Jackson Lake to Jackson Flats Observation Tower via PCT

Jackson Lake to Jackson Flats Observation Tower via PCT

DESCRIPTION:
We’ll meet at scenic Jackson Lake early to minimize the heat and crowds. The Jackson Flat Trail forks left at the Boy Scout trail junction, and climbs up moderately to the top of the ridge and the PCT trail junction at 7400 ft. From here we'll take the fire road into Jackson Flat Campground. We’ll stop at the Jackson Flats Campground for a break and grab a snack before we take a short footpath that takes you to an observation tower with 360 views. Once we check out the view we loop back to the PCT on the North slopes and meet back up with the Jackson Trail down. There is a small section from here where the trail is a little overgrown. (You may want long pants if that will bother you)

DETAILS:
· Hike leader volunteer(s): Michele
· Meet: Jackson Lake parking lot at 6:45 am, departure at 7:00 am sharp.
· Distance: Approximately 7.2 miles.
· Elevation gain: Approximately 1,702 feet.
· Time: Approximately 4.5 hours hiking including a snack break.
· Conditioning: You need to be in generally good physical condition.
· Dogs: Dogs are allowed.
· Restrooms: There are bathrooms at the trailhead.
· Adventure Pass: Not Required.
· There is a $10 PARKING FEE. You place the cash or a check in an envelope at a little kiosk.

IMPORTANT NOTES: We’ll hike at a moderate pace and ask everyone to stay with the group for a friendly and safe outing. There are no expected stream crossings, exposures, or other warnings. As always, people may slip and fall, encounter poison oak, snakes, etc. on this hike. This event may be cancelled due to inclement weather before or at the start of the hike. Check the weather report and plan accordingly.

ESSENTIAL GEAR: Hiking boots and poles. Clothing layers recommended. Snacks and 3+ 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: Jackson Lake parking lot, Co Hwy N4, Valyermo, CA 93563

Driving Directions (link)

There are two parking options: Park in the Jackson Lake Parking lot and pay a $10/day fee or alternatively, you may be able to find free parking out on the roadway, on either side of the entrance.

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.