Night Hike on Vargas Plateau with a stop for star gazing

Leader: Hike Leader is William Yragui, wyragui@missionpeakconservancy.net, 650-642-5150 cell

Synopsis: Hike from lower Vargas Plateau to upper Vargas Plateau. If the night sky is clear, we have access to a telescope to view the planets and moon.

We will hike into the park via the Cliff Trail, Deer Gulch Trail, Upper Ranch Trail, Golden Eagle Trail to the Vargas Plateau staging area and then exit down Morrison Canyon Road. Total distance is 7.5 miles with approximately 1,240' of elevation. Headlamps or flashlights are recommended for short sections of the trail but the objective is to enjoy hiking at night with no or very limited artificial illumination. Level: Moderate ++ (2C) - Not a beginner’s hike as this hike may be difficult for new hikers, hikers out of shape, or those with phobias about hiking at night. We will stop on a regular basis but must exit the park by 10 p.m.

Dress with layers as gazing at the stars can lead to being cold from standing around while the telescope is reoriented to new planetary or star systems. Warm liquid and or snack food will ease the time waiting for the telescope direction to be changed.

Estimated Distance of Hike: 7.5 miles or thereabouts.

Gross Elevation Gain: 1,240 ft.
Parking: Park on Maar Place or Canyon Heights Drive. This is a neighborhood so be respectful. Loud sounds carry, so talk softly.

Bring: Two liters of water, lamp, snack, face mask, layered clothing, and enthusiasm. Recommend well-fitting boots for traction and ankle support. Hiking poles are helpful, especially when going downhill.

Cancellation: Activity is held in rain or cloudy weather, but may be altered due to snow or hail. Telescope viewing is dependent upon the lack of any clouds. The hike will still happen but if clouds are present, the telescope will remain packaged.

Sierra Club - Signature of a Liability Waiver is required for participation in Sierra Club outings. If you need an advance copy of the waiver, email wyragui@missionpeakconservancy.net.

Meet: We will meet at the intersection of Morrison Canyon Road and Canyon Heights Drive.

Directions: From 880. Exit Mowry Blvd. and head east to Mission Blvd. Turn right on Mission Blvd. and then left on Morrison Canyon Road for .3 miles to Canyon Heights Drive. Turn left and park in the neighborhood (Marr Place or Canyon Heights Drive). We meet at the intersection of Morrison Canyon Road and Canyon Heights Drive.

Trail Map https://www.ebparks.org/sites/default/files/vargasplateau_brochure_map.pdf