Get off the beaten path with the local Lyons Ranch and Taylor Loop Trail

DESCRIPTION: This hike is the first in a new collection of hikes targeted to explore local (or reasonably local) trails that are not necessarily the "shining stars" of local hikes. These hikes may be on lesser trails, or almost no trails at all - even game paths or seldom explored areas. These won't be our prettiest hikes, or our wettest hikes, or even our funnest hikes - but you true hikers will find inspiration and natural beauty from these lesser known nearby gems.

These hikes won't be for everyone. If you don't like trails or paths in poor condition, this isn't the hike for you. If you don't like pushing through thick brush, this isn't the hike for you. If you don't like steep drop-offs on either side of you, then this may not be the hike for you. If you're afraid of running into a snake (including rattlesnakes), then this probably is not the right trail for you. This is also now tick-season, so you'll need to check for ticks when you return.

The hike is about 2-1/2 to 3 hours (with break time). The trail will begin with some light elevation gain, then a good bit of easy, nearly flat trail, and then begin to climb. We'll follow along what I call the "ridge route" - following the ridges with small climbs along the way. We'll be up high enough for some great views, with no other people, follow the ridge line around, then we'll start back down the trail. On the way down, we can divert a bit to see ancient fossils on the side of a hill.

Sound great so far?

The positives are that you'll explore a seldom used area in the Open Space near Towsley Canyon. It's quiet. We won't see many (or any) other hikers on this trail. Highlights include beautiful scenery, a nice view of much of Santa Clarita and the Newhall Pass/Hwy 5 off in the distance. There should be grasses and wildflowers of various types, and parts of the trail will be through thick brush and a negligible trail, but I've hiked it twice now, and its fine.

Bring your good hiking sole boots/shoes with good tread for this trail, and hiking poles are HIGHLY recommended. Due to the likely presence of ticks and rattlesnakes, I'm asking that you NOT bring your dog for its safety. The trail is narrow, and steep in parts and not a good trail to bring your furry friend! If you have ankle gaiters, I would recommend them. I'll be wearing them, but then I'll be the first to run into any snakes!

Because the trail is not always well defined, we'll limit this hike to 15 people, so if you sign up, please attend, or cancel with enough time that someone can sign up in your place.

Challenges are steep elevation, overgrown terrain, and poor maintenance in a few areas. Due to growing grasses, the trail will not be super visible in spots, but I've done it now twice, have GPS, and know the way.

There is no water on this hike. There are very few trees - so don't count on shade. This hike is truly for the adventurous hikers that don't mind a workout, and a good view, and solitude in an area near the very popular Towsley Canyon loop.

DETAILS:
• Hike leader volunteer(s): Gary S
• Meet: Towsley parking lot at 7:45 am, departure at 8:00 am sharp
• Distance: Approximately 5.1 miles.
• Elevation gain: Approximately 1,000 feet.
• Time: Approximately 2.5 hours hiking including a snack break.
• Conditioning: You need to be in generally good physical condition.
• Dogs: Dogs are NOT recommended for this hike.
• No Sweeps expected on this hike.
• Restrooms: None.
• Adventure Pass: Not Required

IMPORTANT NOTES: We’ll hike at a good pace and ask everyone to stay with the group for a friendly and safe outing. There is very little shade, so wear sun protection and sunscreen. As always, people may slip and fall, encounter poison oak, rattlesnakes, etc. on this hike.

ESSENTIAL GEAR:
• Hiking boots or shoes with good tread and trekking 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.

On the hiking scale, this is a 3/4 in a few spots, and a 1-2 in a few other areas. Unless you are at least good for a 3 or 4 level hike, you should pass on this one.

TRAILHEAD LOCATION:
Towsley Canyon Park, 24335 The Old Rd, Newhall, CA 91321 (off street parking). Pull into the parking lot and park to the right side of that first lot.
Driving Directions Link (Google Maps)

NAVIGATION & GEAR:
We highly recommend AllTrails and/or Gaia apps 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.

View/Download Loop Trail (Import into AllTrails or Gaia as GPX Track)

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), via Zelle at 6617135610; or 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.