Pony Park to Pacifico Plutons and back again
Details
DESCRIPTION: Starting from the serene trailhead at Pony Park, this loop hike winds upward along a scenic stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail, offering a steady, shaded climb through pine and oak as you gain elevation toward Mt. Pacifico. The route is quiet and peaceful, with sweeping views of Palmdale, Antelope Valley and the San Gabriel .
We will have to a steep assent for about 1/2 a mile before we make it to the Pacifico Plutons—massive granite outcrops that seem to erupt from the earth, offering a surreal, otherworldly landscape perfect for scrambling, lounging, and, of course, snacky time.
Finally with some light bushwhacking we will find our way back to the Mt Pacifico Fire Road and a long decent to the Pony Park Day use area where we started. All together about 9 Miles and about 1170 feet.
DETAILS:
· Hike leader volunteer(s): Paul and Gary
· Meet location: Mill Creek Summit departure at 7:30 am sharp (Oct 4th).
· Distance: ~ 9 Miles total ( Big Loop and some bush whacking, and walk back down fire road)
· Elevation gain: ~ 1169'
· Time: Approximately 6 hours hiking including a snack break.
· Conditioning: You need to be in generally good physical condition.
· Dogs: Dogs are welcome but need to be on a leash.
· Hiking Poles – recommended
. I also recommended long paints.
· Restrooms – At trailhead and Mt. Pacifico.
· Adventure Pass – Yes.
IMPORTANT NOTES: We’ll hike at a brisk pace and ask everyone to stay with the group for a friendly and safe outing. Any guest that you wish to invite should join the Community Hiking Club (CHC) to participate. Depending on water flow, we may cross streams, but there aren’t exposures, bugs 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 at the start of the hike. Check the weather report and plan according.
ESSENTIAL GEAR:
Hiking boots, bug net and poles.
Clothing layers recommended.
Snacks and 3+ liters of water and electrolytes or salt tablets.
Hat and sunscreen.
Additional Hiking and Survival Gear Recommendations (link)
THIS HIKE RANKING: Level 4, Intermediate/Advanced (see chart below) -
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.
TRAIL Location: Mill Creek Summit
FILE DOWNLOADS
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.
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.
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