"Jungle Expedition" - Moderate

Join us for a great hike in the Hacienda Hills area where we will hike through a really neat and amazingly green and lush "jungle". It's just missing the monkeys.
We'll also visit a nice Buddhist temple along the way.
(Event is cross posted)

DIFFICULTY: MODERATE
This is not a beginner hike due to the distance and the amount of elevation gain. We also need to keep a good pace in order to finish the hike in a reasonable amount of time. The trail is a bit overgrown in parts, so you'll need to be ok with that as well. I recommend wearing long sleeve pants and shirt. There is poison oak in the area as well which I will point out.

THE PLAN:
We'll park at the Sycamore Canyon Trailhead parking lot in Whittier and meet at the trailhead entrance. Please be there before 9 AM and we will start the hike shortly thereafter. From there we'll hike up the canyon and eventually enter the "Jungle" and then visit the temple. Then we'll head up to a water tower on top of the hills before returning along the ridge with some nice views. We'll stop at some point and enjoy some snacks.

DISTANCE & ELEVATION GAIN:
I estimate the hike to be about 11.5 km / 7 miles and about 400 m / 1300 ft or so total elevation gain.

ESTIMATED TIME REQUIRED:
About 3 hours or so including breaks

PARKING:
The parking lot is small so there is a good chance it is filled up already when you arrive. If so, just park along the street instead (Workman Mill Rd)
If you would like to carpool just let people know in the comment section.

WHAT TO BRING/CONSIDER:

• Smaller backpack for day use
• Hiking boots or trail running shoes
• Long pants and long sleeve shirt (recommend)
• Hydration system (best) or bottles with water or Gatorade etc. At least a couple of liters
• Sun screen
• Sun glasses
• Some food/snacks for lunch
• Cell phone
• Hat
• Consider bug spray

NO SHOWS:
It is inconsiderate to the organizer, participants, and those on the waiting list to RSVP and not show up, therefore I am registering no-shows. For this event you need to change your RSVP to "No" minimum 30 minutes before the start of the event. If you have multiple no-shows on your record, you will be considered unreliable may not be admitted to certain events and we certainly will not wait for you. If something happens on your way, so you can't make it, please call or text the organizer.

DISCLAIMER:
As event organizers we assume absolutely no responsibility for you on our hikes. We are simply "hiking buddies", nothing more. If you choose to participate on any of our hikes you assume all responsibility for yourself and agree not to hold us or our Meetup group liable in any way. Make sure you do not participate on a hike you do not feel capable of doing without putting yourself or your health at risk. If in any doubt, please research the event further and/or contact organizers.