Chilao to Mt. Hillyer via Horse Flats Trail

DESCRIPTION: This hike is finally being rescheduled from the January fires. Please note earlier start time due to summer temperatures.
This a 6.8-mile loop near Mt. Wilson, California. Generally considered a moderately challenging route. We will go clockwise around the loop. There are beautiful views and interesting rock formations along the way. We will stop for a snack break at My Hillyer. We will end up on a paved road through Horse Flats campground as we make out way back around to the trail.

DETAILS:
· Hike Organizer(s): Michele E.
· Meet: Day Use area at 6:45 am, departure at 7:00 am sharp.
· Distance: Approximately 6.8 miles.
· Elevation gain: Approximately 1,181 feet.
· Time: Approximately 3.5 hours hiking including a snack break.
· Conditioning: You need to be in generally good physical condition.
· Dogs: Dogs are allowed.
· Restrooms: Say use area
· Adventure Pass: Required.

IMPORTANT NOTES: We’ll hike at a moderate 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, sunscreen and bug spray.

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, look for the Chilao Visitor Center sign on your left. You will pass the Chilao campground sign first. Park in the day use area by the restrooms on the left side after you enter and pass the Chilao Visitor Center. (The visitor center will be on your right)

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.