So Cal Happy Hour Hiking & Backpacking

To participate in this event please join the waitlist.
Adventure Pass required to enter campground.
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This is free overnight car camping at Oak Flats Campground, off the 5 Fwy, just north of Castaic.
Traveling Northbound on the 5, exit at 183. It’s the exit at the top of the very long climb.
Campground is located only 3 miles after exiting the Fwy.
Google for exact directions.
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This is a first come, first served campground with picnic tables, fire pits, vault toilets, & trash bins.
Bring your own water supply.
There is no water provided.
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Very strong cell phone reception at the campground.
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This is a great, convenient spot if you want to briefly get away from your family and in-laws over the holidays for some peace and quality time for yourself.
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Adventure Pass required to utilize this campground.

Hikes peak says: "Strawberry Peak holds the distinction of being the highest summit in the front range of the San Gabriel Mountains... A hike to the summit from Red Box Picnic Area on Angeles Crest Highway is 7.5 miles round trip with 1,510 feet of elevation change. The first 2.5 miles are gradual on a nicely built trail ....." We will only be going to the Saddle . anyone wishes to go the peak you can do so on your own.

Plan-A --- We will hike the first 2.5 miles - this will be an easy 5 mile R/T hike to the Lawlor Saddle (and back) where we will hang out in hopes of seeing the U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit Flyover. Which we have seen for the last 5 years or so. After that we will return to our cars. The Group was up there last Year .when the B2 Stealth Bomber flew right overhead. Please Check this page as we get closer to the date.

In the event there is a bunch of snow up at the Red box parking lot we will go to Plan- B...When there is a lot of snow there the parking lot is just crazy with all the people wanting to play in it. { lessons learned from the past}. please check this page as we get closer to the date.

Plan- B... you hike up Josephine peak trail. just about two miles. where you can see the planes from the other side of
strawberry peak. Please Check this page as we get closer to the date. Will post the link to Josephine peak in the comets below.
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/josephine-peak-trail?u=i&sh=bmnhpc
I will go up there a day two before to check on the snow and such.

Now! is the time to buy your winter equipment. Makes for a great Christmas gift.

CARPOLLING works best here.

We will meet in the Red Box parking lot at the junction of the road to Mt. Wilson and Angeles Crest Highway (Route 2) to begin our hike.

Directions: Drive to The Angeles Crest Highway (Route 2) exit on the 210 Freeway in La Cañada and head north on Angeles Crest for about 14 miles to the Red Box parking lot at the junction of Mt. Wilson - Red Box Road. There will be some carpool space from Flanders Road and Milmanda st in La Canada leaving at 11:00 AM.

What to bring: Warm cloths - layers are best as you will be warm while in motion, but when we stop it will get pretty chilly. Hat and gloves will add to your comfort. Micro spikes, Water. hiking Sticks. will help to have with you as well. Some type of snack or sandwich while we are waiting for the B2 Flyover and maybe a hot beverage. Parking pass just in case. Bring your stoves to cook with if you like. You might have to wait a bit for the plans to show. { yes there will be ... 2 of them }

The Organizer, Assistant Organizers and event hosts in this group are not professional guides. The function of the organizer is only to organize the event. Each person who signs up for an event is responsible for his or her own safety and the safety of his or her guests. By signing up for a hike, or any other event organized by this group, you are acknowledging that you are aware and have made your guests aware of the risks, dangers and hazards associated with any outdoor activity and freely accept and fully assume all such risks, dangers and hazards, and further agree to release and discharge the Organizer, Assistant Organizers and event hosts of this Meetup Group from and against any and all liability arising from your and your guest's participation in the group activities.