Hike Modjeska Canyon up Harding Truck Trail/ Level 2

Modjeska Canyon Evening Hike is back!... A perfect way to celebrate TGIF with friends!

DEPARTURE TIME: We depart at 6 PM. Please arrive ten minutes early to provide time for an orientation and introductions.

DIFFICULTY/GENERAL RATING: Level 2. You can check the RATING TABLE for more info about the hiking levels https://tinyurl.com/HikeRating
ABILITY LEVEL: Beginner to Intermediate. We hike at a slow pace taking in the views as we go. This can be a difficult hike due to the 600 foot elevation gain, although the trail itself is not technical.

ABOUT THIS HIKE: The hike starts at the trail head for the Harding Truck Trail across from the Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary on Modjeska Canyon Road. The trail is well maintained and climbs steadily along a ridge through scrub oak, manzanita, and coastal sage into the Cleveland National Forest. We'll hike for 30-50 minutes stopping at about the two mile mark for a potluck dinner. BYOB (beverage) and appetizers to share. The views from our mountain top picnic tables extends on a clear day over neighboring ridge lines to Newport Coast, Palos Verdes Peninsula and Catalina Island. Following a leisurely picnic dinner, we return on the same route about two miles to the trail head and parking area. http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/3/8/c/event_119437772.jpeg http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/9/0/4/event_119439172.jpeg

DIRECTIONS: From Interstate 5, take the El Toro Road exit in Lake Forest. Head North up El Toro Road towards the mountains. At Cook's Corner, El Toro Road turns into Santiago Canyon Road. Three miles past Cook's, turn right on Modjeska Canyon Road. Remain on Modjeska Canyon Road (don't turn on Modjeska Grade Road) passing the Modjeska Fire Station and continuing until arriving at the Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary. Parking for the Harding Truck Trail head is located adjacent to and just beyond the Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary. The trail head is across the road from the paved designated parking area. To reduce parking congestion at Tucker, car pooling is advised.

REMINDER: By joining the meetup, you agree to Meetup Terms of Service releases the Organizer and Assistant Organizers from any liability related to incidents that occur at Meetup gatherings
***Hiking is a rewarding and pleasant activity in nature, but there are certain dangers you should be aware of. Those include, but are not limited to, trip and fall injuries, bee stings, poison oak exposure, ticks, mountain lions, coyote, snake bites or wildlife. By signing up for this event, you agree to hold harmless the hike organizer, assistant organizers and other participants for any injuries sustained during this hike ***
> YOU acknowledge THAT WE ARE NOT PROFESSIONALS.
> YOU ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR SAFETY