Monrovia Canyon Park - Valentine Special

Monrovia Canyon Park / Ben Overturff Trail to Deer Park. Optional Waterfall & 3 Graves.

Difficulty: 5 (Easy)

Distance: 7 Miles Roundtrip

Gain: Approx. 1100 ft.

Time: 4 Hours

Pace: Moderate / OK for Beginners

Meetup Location: North West Corner of North Canyon Blvd & Ridgeside Drive (http://g.co/maps/k2meu)

Deer Park is located n the Sawpit Canyon which drains the southern slope of Monrovia Peak. Our hike actually starts at the corner of N. Canyon Blvd and Ridgeline Dr. just outside Monrovia Canyon Park. We will follow the road into the park and up the service road past the now de commissioned Sawpit Canyon dam to the Ben Overturff Trailhead. The trail will take us back into Sawpit Canyon to the base of Monrovia Peak to an Oak shaded flat known as Deer Park. Deer Park was discovered by Monrovia contractor Ben Overturff about 1905. Here he built a stone cabin which for years was a popular trail resort from 1911 to the 1938 flood. During its heyday one could have a weekend in the cabin and a slice of Bertha Overturff’s Lemon Meringue pie for all of 50 cents!!!!! After Bens failing health and the start of WW2 Sawpit Canyon and the Ben Overturff Trail were closed for nearly fifty years to protect the water source of Monrovia. Many parts of the original water pipes and valves can still be seen on our hike. Around 1996 thanks to Monrovia Community Services Dept. The Conservation Corps and several volunteer trail builders, the trail was re cleared and rebuilt.

Directions: Exit the 210 Freeway at Myrtle Ave, proceed north to Hillcrest Ave. ( approx 3 miles ) Turn Right on Hillcrest and proceed approx. ½ mile to Canyon Blvd. and turn Left Canyon Blvd. and proceed North to the intersection of Canyon and Ridgeline. Here is where well will meet up. PLEASE be mindful that this IS a residential area and not to block driveways.

Weather Information: Accuweather.com (http://www.weather.com/weather/today/Monrovia+CA+USCA0718)

Rain, Snow or Bad Weather Conditions will Automatically CANCEL this Event.
Please Check weather condition before attending

PLEASE BRING: Sturdy shoes, poles if you use them, at least 2 liters of water, snacks or lunch, sunscreen, a hat, layers and your ten essentials.

DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY

IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY:

I am a volunteer (i.e. not liable for the group). Safety is a priority for everyone in the group. Think of this as hiking with a group of friends.

Outdoor sports and other events we plan can be inherently dangerous and accidents may happen. By participating in any posted event, you're taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The SGV Hikers Meetup Group and its organizers are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions. If you choose to sign up for any SGV Hikers Meetup events, you are releasing the SGV Hikers Meetup Group and it's organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries as stated in paragraph 6.2 of the Meetup “Terms of Service” located on the bottom of the Meetup website. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience.

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