About us
Welcome! I created this group in 2012 because I was hiking in a world dominated by morning people. So on the hunch that there might be a few more people like myself, I decided to make a group that does not hike in the mornings. After all, God created mornings for sleeping in, right? This is the one characteristic that makes the PM Hikers different from any other hiking club.
Much to my joy I had a lot of hikers thank me profusely for the group, and several have even told me that the PM Hikers has changed their lives! There is nothing more gratifying than hearing someone tell you that!
So what about beating the summer heat? Instead of hiking in the morning, just hike in the evening! If you think that's weird or scary, I think you will discover that the trails and the views are just as beautiful at night, and will open a new dimension of awe to complement that feeling when hiking in daylight.
That does not mean we only hike at night. Rather, we do not begin our hikes between the hours of midnight and noon. Thus, a 23:59:59 start time is as acceptable as one that begins at 12:00:01.
I know it's awkward when you first hike with people you do not know at all, but if you hike with us you will discover that the members are FRIENDLY, nice people. You could easily make some friendships for life. I certainly have.
If you are new to hiking, read the hike descriptions and send a note to the leader if you are not sure about something. Hiking can be quite physically demanding, but many members are beginners, so don't be afraid.
Watch your step on the downhill,
Kurt Godden
Upcoming events
8
Placerita Canyon Hike
Placerita Canyon Nature Center, 19152 Placerita Canyon Rd, Newhall, CA, USCome join me at Placerita Canyon Nature Center for an afternoon hike on the Canyon Trail and then go further to the waterfall. There was water a few weeks ago when I hiked it last, hard to say if the waterfall is still there as it has been warm and dry the past few weeks and water dries up fast.
It is a nice fairly shaded canyon that will be beautiful with flowers and probably some water crossings. We can also decide to turn around a little earlier as you do a little rock climb to get to where the waterfall would be.- Distance: 5.1 miles or maybe a little less if we turn around at base of fall area.
- Elevation Gain: about 500 ft
- Difficulty: easy intermediate: I go at a moderate pace only stopping briefly if needed and take a little longer break at the halfway waterfall point.
- Dogs: Not preferable due to our pace and the climb to the waterfall, but they are allowed at the park. We won't wait for you for your dog's pitstops.
- Restrooms/water: Yes at the nature center parking area
- Parking: free lot but can be crowded, may need to park a ways from the trail but it is a large lot. Allow time to get there and look at the nature center. I suggest getting there 1:30 if you have not been there before to explore and park.
- Trail: Out and back, may have some uneven footing, poles can be helpful as there may be a few water crossings/rock hops
- Sunset: 5:37 pm, plan to be done by 5pm probably won't need a light, but never hurts to bring just in case as it is part of the 10 essentials when hiking.
- Weather: Extreme Heat, high winds, rain can cancel the hike
- Known dangers: There is poison oak on this trail, you can slip and fall on wet rocks
- Bring a snack, water (I suggest at least a liter or more) and sun protection, polls if you use them and lug sole shoes, might be wet and slippery (trail runner or hiking shoes highly suggested)
- If less than 2 besides the leader are signed up by the morning of event it will cancel.
DISCLAIMER/RELEASE OF LIABILITY:
You must RSVP to attend this event, no exceptions
If you choose to sign up for any event, you are releasing the organizers of PM Hikers from all liability in case of possible injuries.
The organizers of PM Hikers are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips. By participating in any posted event, you're taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. Hiking and other outdoor events are inherently dangerous and accidents can happen. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions. Your personal safety depends on your own judgement and experience.7 attendees
Vasquez Rocks and the Pacific Crest Trail
Vasquez Rocks Natural Area and Nature Center, 10700 Escondido Canyon Rd,, Agua Dulce, CA, USLet's burn off those Valentine Day chocolates on one of my favorite trails at Vasquez Rocks. This is a moderate 5-mile hike with an elevation gain of about 554’.
The Hike
My hikes are slow paced (1.5-2 mph) and the end time is approximate only. We take breaks, we explore, and we don't leave anyone behind. If this hike isn't for you, please find another that best suits your needs. Also, please review the disclaimer below.Meet me at the visitor center at 11:45-12:00. We will hang out at the center for about 20 minutes before starting. My estimated start time is 12:20. They have very nice exhibits and restrooms. If there are no parking spots available at the visitor’s center, keep driving down to the dirt parking lots, you’ll find more room there.
From the visitor’s center we will make our way west and hike above the valley. We will have views of Vasquez Rocks from another perspective than what we typically see in photos. Eventually we'll make our way to the junction and turn right onto the PCT trail. We'll hike along the creek, into the canyons and take a break at the caves (it's pretty). Then we'll continue through the wildlife tunnel (directly below Highway 14) and turn around. We won't be able to walk through the tunnel if there's too much water.
On our way back through the canyon, we will turn right at the junction, continue along the PCT, make our way to the famous Vasquez rocks, explore and possibly climb to the top. I will point out where Captain Kirk and the Gorn stood (a perfect spot for a group picture). The hike ends at the Visitor's Center.
After the hike, how about a nice Mexican meal at the Maria Bonita Restaurant in the cute town of Agua Dulce, just up the road from Vasquez? https://www.mariabonitarest.com/
The hike will be cancelled in the event of:
- Hot weather (85 degrees or higher)
- High winds, rain, or fire
Essentials
- Ventura County SARS 10 Essentials
- Bring 2 liters of water, flashlights, snacks, electrolytes
- Bring your hiking poles if needed.
- Wear good hiking boots/shoes, sunscreen, hat
- Bring a jacket for cooler weather
- Bug spray
Other Details
- Trail: single track, fire road, some rocky terrain, crossing the creek
- Dogs: On a leash per state law
- Restrooms: At the park or behind a rock
- Known Dangers: Rattlesnakes, mountain lions, bobcats, tarantulas, scorpions, slip-'n-fall, poison oak
Directions
Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park
10700 Escondido Canyon Rd, Agua Dulce, CA 91350
Google Coordinates: 34.488907, -118.321428
View the Google MapDriving Directions
- Head north on the I-5 toward Santa Clarita valley.
- Take exit 162 for State Route 14 North (Antelope Freeway) going toward Lancaster/Palmdale.
- At about 14.3 miles take exit 15 for Agua Dulce Canyon Road
- continue about 5 minutes to the Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park.
DISCLAIMER/RELEASE OF LIABILITY:
- You must RSVP to attend this event, no exceptions.
- The PM Hiker organizers are not trained leaders and do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips.
- If you sign up for any event, you are releasing the PM Hiker organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries.
- Hiking and other outdoor events can be dangerous, and accidents can happen.
- Per Meetup rules, you are responsible for your own safety and well-being. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience. You take full responsibility for your own actions.
- If you decide to proceed ahead, or in another direction, with or without informing the PM Hiker organizer, you become responsible for your own safety and return to the trailhead.
- These rules apply to any guests you may invite.
21 attendees
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