability in case of possible injuries or death as stated in paragraph 6.2 of the Meetup “Terms of Service” located on the bottom of the Meetup website. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience. If you sign up for this hike, you are verifying that this hike is within your abilities.