Santa Susana Stage Road - Beginner hike but the Devil is in the details

Details
This is a beginner hike with a tad bit of challenge due to gains and a tad bit of scrambling and bush whacking.

*** Safety Note: Rain or Extreme Heat at trailhead cancels hikes.
Meetup Time: 7:15 A.M. (We hit the trail at 7:30)

DISTANCE: 5 miles - out and back

GAIN: 863 ft

RATED: Beginner + for a little bit of rock scrambling and slight bush whacking.

HIKE DURATION: About 2 ½ to 3 hours (including a 20-minute snacky time!)

DESCRIPTION: The Santa Susana Pass is a narrow gap in the Santa Susana Mountains that separates the San Fernando Valley from Simi Valley. In the mid-19th century, the Santa Susana Pass became an important transportation route for wagons and stagecoaches traveling between Los Angeles and points north.

The stagecoaches and wagons would have to make a sketchy journey down the Devils slide, an angular rock formation located within the pass. This was so treacherous horses were usually blindfolded and chains were used to augment brakes on the steep descent. Passengers debarked and walked, as opposed to risking gravity and angular momentum. The deep ruts made by the wagons on the 'Devil's Slide' section are still visible.

We will be hiking up the Devils Slide to a overlook where you can see the angle of the Devils Slide and an some breathtaking views of the pass and ...uh...the industrial buildings and power lines in the distance. There are a couple of shady Oaks we can park under for Snacky time, then we will be making our way back down to the to the Devils slide and once back to the bottom a little loop back to the trail head.

BRING: Strong shoes, (most of this trail is in the open with little or no shade) Poles will be useful for some the technical areas.; snack; a hat; !!sunscreen!!, bug spray / bug net (in case). 3 liters of liquids (2L water/ 1-liter electrolytes, i.e., Gatorade).

ADVENTURE PASS: No

**MEET AT: (**Google GPS Coordinates: 34°14'58.8"N 118°37'10.9"W) The Andora Ave Trail head is in a neighborhood, so please be quiet and respectful of the locals. Meet at the picnic tables at the trail head.

Bathrooms: Pitt Toilet at the Trail head.

Dogs: OK, if well behaved around other dogs/ people with hiking poles and on a leash.

Leaders: Paul H, and Gary S.