Hump Day PM Hike: Oakbrook Vista Trail

This is a beautiful hike (pics at the bottom) along a well-maintained trail that begins just across the street from the beginning tip of Lang Ranch Park. It begins with 5 short switchbacks in shaded oak as we begin to climb, then straightens out for about another mile with continuous elevation gain until we reach a junction. From there we'll continue to the left along a single track trail for another half mile until we reach a clearing by an outcropping of sandstone rocks looking downward toward the Albertson Motorway fire road.

After stopping for photos and a brief rest we'll retrace our steps a short distance and make a short loop that goes up a STEEP fire road to a peak where we'll again rest and take in the magnificent 360 degree views, before we head back down to where we started.

On this steep section, if you don't have hiking poles it may be a good idea to have a member of the same (or perhaps opposite?) gender stand behind you and push your heiny so you don't slip back down. As I said, it's STEEP (but short).

Distance: 3.1 miles out and back with a small loop in the middle
Elevation Gain: 856'
Difficulty: Strong beginners should be ok, but hard otherwise.
Dogs: Rover-on-a-leash is most welcome, but pet gerbils, not so much.
Restroom: No

Known Dangers: Rattlesnakes; slip and fall on some slippery, loose rocks.

Disclaimer / Release of Liability:
You must RSVP to attend this event, no exceptions. Hiking and other outdoor events are inherently dangerous and accidents can happen. By participating in any posted event, you're taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. This 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. You are responsible for you. If you choose to sign up for any events, you are releasing the Group and its organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries. Your personal safety depends on your own judgement and experience. This applies to any guests you may invite.

Generic Event Description below is followed by some pictures of this hike:

This new weekly evening hike will be different each week and will range from easy to moderate. We will begin at 6:30 pm, which should allow time for many members to end their workday and get to the hike without undue stress. Most hikes will likely take about 2 hours, but since each one will be different, some will take either more or less time. I will also vary the locations somewhat to allow for different people to attend.

I will try and mention sunset times, but note that many, if not most of these hikes will include at least some hiking at night, so bring a flashlight or headlamp, in addition to water, hat, sunscreen (if needed), hiking poles, backpack, food, compass, tent, night vision goggles, wilderness survival kit, Swiss Army knife, 1000' of rope, repelling harness, grappling hook, bear and insect repellant, GPS, satellite phone, maps, water purification tablets, and Ouija board.

Other than that, you won't need to bring much.

I'll edit each individual week's description some days in advance so you'll know which state and county we'll be hiking in. I do believe most of the hikes will take place in the Continental U.S.A.

If individual members would like to lead one of these weekly hikes, I can arrange that too. Just sent me a note, but I want them always to begin at 6:30 pm so as to avoid confusion.

I myself will NOT be able to make it every week, so on those days I will simply cancel the event, unless one of you happens to be leading that week.

I took these pics just last week on this hike:

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/a/6/2/event_245319522.jpeg

The Trailhead.

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/f/b/2/event_245320882.jpeg

That sandstone in the distance is our destination.

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/6/5/6/event_245322582.jpeg

This view will be the highlight of your hump day.

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/c/6/e/event_245324142.jpeg

I cannot think of a better way to end the day.