Name: Gold Creek to Oak Spring and Fascination Spring
Start: 2012-03-31T07:45:00-07:00
End: 2012-03-31T10:45:00-07:00

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/1/f/8/8/event_105008072.jpegThe third time's a charm. Right? That, plus a 0% precip prediction for this Saturday, has us resurrecting this for

one

more

try.

Those of you who read this before once, twice, or now three times, can skim ahead to the parking details below.

Those who need a refresher: this route north of Sunland has lots of beautiful vista points, the first of which comes after a steady uphill climb for about 1-1/2 miles. A short walk from there we’ll come to pretty, shaded Oak Spring, then continue on for another mile to the Yerba Buena Ridge fire road. We’ll decide from there about a few options: up to higher vistas or down into Fascination Spring.

Whichever route(s) we take, we’ll reconvene at the Yerba Buena fire road for our quick downhill return back the same way we came.

If anyone doesn’t want to do the entire route, don’t be put off by the length. You can turn around at Oak Spring (about 3-1/2 miles RT and 1,100 elevation gain) and return to the parking lot. Off the lot there’s a pretty flat hike along a creek you can hike along until the rest of the group gets back and/or we’ll divide up the carpool into for those who want to do the shorter hike.

STATS

Level: Moderate+

Gain: ~ 2,000 ft.

Distance: ~8+ miles

Time: ~3-1/2-to-4 hours

Type: Out-and-back, single track trail and fire road.

Dogs: Permitted on leash.

Water: Available at Hansen Dam parking area, not at trailhead.

Restrooms: Available at Hansen Dam and at the trailhead.

Parking: Hansen Dam, see directions below. An Adventure Pass is required to park at the trailhead ($5), so carpool drivers will need one. If you can’t get to REI, Sports Chalet, or Big 5 to get one in advance, they’re conveniently available at the 7-Eleven (open 24 hours) at 11348 Sunburst St. in Sylmar (http://maps.google.com/maps?q=11348+Sunburst+St.+Sylmar,+CA&hl=en&ll=34.27534,-118.378544&spn=0.015036,0.033774&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=29.578161,69.169922&vpsrc=6&hnear=11348+Sunburst+St,+Sylmar,+California+91342&t=m&z=15), just off the 210 freeway and enroute to the trailhead.

Bring: Water, sunscreen, a hat, and some snacks to share at our break. Poles could be helpful on the downhill.

(Note: there will be NO mention of the rain cancellation plan this week. Power of positive thinking and all that.)

DIRECTIONS

Since parking at the trailhead is limited, we’ll carpool from the lot at Hansen Dam & Recreation Center promptly at 7:45 am. So aim to arrive before that and be ready to go. It’s about 6 miles/15 minutes to the trailhead and there’s no cell service in the Canyon. We’ll warm up at the trailhead and get started by a little after 8 am. We should be back to the parking lot by noon.

The closest address for the parking lot is for the Hansen Dam Maintenance Facility (above) but the turn for the lot is south of that facility, on the south side of Foothill Blvd. between the 210 Freeway and Gladstone Ave.

From the 210 Freeway, exit at Foothill in Sylmar. Turn South on Foothill and then left into the parking lot (there’ll be signs flanking the entrance and the entire paved portion of the lot is rimmed by large stones).

If driving North on the 5, the Osborne exit is closed for construction, so exit at Branford, then turn left at Laurel Canyon Blvd. to Osborne; right on Osborne and right again on Foothill Blvd. When returning after the hike, note the Branford entrance to the 5 South is closed, so continue East on Laurel Canyon to the entrance just past Sheldon, which is open.

As you enter the Hansen Dam lot, drive straight in, and park to the right in the paved section of the lot vs. the dirt section to your left. Check the location on this map (http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=34.273376,-118.382883&spn=0.002203,0.004823&t=f&z=18&ecpose=34.27093282,-118.38288332,597.78,0,44.997,0&lci=com.panoramio.all) since Hansen Dam is a large park, and we’re not meeting at the Aquatic Center or the entrance off Osborne St. When looking at the link in satellite or Earth view, the 210 freeway is on the upper right corner; the red restroom building is near the center bottom.

If you RSVP and then decide not to come, call or text me early Saturday so we know to not wait for you.

Here’s a map (http://maps.google.com/maps?q=11480+Foothill+Blvd,+Los+Angeles,+CA&ll=34.271262,-118.382664&spn=0.057027,0.1478&hnear=11480+Foothill+Blvd,+Los+Angeles,+California+91342&t=m&z=13&vpsrc=6).

Shawn’s mobile: 213/308-7372

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LOOKING AHEAD: National Park Week (http://www.nationalparks.org/explore/?fa=national-park-week) is coming up April 21-29. The Park Service waives all admission fees that week, so you may want to plan a trip to an old favorite or check out one you've never visited.

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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, or any other event organized by this group, 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.

Shawn

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Gold Creek to Oak Spring and Fascination Spring

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