Inspiring/Challenging/STEEP 99%-Moon Sunset Hike: Bear Divide Fire Break Loop

More people will attend than showing as this event is cross-posted on other Meetup groups.

ROAD CLOSURE NOTICE: The road from the northwest is washed out, so you can NOT take Sand Canyon Road. You will need to get off the 210 Freeway at the Osborne exit and take Little Tujunga Canyon Rd.

STATS
Difficulty: 5/10, Steep up & down, with some slippery spots
Length: 3.5 miles, 2.25 hours plus breaks
Elevation Start: 2750' / Peak: 4003’
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1437’
View: 360 View of City, Valleys and Mountains
Details: This hike is STEEP but used by Fire department. Some sections of the trail are very rocky and have rebar sticking up. We turn around at the Nike Missile Control Site LA-94C (Historical landmark) and have our pot-luck feast at the fire station picnic tables.

TRAILHEAD INFO
Cell phone service in this area is not good, so please contact us early if you have an issue.

GPS Coordinates: 34.360145, -118.395638
Google Map Pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/pAJhA2dqtXbiiKWv

If you are having trouble finding those coordinates, the 3 dirt lots are about 300-400 feet NorthWest from this fire station (21501 N Sand Cyn Rd, Canyon Country, CA 91387).

Getting there might be tricky so please review the "How To Find Us" section & pull up the location on a map before driving there.

An adventure pass may be required to be displayed in vehicles when using the Forest for recreation purpose. Information about where to purchase day/multi-day/annual passes can be found here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/passes/adventure-pass

Night-hiking in LA is amazing! Trails are practically empty, breeze is cool, & the beautiful city below you offers unlimited full-definition entertainment!

We take short rest stops as needed. At the peak/midpoint, we take a long break to enjoy a potluck feast (beer/soda/yummy snacks), socialize and/or soak in the beautiful scenery.

COMMON-SENSE NOTES
• Please wear proper hiking boots or shoes with deep tread
• Consider wearing long pants as this trail may be overgrown in some sections
• Bring plenty of water to drink
• Bring a headlamp for optional use after dark
• Fun, yummy snacks are always appreciated
• Health advisory: Please stay home if you are not feeling well or have recently been exposed to someone who is sick.
• Bring a Cheerful Attitude :-)

We hike every Tuesday night & for variety we do other trails that are similar to this one (never boring).

We hope to see you!
Keith & Steven
213.507.2221 / 213.986.SNOW

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VHC INFO. AND DISCLAIMERS
Farzan Rule: We start the hike at the Posted hike time-SHARP!

PLEASE - Know your limits & abilities. Check weather conditions, dress accordingly & be aware of your surroundings at all times. Watching out for poison oak, snakes, ticks, uneven footing, spectacular views, beautiful fauna all while interacting with awesome (usually) fellow hikers can be extremely hazardous, rewarding & fun.

VHC HIKE RATING SCALE
Rating a hike is subjective, meaning the difficulty of a hike will be in direct relation to how often you hike & the type of hike you prefer. Keep in mind that any hike can have the following: un-even hiking surfaces, various obstructions, water/water crossings or bouldering/rock hopping. A great hike will have all of these!

1 – A long walk
2 – 4 mile hike w/little elevation gain (E.G.)
3 – 5 mile hike w/up to 1000 ft. E.G.
4 – 5+ mile hike w/up to 1500 ft. E.G. (heart rate increases at times)
5 – 7+ mile hike w/over 1500 ft. E.G. (heart rate increasing even more at times)
6 – 7+ mile hike w/over 2000 ft. E.G. (at times you might be trying to remember how to perform CPR)
7 – 5+ mile hike w/over 2000 ft. E.G. (at times you might be muttering expletives to yourself)
8 – 10+ mile hike w/over 3500 ft. E.G. (at times you might be angry with the hike leader)
9 – 10+ mile hike w/over 5000 ft. E.G. (at times you might be thinking of reporting the hike leader to the authorities)
10 – Use your imagination

DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY
IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY:

I am a volunteer (i.e. not liable for the group). Safety is a priority for everyone in the group. Think of this as hiking with a group of friends.

Outdoor sports & other events we plan can be inherently dangerous & accidents may happen. By participating in any posted event, you're taking responsibility for your own safety & well-being. The VHC Meetup Group & its organizers are not trained leaders & we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions. If you choose to sign up for any Meetup events, you are releasing the Meetup Group & it's organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries 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 & experience.