Socal Science Hikes

Overview: Navigation is a critical skill for all hikers and backpackers to have in their toolbox. A map and compass have long been a part of the Ten Essentials, but few people who carry them actually know how to use them.

This workshop will be an introduction to what I call "get home" navigation, meaning how do you get back on track safely if you find yourself lost on a hike, and how to keep yourself from getting lost in the first place. We will learn basic navigation skills, and, because this is a science focused group, we will learn why these skills and tools work in the first place.

This workshop is designed for folks who have never before used a map and compass, but will also be a valuable refresher for those with some general familiarity when it comes to navigation on the trail.

It will be an educational and social experience with fellow hikers.

Topics will include, but are not limited to:

- General navigation philosophy
- History of navigation
- How to read a topographic map
- The math of topographic maps
- How to use a compass
- How does a compass work
- Backstops and handrails
- Finding your location on a map
- Tracking your route
- Getting yourself unlost

Afterwards, if anyone is interested, there are many close by restaurants where we can grab a bite to eat.

Location: Community meeting space in Sports Basement in Long Beach, CA. This event is not sponsored by or affiliated with Sports Basement. They just offer a cool meeting space.

Starting point: The meeting space is on the second floor, near the shoes and used gear sections. Look for the Socal Sciences Hikes banner, and the guy with long hair, beard, and cowboy hat.

Distance: Not applicable

Duration: About 3 hours

Elevation gain: Not applicable

Terrain: Not applicable

Difficulty: Beginner

Age: 13 and older. Contact me to discuss exceptions.

Pets: No pets allowed

Recommended gear:
- Notebook and writing instruments
- Compass if you have one (I'll have some available to share)
- Clothing suitable for the weather
- Water
- Snacks (if desired)

Cost: This event is free, but if you enjoy your time and learn something, tips/donations are graciously accepted in person or at buymeacoffee.com/codycolborn

No Show Policy: In order to accomodate as many people as possible, we keep track of no shows. After two no shows, you will be placed on the waitlist when signing up for a new event, and moved to the "going" list if space is available the night before the event.

Questions: If you have any questions, please message me through Meetup or text 424-244-0334.

If the attendance list is full, please join the wait-list. I'm almost always able to accommodate everyone as the weekend approaches.

Overview: Big Santa Anita Canyon sits in the front range of the San Gabriel Mountains, above Arcadia. It is steeped in Southern California hiking history, some of which still visible when you know where to look.

Our hike will start at Chantry Flat. We'll descend to the canyon floor and pass through many of the plant communities present in the San Gabriels such as chaparral, oakwoodland, and the lower elevation edge of conifer forests. We'll walk by several historic cabins on our path to Sturtevant Falls, which tumbles approx 50' and still had a heavy flow as of my scouting hike.

I'm classifying this hike as advanced beginner. While the round trip distance is 3.4 miles, there is a good amount of elevation gain, and most is at the end of the hike. There are also three water crossings, the last of which takes care. We will also be returning in partial darkness. All that said, we'll be taking a leisurely pace, so as long as you have an ok fitness level, you'll be good to go.

Here are a few of the topics we'll be learning about:

- Natural history of Chantry Flats and Big Santa Anita Canyon
- Easter traditions and their foundation in natural science
- Oakwoodlands and chaparral
- Wildflower and other plant identification
- Geology of the San Gabriels
- Santa Anita Creek watershed
- Flood control engineering
- Magneto-type crank phone systems

I've capped attendance for this event, so, if full, please join the waitlist and I'll try to accommodate as the event gets closer.

Location: Big Santa Anita Canyon above Arcadia, CA

Starting point: Chantry Flat. Look for the Socal Science Hikes banner typically hung from my CRV, and the guy with long hair, beard, and cowboy hat. You will need an Adventure Pass to park, and parking is limited, so please allow yourself extra time in case you need to wait for a spot to open up.

Distance: Approximately 3.5 miles

Duration: About 3 hours

Elevation gain: ~700 ft

Terrain: Dirt trails

Difficulty: Low Intermediate due to elevation gain

Age: 13 and older. Contact me to discuss exceptions.

Pets: No pets allowed

Recommended gear:
- Footwear suitable for dirt paths and pavement
- Clothing suitable for the weather
- Water
- Snacks (if desired)
- Binoculars, monocular, or spotting scope
- Journal or notebook if you're into that sort of thing
- Sun protection
- Headlamp or flashlight

Cost: This event is free, but if you enjoy your time and learn something, tips/donations are graciously accepted in person or at buymeacoffee.com/codycolborn

No Show Policy: In order to host as many people as possible, we keep track of no shows. After two no shows, you will be placed on the waitlist when signing up for a new event, and moved to the "going" list if space is available the night before the event.

Questions: If you have any questions, please message me through Meetup or text 424-244-0334.

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