Thorn point fire lookout - Reschedule

CANCELLATION & RESCHEDULE – Thorn Point Fire Lookout Hike

Safety is always our top priority. Due to the active Red Flag Warning issued by the National Weather Service for the Lockwood Valley and Thorn Point area, this Saturday's (October 17) hike to Thorn Point Fire Lookout is CANCELLED.

#### Why We Are Postponing:

• Extreme Fire Danger: A Red Flag Warning signifies critical fire weather conditions driven by low humidity and high winds.
• Severe Wind Forecast: Winds in the area are projected at 15 to 25 mph, with gusts up to 35 mph.
• Remote Wilderness Hazards: The Thorn Point trail leads deep into the Sespe Wilderness. Leading a group miles into a remote backcountry area with extreme fire risk and high winds would be irresponsible and dangerous in an emergency.

#### Reschedule Date:

We are tentatively pushing this hike to next weekend: Saturday, October 24, 2026 (dependent on weather, wind, and Red Flag conditions clearing up).
Also reopen the RSVP for any other experienced hikers that would like to go.

· Hike leader volunteer(s): Paul
· Distance: 10.2 Miles total (out and back style)
· Elevation gain: 2,084 ft
· Time: Approximately 6.5 to 7 hours hiking including a snack break.
· Conditioning: You need to be in generally good physical condition.
· Dogs: Dogs are welcome but need to be on a leash.
· Hiking Poles – recommended.
· Bug Nets– recommended.
· Good Shoes with Good Tread– recommended.
· Restrooms – All the Nature you can find, bring a trowel.
· Adventure Pass – Not Required.

THIS HIKE RANKING: Level 4, Intermediate / Advanced (see chart below) - mainly for an 2000 feet of trail gain as well as narrow trails, with step vertical edges in some places.

SCV HIKE RANKING SCALE:
Beginner: 1-3 miles, less than 500 feet elevation gain.
Beginner/Intermediate: 1-7 miles, less than 700 feet elevation gain.
Intermediate: 5-10 miles, 1000-2000 feet elevation gain.
Intermediate/Advanced: 7-12 miles, up to 3000 feet elevation gain.
Advanced: 10-17 miles, 3000 feet or more elevation gain.

Description: First and foremost in order to do this hike high clearance vehicles are recommended. We will have a minimal group size and we are limiting this hike to known know experienced hikers of the group. We will meet at a predetermined location and then caravan or carpool to the trail head. Location and more details will be confirmed after RSVP Closes.

This is a 10 mile out-and-back trail on the northern slope of the Sespe River Valle. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 6 to 7 hours to complete. The hike is very interesting visually, it traverses 3 major geologic zones, along with distinct areas of natural fauna.

Bring: Lunch/ snack, lots of water (2 - 3 liters), and a camera.
Wear: Layered clothing, hat, sunscreen, shoes with good tread, and long pants because there might be some poison Oak, and highly recommend a bug net.

Other Notes: Most of the trail is a single-track out to the the fire tower and if hiking along steep trails freaks you out this is not the trail for you.

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DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY — PLEASE READ IN ITS ENTIRETY:
When you sign up for this event, you are releasing Santa Clarita Valley Hikers (SCVHikers) and its volunteer organizers from any liability or responsibility in connection with your participation in this activity. Hiking is inherently risky. By signing up, you are taking full responsibility for your own safety and well-being.

SCVHikers and its organizers are not trained, certified, or compensated guides, and the group does not confirm the qualifications of any member to lead or participate in its events. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions and judgment.

By signing up for any SCVHikers event, you are releasing SCVHikers and its organizers from all liability for possible injury or death, as stated in paragraph 6.2 of the Meetup Terms of Service. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience. If you sign up for this hike, you are confirming that the hike is within your current abilities.

At the meeting location/trailhead, we will ask every participant to read and sign the SCVHikers Release of Liability and Express Assumption of Risk before the hike begins. If you are unwilling to sign, you will not be able to join the group that day. Signing up on Meetup does not substitute for the trailhead sign-in sheet.

The outing begins and ends at the trailhead. SCVHikers does not organize, advertise, or coordinate carpools. Transportation to and from the trailhead is your own responsibility, and all risks of travel are yours alone.
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