Vasquez Rocks

A NEW YEAR = NEW OPTONS TO EXPLORE. What better place to get inspired for 2022 than a location that has shape shifted for the ~ 25 million years since its creation by an earthquake along the San Andreas fault?

More recently (e.g., in the last 1,500 years), Vasquez Rocks has been:
• The homes of Chumash and Tataviam Indians
• A real-life hideout for its namesake vigilante, Tiburcio Vasquez
• A stand-in for Colonial India in a 26-part TV series
• The backdrop for countless Westerns, sci-fi films and series and
commercials https://bit.ly/3JjZ7xb

We haven’t been here for nearly four years, when we all posed wearing bandanas (as a joke). Thankfully, there are plenty of wide fire roads here to allow us to give each other some space.

Recent storms may have affected some of the single track trails, but our general plan is to start on the Geology Trail toward a clockwise loop of the Eastern side of the Park. Then we’ll do an out and back along the PCT to a tunnel below the 14. Next, we’ll return to a loop on the Western side of the park (Foot Trail), visit the interior (Horse Trail), and double back a bit and loop in to the Famous Rocks. We’ll stop there for our snack break, and at that point, everyone is welcome to follow her/his bliss:
• Scramble up the 150-ft. high rocks, resulting from the collision of
two earthquake faults
• Visit the Interpretive Center and its cool collection of classic film
posters
• Head home to stream one or more of the films or TV shows shot
here

Here’s a map of Vasquez Rocks indicating the parking area and our route: https://bit.ly/3qsMsiU . And here’s some background on its history, vegetation and wildlife: https://bit.ly/3mAmRU2

Note the later start time of 9:00 am (this IS the day after New Year’s Eve), to allow for driving time to the TH. Leave in time to park, use the restroom and meet at the TH by 9:00 am. Weather forecast for Sat. is clear and sunny. High will be in the mid-40s, so dress warmly and in layers.

STATS
Level: Adv. Beginner/Moderate
Gain: ~ 800 ft.
Distance: ~ 7 miles
Time: 3-1/2 – 4 hours (w/break)
Type: Single track dirt, fire road, entirely exposed, lollipop with intersecting loops.
Dogs: Permitted on leash
Water: Refills available in restroom at Nature Center
Restrooms: Flush toilets at Nature Center and porta-potties at “Famous Rocks” near end
Parking: Free parking on site
Bring: Hat with chin strap, jacket and/or layered clothing, sunscreen, 2-3 liters of water, poles helpful on a few downhills, gloves if you want to scramble at the end, selfie snacks/optional snacks to share. You may want to bring a plastic bag or old towel to put your (possibly muddy) boots in on the way back.

DIRECTIONS
For GPS purposes, the park address is: 10700 West Escondido Canyon Road, Agua Dulce, CA 91350

From the 14 fwy, exit Agua Dulce Canyon Rd and head N for 1.5 miles. The road takes a sharp right turn and becomes Escondido Canyon. Continue straight at the stop sign at Agua Dulce Canyon Rd and the entrance to the park is ahead on the R.

You can park temporarily at the Interpretive Center (first R as you enter) to use the restrooms inside. Then return to your car and follow the dirt road to the “middle” parking area, (past the tiny parking area near the ranger’s station, but not all the way in near the “Famous Rocks”). See “PARK HERE” on the map with our route or the photo posted - lot is on the lower R of the picture.

Here’s a map: https://bit.ly/3FyRZdS

Shawn’s mobile: 213/308-7372
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The Organizer, Assistant Organizers and event hosts in this group are not professional guides. The function of the organizer is only to organize the trip. Each person who signs up for a trip/meetup/ or outing is responsible for his or her own safety and the safety of his or her guests. By signing up for a hike, you are acknowledging that you are aware and have made your guests aware of the risks, dangers, and hazards associated with any outdoor activity and freely accept and fully assume all such risks, dangers, and hazards, and further agree to release and discharge the Organizer, Assistant Organizers and event hosts of this Meetup Group from and against any and all liability arising from your and your guest's participation in the group activities.