WrightwoodCalif.com Forum
Public Forums => Outdoors => Topic started by: Nolena on Jun 28, 08, 06:34:25 PM
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Anyone up for the Acorn Trail?
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always....
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Please let me know the condition of the trail. The USFS has been conducting trail surveys. The Baden-Powell trail was surveyed today and is reported to be in excellent condition.
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Monday & Friday are good for me this week.
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I might be interested. Could you provide a link regarding the trail? Perhaps a topo? How many miles, etc.
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Friday is good for me. Are we gonna come back down Acorn or cross over to INSPO?
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Friday is sounding good. It's about 3 miles up, if we park at my house.
We would want to start early (like 7:00).
There are a gnats on that trail. It's a tough trail. Have to carry enough water, & a snack or lunch for the top...and cameras. (very pretty) Lots of elevation gain.
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It's about 1 and a 1/2 miles from Nolena's place to the trail head with an elevation gain of 776 feet. From the trailhead to the top at the PCT trail it is approx 1.8 miles with an elevation gain of 1740 feet.
Total: Approx 7 mile round trip, total elevation gain of approx 2,500 feet.
(http://pages.prodigy.net/robertmorgan/Acorn Topo.jpg)
(http://pages.prodigy.net/robertmorgan/Acorn 3D.jpg)
Once at the top it is a must to walk on over to the top of Heath Creek Slide... The last time I hiked the trail was about 3 years ago and it was under a 3 foot snowpack. We used snowshoes and crampons so I don't know what the trail actually looked like. ;D
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The Baden-Powell trail was surveyed today and is reported to be in excellent condition.
Confirmed! :2thumbsup:
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Hiking the Acorn Trail at 7 tomorrow morning.
Please PM if you want to go.
There's lots of parking at my house, but it would be really cool if someone could drop us off at the top of Acorn.
Bring snacks, cameras, and water. Cell phones do work from the top.
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Acorn Trail report:
The trail is mostly in good shape. There are 2 trees down in the trail. They need to be cut. There is quite a bit of debris from trees on several parts of the trail. There are some spots in the steep areas that need to be leveled out, as they are slanting downhill.
We saw 2 bighorn sheep. :)
There was a guy camped with his dog in his truck on the Pacific Crest Trail at the slide, and he had made a fire ring. :o I already reported him to the Forest Service.
We had a nice hike! :)
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There are 2 trees down in the trail. They need to be cut. There is quite a bit of debris from trees on several parts of the trail.
Do those trees and slash appear to be part of the helicopter logging fuel modification that took place 6-8 months ago?
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I got a few pics of the bh sheep, but can't upload because it says the size is to big. I am new at this digtial camera thing so if anyone can advise me how to zip them or ??, I will post them.
It was my first time seeing them and was worth that climb.
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See this topic about posting photos:
http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/forum/index.php/topic,1897.0/all.html
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Thanks Wrightwood. I have a pretty basic camera, but the pics are cool to me since it was my first time to see them.
(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll41/anjmboyd/IMG_0031.jpg)
(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll41/anjmboyd/IMG_0030.jpg)
(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll41/anjmboyd/IMG_0028.jpg)
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Good job!
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Ahhh, yes, they do love the slide. Congrats AB!!!
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I'm hiking to Lamel Spring on Friday. It's a couple miles up Baden Powell from Vincent Gap.
Anyone who wants to go, send me a pm.
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Not going really early, and not walking fast.
Taking lots of breaks works for me.
Come on......
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Please, no pushing or shoving, and form one line.
Spaces are limited.
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I'm sorry, I'm working or I'd love to go!
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Same here... I tried to hike there this past spring but there was too much snow on the trail. I'd love to actually get to lamel spring.
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I would love to go, but unfortunately I have to work!
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Same here, have to work!!
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Does anyone have contact information for the Wrightwood Hiking Club?
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I'll go with you Kath...I need a good hike before winter starts and I've never hiked that before
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Actually, already did that one, but I'm up for another hike. :)
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When and where? ;D
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I am interested, if I am not working. When and where?
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A HIKING SPOT!!
Didn't see it.
ok then!
I used to feel like this.(http://www.smugmug.com/photos/444112839_VocQ4-S.gif)
NOW I FEEL LIKE THIS! (http://www.smugmug.com/photos/431228449_7FHAu-S.gif) and this too!(http://www.smugmug.com/photos/456454048_AVGU2-S.gif)
Is it possible to feel like this? :elefant:
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I hiked to Mt. Wilson and back from the top of Lake Ave.
Started at 8:30 and got back at 6:00. map (http://mapper.acme.com/?ll=34.22727,-118.07711&z=13&t=T&marker0=34.20403%2C-118.13062%2C1.6%20km%20N%20of%20Altadena%20CA&marker1=34.21230%2C-118.12174%2C2.6%20km%20NxNE%20of%20Altadena%20CA&marker2=34.22174%2C-118.10927%2C4.1%20km%20NxNE%20of%20Altadena%20CA&marker3=34.22585%2C-118.10885%2C4.5%20km%20NxNE%20of%20Altadena%20CA&marker4=34.23856%2C-118.09978%2C4.0%20km%20WxNW%20of%20Mount%20Wilson%20CA&marker5=34.23929%2C-118.09326%2C3.5%20km%20WxNW%20of%20Mount%20Wilson%20CA&marker6=34.22491%2C-118.06473%2CMount%20Wilson%20CA&marker7=34.21234%2C-118.05884%2C1.3%20km%20S%20of%20Mount%20Wilson%20CA&marker8=34.19933%2C-118.07987%2C3.3%20km%20SxSW%20of%20Mount%20Wilson%20CA&marker9=34.20792%2C-118.08398%2C2.8%20km%20SW%20of%20Mount%20Wilson%20CA&marker10=34.22397%2C-118.10997%2C4.2%20km%20NxNE%20of%20Altadena%20CA)
I started at "A" (The start of the Sam Merill Trail) and through "B" (The Castle Canyon Trail) to "C" (Inspiration Point).
From there I took "D" (East Mt. Lowe Trail) and connected with "E" (The Mt. Lowe Fire Road at Markham Saddle) which goes through the Muller tunnel and ends at "F" (The Mt. Wilson Road) which I walked to "G" (The Mt. Wilson Toll Road).
When I got to "H" (The Mt. Wilson Trail Junction) I noticed a huge bar leaning against a tree. Actually I saw it last week at the same location during a hike up from Bailey Canyon. We had taken a break there and I found it down behind a tree stuck half way in the ground. I pulled it up and claimed it was my hiking stick. This bar is about 60" long and weighs 25 lbs at least. I leaned it against a tree in full view so when I saw it still there I was really excited! It's so cool looking, has a sharp point on one side and like a nob on the other. Just like a hiking stick but like 20 times heavier.
So I packed my hiking sticks in my pack and walked down the Toll Road with it. Trying to exaggerate the down hill action on my legs that Joe was talking about. Without using sticks to take the pounding off my knees and adding this weight really did me in. I wanted to take it home but only managed to make it back to the end of the Idlehour Trail. Where I died! :laugh: Actually that section of the trail seemed to never end. FOR EVER! It just wore me out.
So anyway I carried this bar in each hand at first like a regular hiking stick till my arms got too tired. Then I alternated just carrying it in each hand. I got pretty good rotating it around my waist. Felt like one of those baton twirlers at a parade! Then when that got old I alternated across each shoulder. By the time I got to "I"(The start of the Idlehour Trail) my spine and knees and legs were really sore. Somebody has a tent set up at "J" (Idlehour Camp). Well that's the rumor according to some guy I met just past that point. He said it was abandoned. I think someone is in there I saw it moving around when I was taking a picture of it. Still there though. Free tent!
From "J" to "K" is mostly up hill and at this point I was coming up on 20 miles. Really hard hauling this thing up. Can't use sticks and the lopsided weight on each side as I carried it felt like monkey was jumping up and down from one shoulder to the other and stomping away. So after 8.6 miles with it I had to let it go. (at least I passed the bar!) At "K" I put my sticks back together and zoom! What a difference!
It was wet the whole hike but it stopped once I got back to Inspiration Point again. From there I went back the same way.
The area in Idlehour looks pretty nice. Even though there wasn't much visibility because of the clouds I occasionally got a glimpse of the canyon walls along the way. Pretty neat area.
Despite the drizzling almost the whole day I saw many hiking groups and solo hikers.
I took some pics but my camera got wet and I can't get the pics until it's repaired.
If anyone wants to have a go at carrying my hiking stick just let me know and I'll tell ya where it is. ;)
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"huge bar leaning against a tree"
Sounds like a pry bar someone left behind.
(http://www.drillspot.com/pimages/459/45968_300.jpg)
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Nolena
Yes that is what they look like, I spelled the name wrong in my last post of what we call them in Hawaii, and it is a Ho'o bar when you pronounce it the "H" is silent. They use them to dig and break rock/lava apart. Poor mans jackhammer.
LocaL
:chef:
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I have a feeling that it was left by a trail maintenance crew, as they use them on a regular basis.
You might check with Fenner Camp and see if they are missing one.
Fenner Camp does wonderful things for trail maintenance and trash clean up in this area. :) They do a great service to us.
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It looks like a pry bar. If you can't find the owner you might want to donate it to the CERT trailer. There is a great need for such items there.
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I was about to take my camera to the shop and decided to try it one more time so I put the battery in and IT WORKS! I guess it just needed to dry out.
I have a few pics of the bar but smugmug is not working >:(
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(http://www.smugmug.com/photos/463318143_mZNyV-X3.jpg)
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Another hike. Inspiration Point Loop (http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/7360825_Z6JWv#473921060_vYtWi)
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WOW! That's cool!
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Mono Cones Feb 14
(http://www.palmdalecam.com/gallery/Feb-14-09/P1030106.JPG)
(http://www.palmdalecam.com/gallery/Feb-14-09/P1030109.JPG)
crater on top of Mono Cone
(http://www.palmdalecam.com/gallery/Feb-14-09/P1030110.JPG)
(http://www.palmdalecam.com/gallery/Feb-14-09/P1030111.JPG)
(http://www.palmdalecam.com/gallery/Feb-14-09/P1030112.JPG)
(http://www.palmdalecam.com/gallery/Feb-14-09/P1030113.JPG)
(http://www.palmdalecam.com/gallery/Feb-14-09/P1030115.JPG)
(http://www.palmdalecam.com/gallery/Feb-14-09/P1030117.JPG)
(http://www.palmdalecam.com/gallery/Feb-14-09/P1030118.JPG)
(http://www.palmdalecam.com/gallery/Feb-14-09/P1030119.JPG)
Mono Lake
(http://www.palmdalecam.com/gallery/Feb-14-09/P1030120.JPG)
(http://www.palmdalecam.com/gallery/Feb-14-09/P1030124.JPG)
The hut on top of Bald Mtn.
(http://www.palmdalecam.com/gallery/Feb-14-09/P1030127.JPG)
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later the same day my neighbors and I attempted to ride to the top of McGee Mtn. snow was super thin, we rode about 1/2 mile of dirt roads just to get to the snow.
(http://www.palmdalecam.com/gallery/Feb-14-09/P1030128.JPG)
(http://www.palmdalecam.com/gallery/Feb-14-09/P1030129.JPG)
(http://www.palmdalecam.com/gallery/Feb-14-09/P1030132.JPG)
(http://www.palmdalecam.com/gallery/Feb-14-09/P1030133.JPG)
(http://www.palmdalecam.com/gallery/Feb-14-09/P1030135.JPG)
If we could have made it up this slope we could have made it to the top. Lots of big rocks discouraged us from making multiple attempts.
(http://www.palmdalecam.com/gallery/Feb-14-09/P1030136.JPG)
(http://www.palmdalecam.com/gallery/Feb-14-09/P1030137.JPG)
(http://www.palmdalecam.com/gallery/Feb-14-09/P1030138.JPG)
(http://www.palmdalecam.com/gallery/Feb-14-09/P1030139.JPG)
Below you can see Mono Cones in the background
(http://www.palmdalecam.com/gallery/Feb-14-09/P1030140.JPG)
(http://www.palmdalecam.com/gallery/Feb-14-09/P1030141.JPG)
(http://www.palmdalecam.com/gallery/Feb-14-09/P1030143.JPG)
(http://www.palmdalecam.com/gallery/Feb-14-09/P1030145.JPG)
(http://www.palmdalecam.com/gallery/Feb-14-09/P1030146.JPG)
(http://www.palmdalecam.com/gallery/Feb-14-09/P1030149.JPG)
(http://www.palmdalecam.com/gallery/Feb-14-09/P1030150.JPG)
(http://www.palmdalecam.com/gallery/Feb-14-09/P1030151.JPG)
(http://www.palmdalecam.com/gallery/Feb-14-09/P1030153.JPG)
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Nice pictures! Thanks! :)
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Another nice day for a hike! Newcomb Pass (http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/7416372_tNr2M#477961586_fbxbk)
map (http://mapper.acme.com/?ll=34.21485,-118.03170&z=14&t=T&marker0=34.23233%2C-118.02705%2C3.2%20km%20ExNE%20of%20Mount%20Wilson%20CA&marker1=34.19544%2C-118.02248%2C4.6%20km%20NE%20of%20Sierra%20Madre%20CA)
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For anyone interested, there are some great hiking books on amazon.com such as "Trails of the Angeles: 100 hikes in the San Gabriels." I am looking forward to receiving my copy - there is a fold out map in the book as well. :)
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Beautiful day for a hike to Santa Paula Peak (http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/7479188_KiTQt/1/482583466_QkYG4#482583466_QkYG4)
map (http://mapper.acme.com/?ll=34.41569,-118.99292&z=12&t=T&marker0=34.39391%2C-118.99893%2C4.5%20km%20WxNW%20of%20Sespe%20Creek%20CA&marker1=34.44213%2C-119.00764%2C2.9%20km%20SxSE%20of%20Ventura%20County%20CA)
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Some pictures from my Hike (http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/7747386_verGB/1/500931194_oaPuG#P-1-20) on 3-28-09. It got dark!
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Hi , I would love to be hiking with you guys, I use to live in wrightwood, back when the 100 mile run was started, we helped get it going, I miss living there so much, maby one day , still have friends there, have fun hiking, eydie :-*
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Mt. Baden Powell via Islip Saddle pics (http://fighton.smugmug.com/gallery/8159001_gFQoF#532626044_Dvohn)
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Mt. Baden Powell via Islip Saddle pics (http://fighton.smugmug.com/gallery/8159001_gFQoF#532626044_Dvohn)
FIGHT ON, I am Bill from the SGMDF. Hey, I am planning a similar hike starting from Vincent Gap, going down to Bigrock creek hiking up to Islip saddle and traveling north along PCT and completing the loop to Vincent Gap. I am thinking of doing this as an overnighter and staying at Little Jimmy camp. Nice pictures by the way.
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FIGHT ON, I am Bill from the SGMDF. Hey, I am planning a similar hike starting from Vincent Gap, going down to Bigrock creek hiking up to Islip saddle and traveling north along PCT and completing the loop to Vincent Gap. I am thinking of doing this as an overnighter and staying at Little Jimmy camp. Nice pictures by the way.
Bill? the one with the baby picture with the eyes?
I like that loop! I did it last year but clockwise from Islip. pics (http://fighton.smugmug.com/gallery/5549638_VWAEh#P-1-20) Have fun!
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Anyone up for one last walk up Hiway 2 west of Vincent Gap Saturday morning after the power comes back on? It's not strenuous and should be real pretty in the morning.
Just remember the Adventure Pass!!!!!
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Anyone up for one last walk up Hiway 2 west of Vincent Gap Saturday morning after the power comes back on? It's not strenuous and should be real pretty in the morning.
Just remember the Adventure Pass!!!!!
I'd like to do it, if it isn't too early (I don't DO mornings ;D) - what time is the power supposed to come back on? I walked out there last week, about half way to Dawson Saddle, and there are a couple of incredible waterfalls along the way, that aren't able to be seen or heard while driving. How far did you plan to go, and what time? And, how fast do you walk? I'm not in the best of shape, but we did 5 miles RT in a reasonable amount of time.
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I'd like to do it, if it isn't too early (I don't DO mornings ;D) - what time is the power supposed to come back on? I walked out there last week, about half way to Dawson Saddle, and there are a couple of incredible waterfalls along the way, that aren't able to be seen or heard while driving. How far did you plan to go, and what time? And, how fast do you walk? I'm not in the best of shape, but we did 5 miles RT in a reasonable amount of time.
five miles without a camera? ???
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I was planning on leaving WW about 8:30. So it would be about 9 a.m. Distance? What we feel like.
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That was fun. :)
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Very pleasant indeed. :) I wish those waterfalls would remain all summer.
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Very pleasant indeed. :) I wish those waterfalls would remain all summer.
how many went with you? no cameras?? so selfish! ;D
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how many went with you? no cameras?? so selfish! ;D
There were 3 of us, and no photographers in the group. :-\ I've had my little Canon Powershot A-520 for at least 3 years now, and I have yet to figure out how to get the pics off of the memory chip. Of course, I haven't tried....... And even if I did, I wouldn't know how to post them here. Maybe I'll make that my next learning experience. ;D
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Wow, sounded like great fun! Hope I can make it for a walk in the future! But my June Saturdays are going to be taken up with CERT classes!
Gee, Fight On, please don't give the hikers a guilt trip, maybe they won't share their fun with us next time! Perhaps you could take your camera to get a shot of the waterfalls next time! :)
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Post again if any of you go.....I would love to be a part of the hiking... if others go again...
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This was the last weekend, as come Wednesday the road will be open to traffic. It was great hiking when the road was closed, but there is little room for the hiker with traffic going in both directions. Best to stick to the PCT trail from now on.
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I was going to ask about that. There must be hiking trails all through there but I wonder how well they've been maintained. Does anyone know if there is a trail that allows you to view the waterfalls without being squished by a car?
I have a book on regional hiking trails so I'll check that too.
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The main trail through there is the PCT. I don't know of any trail that would closely follow the road.
The PCT of course never fell into disuse during the road closure; it's a through trail and popular.
The trail from Dawson Saddle to Throop peak has been little used but reportedly is in good shape. There are a few downed trees and some pine cones on the trail, but no major obstacles.
Unofficial "use" trails (like the one straight up the drainage to Windy Gap) are another matter and only first hand observation will tell.
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Thanks, hikin_jim. I've been nervous about the PCT from Grassy Hollow because of the 2 rattlers that were unhappy with me and my dog. The first one was on an asphalt road, but the 2nd one gave me a bigger scare -- it's quite a jolt to hear a rattle from the brushy side of the narrow trail when there isn't anywhere to get out of the way! I haven't tried the PCT farther up.
I always loved walking the PCT before that, but I've been reluctant to hit any narrow trails since then. I still get nervous.
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Thanks, hikin_jim. I've been nervous about the PCT from Grassy Hollow because of the 2 rattlers that were unhappy with me and my dog. The first one was on an asphalt road, but the 2nd one gave me a bigger scare -- it's quite a jolt to hear a rattle from the brushy side of the narrow trail when there isn't anywhere to get out of the way! I haven't tried the PCT farther up.
I always loved walking the PCT before that, but I've been reluctant to hit any narrow trails since then. I still get nervous.
Yeah, snakes are intimidating. I was backpacking with two friends on Labor Day of '07. We were coming down the PCT heading into Islip Saddle. Suddenly, a rattlesnake started rattling. :o :o :o You've never seen me move so fast uphill, and that was at the end of a long day (~16 miles) with a full overnight backpack on.
Despite how intimidating snakes are, actual bites are fairly rare. If you wear a combination of leather boots, high socks, and long pants, you have a bit of snake insurance right there. Add to that simple trail gaiters, and the chances of a snake bite go down further still.
If you're really worried about it but really want to get outdoors, there's always TurtleSkin snake gaiters (https://www.turtleskin.com/store/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=SAGAITERS). They're pretty pricey, but they have an excellent reputation. Most snake gaiters are so stiff you can barely move, but these are supposed to be pretty flexible. I haven't tried them myself.
The snake gaiters seem a bit much to me, but maybe worth it if you go out on a daily basis to walk the dogs or whatnot in brushy areas.
I've been hiking since the 60's and have seen my share of snakes, but no bites or even a strike in my direction. They normally coil and rattle as sort of a "I don't want to do this and you don't want me to do this, so why don't you just walk away slowly, and let's call it even?" sort of thing. They really want to just warn you off. They know they want nothing to do with something the size of a human being.
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There were 3 of us, and no photographers in the group. :-\ I've had my little Canon Powershot A-520 for at least 3 years now, and I have yet to figure out how to get the pics off of the memory chip. Of course, I haven't tried....... And even if I did, I wouldn't know how to post them here. Maybe I'll make that my next learning experience. ;D
Do you have one of these? http://www.dcables.net/Canon-IFC-400PCU-Compatible-Interface-Cable.aspx
I'm not sure if its the correct one for your camera but that's about all you need. 8 bucks. I'm sure some of the nice people on here will guide you through the steps to post them.
I would be cool to see what you take pictures of.
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Gee, Fight On, please don't give the hikers a guilt trip, maybe they won't share their fun with us next time! Perhaps you could take your camera to get a shot of the waterfalls next time! :)
you misunderstood my post.
for you!
(http://www.smugmug.com/photos/539323629_HJBQS-X2.jpg)
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Do you have one of these? http://www.dcables.net/Canon-IFC-400PCU-Compatible-Interface-Cable.aspx
I'm not sure if its the correct one for your camera but that's about all you need. 8 bucks. I'm sure some of the nice people on here will guide you through the steps to post them.
I would be cool to see what you take pictures of.
Yep, I have one, or at least something that works. I tried it once, then couldn't figure out what to do next, so I gave up. I, and anything electronic, are probably the worst enemies on the planet. ;D Well heck, maybe I'll try it now. I tend to concentrate on one thing at a time, and I'm certainly not going to study for any more ham radio exams! ;D But, as I stated above, I'm not a photographer, and I don't take very many pictures. We'll see what happens......
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Yep, I have one, or at least something that works. I tried it once, then couldn't figure out what to do next, so I gave up. I, and anything electronic, are probably the worst enemies on the planet. ;D Well heck, maybe I'll try it now. I tend to concentrate on one thing at a time, and I'm certainly not going to study for any more ham radio exams! ;D But, as I stated above, I'm not a photographer, and I don't take very many pictures. We'll see what happens......
http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/forum/index.php/topic,1897.0.html
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Fight On, I have that page printed out. I know I'm :offtopic: here now, but I put the chip in the thingy, and was able to view the pics on the computer screen. But I can't figure out how to save them onto the computer, even after looking at the instruction booklet that came with the camera. I give up for now. I'll have to get my friend's kid over here to help me, but that can't happen until next week.
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Despite how intimidating snakes are, actual bites are fairly rare.
I've been hiking since the 60's and have seen my share of snakes, but no bites or even a strike in my direction. They normally coil and rattle as sort of a "I don't want to do this and you don't want me to do this, so why don't you just walk away slowly, and let's call it even?" sort of thing. They really want to just warn you off. They know they want nothing to do with something the size of a human being.
Thanks so much for that. I'm more worried about my dog than me and I don't think he'll wear leather boots. ;) But hearing that bites are fairly rare is comforting. There may have been something strange going on that day, since I met both snakes on the same hike and that very day another dog in the same area did get bitten. But in 6 years here, I have never even seen a rattler anywhere else and I walk my dog all over the place.
I should venture back on the narrower trails like PCT. Neither snake actually struck my dog or me even though it was scary as all get out.
Thanks again, I really appreciate the advice.
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FIGHT ON, I love your picture of the pool! It is just stunning, thank you for sharing it.
Heh Forestgal -- Webshots is a very simple way to add pictures to your hard drive and it's free. Your neighbor can show you how or I can. (This is Christine from church.)
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Thanks so much for that. I'm more worried about my dog than me and I don't think he'll wear leather boots. ;) But hearing that bites are fairly rare is comforting. There may have been something strange going on that day, since I met both snakes on the same hike and that very day another dog in the same area did get bitten. But in 6 years here, I have never even seen a rattler anywhere else and I walk my dog all over the place.
I should venture back on the narrower trails like PCT. Neither snake actually struck my dog or me even though it was scary as all get out.
Thanks again, I really appreciate the advice.
Now, I'm not a dog expert, and I'm certainly not a veterinarian, but I saw this article: Protect dogs from rattlesnake bites during summertime (http://www.gilroydispatch.com/lifestyles/243320-protect-dogs-from-rattlesnake-bites-during-summertime). I have no idea as to the science behind its content, but perhaps it's worth discussing with your vet?
HTH,
HJ
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FIGHT ON, I love your picture of the pool! It is just stunning, thank you for sharing it.
Thank you. I wish we could post full screen images on this site. I think you can click this link and then click the image to make it bigger. http://www.smugmug.com/photos/539323629_HJBQS-X3.jpg Imagine seeing that on a hot day!
Heh Forestgal -- Webshots is a very simple way to add pictures to your hard drive and it's free. Your neighbor can show you how or I can. (This is Christine from church.)
yes!
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Hi everyone,
I am just coming off a pretty bad back injury and would like to know if there are any really easy hikes that I could do. Something really level, and somewhat short, maybe a mile tops. I would much rather walk in the mountains instead of around the high school track....
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Hi everyone,
I am just coming off a pretty bad back injury and would like to know if there are any really easy hikes that I could do. Something really level, and somewhat short, maybe a mile tops. I would much rather walk in the mountains instead of around the high school track....
As I recall, if you drive up to the Grassy Hollow Visitor Center, you can catch the PCT going west. The walk out to Jackson Flat and back is pleasant. I recall that it's pretty flat.
Grassy Hollow ("A") and Jackson Flat ("B") (http://mapper.acme.com/?ll=34.38070,-117.73709&z=15&t=T&marker0=34.37532%2C-117.72237%2Cunnamed&marker1=34.38070%2C-117.73709%2Cunnamed)
I would think the PCT along the top of Blue Ridge east of Angeles Crest Highway would be pretty flat too.
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Mechanicalpencil, one that might be perfect for you right now is to park at McLellan Flat (big turnout half way up to Table Mtn. from Big Pines), and take the service road. It's quite flat for the first 2 miles, then has some elevation gain for the last mile to the top. A nice feature of that road is that there are mile markers painted along the side of the road, every 1/4 mile I believe, (or is it every 1/2 mile) so it's easy to track how far you have gone. It's fairly shady, so is a nice one for warmer weather, except it can get a little buggy (lots of oak trees). Good luck!
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thanks for the suggestions, I will give them a try just as soon as I get my adventure pass!
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I just got back from hiking from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon to the South Rim. (Pictures to follow.) It took us 4 days, camping out 3 nights. We saw condors, bighorn sheep, beaver, deer, pictographs, and an assortment of birds, rodents, reptiles, flowering plants, and geological wonders. It rained 2 nights. The overcast weather was great for hiking!! A good time was had by all, but it was getting way too crowded on the South Rim when we came out yesterday.
It's a beautiful place. 8)
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looking for thru-hikers (http://fighton.smugmug.com/gallery/8307193_cRrs6#544487620_LiVAz)
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Here are some pictures from my backpacking trip in the Grand Canyon.
A little way down the North Kaibab Trail
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/Nolena/Grand%20Canyon%202009/GrandCanyon2009-054.jpg)
Looking down on the North Kaibab Trail
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/Nolena/Grand%20Canyon%202009/GrandCanyon2009-068.jpg)
Ribbon Falls
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/Nolena/Grand%20Canyon%202009/GrandCanyon2009-091.jpg)
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And of course there's more.
Condor #A7
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/Nolena/Grand%20Canyon%202009/GrandCanyon2009-048.jpg)
A resident of Bright Angel Creek
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/Nolena/Grand%20Canyon%202009/GrandCanyon2009-032.jpg)
Behind Ribbon Falls
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/Nolena/Grand%20Canyon%202009/GrandCanyon2009-098.jpg)
The Devil's Corkscrew on the Bright Angel Trail
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/Nolena/GrandCanyon2008032.jpg)
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(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/Nolena/Grand%20Canyon%202009/GrandCanyon2009-054.jpg)
no pack!!how much did your friends charge you to carry your gear?
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The lady on the left, is she the infamous one from MyLife.com? Won't be long till she gets arrested!!
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Nolena, how great is that?! Beautiful pictures, and well done!
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People are calling me to find out why Nolena wears need pads??
Are those little happy faces on each knee, or just your knees :crazy: :crazy: :crazy:
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You are one sick puppy, Chuck. ;)
The knee braces are for the incredible elevational drop the first day. We started out over 8,200 feet. Seven miles down left us at Cottonwood, the first campground, at about 4,000 feet. It's not happy time for the knees, so the knee braces are insurance for having a pain free rest of the trip.
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Great shots Nolena! I have always wanted to visit the Grand Canyon. Now I have to wait until my little ones are a bit older to go.
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Or take a little Mommy vacation time and go with other adults. My kid hasn't wanted to go backpacking with me yet. Our first backpack together will be Mt. Whitney next month. :)
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Really nice pics.
Sigh. My wife is due in September*. No big hike plans for a while probably.
HJ
*Yes, I know it's a good thing, but I do like BP'ing too.
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You are right Nolena, I need to take a break from "mommy world" and enjoy a nice hike with adults.
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Vincent Gap to Cloud Burst Summit Pictures (http://fighton.smugmug.com/gallery/8467541_UcPZy#556694337_7qQA2) / map (http://mapper.acme.com/?ll=34.36682,-117.83901&z=13&t=T&marker0=34.37323%2C-117.75275%2C11.1%20km%20W%20of%20Wrightwood%20CA&marker1=34.35849%2C-117.76460%2C12.1%20km%20W%20of%20Wrightwood%20CA&marker2=34.35690%2C-117.85103%2C8.7%20km%20NE%20of%20San%20Gabriel%20Mountains%20CA&marker3=34.36770%2C-117.86034%2C9.1%20km%20NE%20of%20San%20Gabriel%20Mountains%20CA&marker4=34.36175%2C-117.86970%2C8.1%20km%20NxNE%20of%20San%20Gabriel%20Mountains%20CA&marker5=34.35594%2C-117.87725%2C7.2%20km%20NxNE%20of%20San%20Gabriel%20Mountains%20CA&marker6=34.34379%2C-117.90948%2C4.9%20km%20N%20of%20San%20Gabriel%20Mountains%20CA&marker7=34.36094%2C-117.92055%2C6.8%20km%20N%20of%20San%20Gabriel%20Mountains%20CA&marker8=34.35134%2C-117.93407%2C5.9%20km%20NxNW%20of%20San%20Gabriel%20Mountains%20CA)
(http://www.smugmug.com/photos/556716007_vhr7N-X3.jpg)
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Very cute!!
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I'm so glad H2 is now open! Today Bootsmiles and I hiked the Mt. Waterman trail to the summit, over to the reservoir so her dog could take a nice swim, then back down the service road to the hwy. and the awaiting car. We saw probably 2,413,936 snow plants, including one clump that had 17 of them all together! :laugh: Of course, neither of us had a camera. :-\ We saw lots of lupine blooming, and many more to follow. Beard tongue, wallflowers, tiny little yellow flowers that would make a great ground cover, mini lupines, and many other flowers. We saw 3 deer on the drive out there this morning. Great temperature for a great hike, and a very rewarding day.
On Tuesday of this week, we hiked from Dawson Saddle to Mt. Hawkins, our first "real" hike of the season. That was a great hike also, and closer to home.
I've decided I'm blaming Caltrans for my being out of shape, since they had the road closed for 4 years and it was difficult to get to our fave trail heads. ;D But, this week was a start in getting back! It felt so good to be back up there. :)
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It felt so good to be back up there. :)
so cool!
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All those hikes sound exciting. If any of you go on a weekend, and don't mind a tag along please let me know. I would love to go.
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That does sound wonderful ForestGal! I've never been on hikes that start from the re-opened 2. I have a book on trails in the Angeles but half of those were inaccessible. Now that the 2 is opened the dog and I will be happily traipsing around up there.
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pictures (http://fighton.smugmug.com/gallery/8548180_ZvAVQ#562929874_RPjtV)
map (http://mapper.acme.com/?ll=34.28559,-117.84588&z=12&t=T&marker0=34.19594%2C-118.02243%2C4.7%20km%20NE%20of%20Sierra%20Madre%20CA&marker1=34.35123%2C-117.93420%2C5.9%20km%20NxNW%20of%20San%20Gabriel%20Mountains%20CA)
(http://www.smugmug.com/photos/563099132_fa6jV-L.jpg)
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Hey everyone,
I'm trying to get all the information a I can about the Acorn trail. I want to hike it to the Wrightwood Slide. Every little bit of information helps.
Thanks,
Cameron
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Hike up the Acorn trail to the Blueridge FS road, head east (left) on the FS road and within 10 min. you'll be at the slide and hopefully spot some big horns grazing. ;)
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Toolman,
Thank you for the information. And the Acorn trail starts at the top of Acorn right?
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Yuppers. Parking is the hardest part. If you can walk up, you're better off.
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Anyone up for a hike tomorrow?
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I have the CERT class tomorrow. How about Sunday morning?
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I hiked from Inspiration Point along the Blue Ridge to Mt. Baldy and back yesterday. Pretty windy over the backbone sections.
pictures (http://fighton.smugmug.com/gallery/8632569_7ficH/1/569632563_erhsu#569663465_UuQ6a)
map (http://mapper.acme.com/?ll=34.33422,-117.66323&z=13&t=R&marker0=34.37249%2C-117.70975%2C7.2%20km%20W%20of%20Wrightwood%20CA&marker1=34.33011%2C-117.63628%2C3.4%20km%20S%20of%20Wrightwood%20CA&marker2=34.31523%2C-117.64297%2C2.9%20km%20N%20of%20Mount%20San%20Antonio%20CA&marker3=34.30360%2C-117.63594%2C1.8%20km%20NxNE%20of%20Mount%20San%20Antonio%20CA&marker4=34.28899%2C-117.64692%2CMount%20San%20Antonio%20CA)
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@Fight On - Your shots are amazing! It's looked as if it was a wonderful hike.
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@Fight On - Your shots are amazing! It's looked as if it was a wonderful hike.
Thank you! The hike was wonderful! The views were amazing! And all ya got to do to get there is walk! :2thumbsup:
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I hiked up to Baldy three times from the other side yesterday. From Manker Flats. it was hot.
pictures (http://fighton.smugmug.com/gallery/8711049_uwebt#P-1-20)
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Had a LOUD warning from a beautiful 2-3 foot rattle snake coming down from Baden Powell Monday morning. (very close to the bottom 4-5 switchback). Really glad 1) the dog wasn't with me and 2) I am not one to hike with an ipod and earbuds. This bad-boy was alongside the trail, just in the shade. I would have almost stepped on him if I hadn't heard him shaking his booty so loudly!
Keep your eyes AND ears alert!
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Twin Peaks from Three Points.
Pictures (http://fighton.smugmug.com/gallery/8965638_mHg7t#595784851_TfkgV)
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Hey Fight On, with all the hiking miles that you put in, why haven't you done the PCT as a thru hiker? You'd be the best candidate from the forum to complete it IMHO.
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Hey Fight On, with all the hiking miles that you put in, why haven't you done the PCT as a thru hiker? You'd be the best candidate from the forum to complete it IMHO.
I'm just a weekend hiker. Those guys hike 20 miles every day for like three months straight! That's a lot of miles!
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I tried to hike from Baldy Village to Wrightwood but turned around at Pine Mountain.
I met a guy and a girl who live in Wrightwood that were signing the register at Pine Mountain!
They were going to Baldy so I joined them for a bit.
pictures (http://fighton.smugmug.com/gallery/9138141_corgR/3/609302546_7XPkk#P-1-20)
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Were you hiking from Baldy Village to Wrightwood alone?
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Having a second vehicle in Wrightwood is also good, as you only have to hike one way, you need less water, and you can take your time more. But that requires 2 people.
There's also water at the spring at Guffy Camp.
They're probably talking about the waterfall along the dirt road near the bottom of the ski lift. That's the only one I know of.
I tried to hike from Baldy Village to Wrightwood but turned around at Pine Mountain.
I met a guy and a girl who live in Wrightwood that were signing the register at Pine Mountain!
They were going to Baldy so I joined them for a bit.
pictures (http://fighton.smugmug.com/gallery/9138141_corgR/3/609302546_7XPkk#P-1-20)
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Why did you turn around? You were almost there. ???
I know. ::) a bunch of reasons. I've walked past the Acorn fork a while back when I hiked from Inspiration Point to Baldy and back. The Acorn trail looks steep on the map but I like that stuff so I was planning it. I wanted to go all the way but I wasn't carrying enough water, (I had already used half of my 8 liters!!) And I started a half an hour late. I would have made it back in time if I felt normal (I like to challenge myself) but was feeling light headed after reaching Baldy I developed stomach cramps on the way down to Dawson Saddle. Felt sick! I wanted to and I know I could have if I felt regular but I just felt weak all over. Hard to hike. There's been talk about people that have died on trails recently. I didn't want to be out of water on the part going back up to Baldy, did not want to experiment right then!
And most important I promised my wife I would be off the trail by sundown. So at Pine I decided to go back! :) (she was happy!)
It's a hard hike. I like hard hikes so I will try again soon!
If you know Alan could you please poke him in the eye for me? ;)
Shame on him for taking Jill on her first hike ever up to Baldy w/o enough water.
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IM if you want to schedule a shuttle and it's getting late, etc. I've done that hike both ways, but never back & forth, and know it drains you. I've met people on the other end and bought them lunch to pick me up. Better safe than sorry. But it's a BEAUTIFUL hike! :2thumbsup:
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IM if you want to schedule a shuttle and it's getting late, etc. I've done that hike both ways, but never back & forth, and know it drains you. I've met people on the other end and bought them lunch to pick me up. Better safe than sorry. But it's a BEAUTIFUL hike! :2thumbsup:
Jill says she knows you. or of you. and Bob who ever he is? The admin dude?
Anyway thanks for the offer. (what does IM mean?)
The challenge for me is to complete the back & forth carrying all my water and food. (Not picking up anything at Wrightwood.) I know I can do it if I carried less and refueled half way but not so sure if I have to carry 10 liters+ of water! ;D and be back before sundown. I love hikes that drain me. feels soooooooo good! and this one is like you say BEAUTIFUL! I'm excited to try it again.
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Hey Fight On, have you considered leaving at 5am or earlier? If you put up with moonlight at first, you should be able to give yourself that safety margin that will make it easier to finish before nightfall. Just a thought. If you do the back and forth, will you start in the Baldy ski-lift parking lot and end at the top of the acorn trail or go all the way down acorn before coming back? Lordy sakes alive, that sounds like a ball-buster!
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Great shots Nolena! I have always wanted to visit the Grand Canyon. Now I have to wait until my little ones are a bit older to go.
I took my kids when they were 10 and 8 we took the steam locomotive (can't remember the town) to the North Rim. Stayed two nights the next day used the trams to see everything. They are a great way to see the canyon from the top. Then you take the steam locomotive back and during the trip bad guys on horses go past the train shooting guns, the train stops and they come on pretending to rob it. It was great because the kids were young enough to believe it. AAA had a good deal on the whole trip. The train ride is just long enough and ends when you're ready to get off it. Great scenery
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Hey Fight On, have you considered leaving at 5am or earlier? If you put up with moonlight at first, you should be able to give yourself that safety margin that will make it easier to finish before nightfall. Just a thought. If you do the back and forth, will you start in the Baldy ski-lift parking lot and end at the top of the acorn trail or go all the way down acorn before coming back? Lordy sakes alive, that sounds like a ball-buster!
That was my plan, to start before 5 but I got up too late. ::)
I want to start at the Baldy Visitor Center and go up the Bear Flat Trail and back the same way. map (http://mapper.acme.com/?ll=34.28247,-117.63371&z=12&t=R&marker0=34.23792%2C-117.65785%2CMount%20Baldy%20CA&marker1=34.35013%2C-117.64570%2C1.7%20km%20SW%20of%20Wrightwood%20CA)
According to the Tom Harrison Map there is a gate on Acorn near Camp Mariastella. That's where I'm gonna turn around. That map says it is 2.1 miles up to the PCT and then 1.7 miles from there to the Backbone Trail. From there it looks like about 1.5 miles to Pine Mountain. So that would be 10.6 miles more than what I hiked. Acorn to PCT is 1680 feet gain! In 2.1 miles. which is exactly 800 feet per mile. :2thumbsup: sounds like a BLAST to me!
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Were you hiking from Baldy Village to Wrightwood alone?
yer not gonna tell on me are you? :)
Actually there's a trail. Or a few trails that connect together. It's pretty cool! They're all well defined so if you stay on em, have a map and know how to read it you won't get lost.
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I took my kids when they were 10 and 8 we took the steam locomotive (can't remember the town) to the North Rim. Stayed two nights the next day used the trams to see everything. They are a great way to see the canyon from the top. Then you take the steam locomotive back and during the trip bad guys on horses go past the train shooting guns, the train stops and they come on pretending to rob it. It was great because the kids were young enough to believe it. AAA had a good deal on the whole trip. The train ride is just long enough and ends when you're ready to get off it. Great scenery
I have wanted to take my son on this for years. It sounds like so much fun. I'm saving for a Nov. cruise so it won't be this year, but I think I just found out where I want to go for my Feb. birthday. Thanks for the reminder MtnMan!
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I made it this time! http://fighton.smugmug.com/gallery/9208103_5BpQ6#P-1-20
The Acorn Trail is very nice.
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:bow:
I hiked Ice House Canyon to Cucamonga peak back in the day when I was young and in shape. I thought I was gonna die, and it took me 12 hrs.
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:bow:
I hiked Ice House Canyon to Cucamonga peak back in the day when I was young and in shape. I thought I was gonna die, and it took me 12 hrs.
I went there once! It's hard but the views make it worth the pain! ;D
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I can't think of an activity more appropriate to the name of the holiday than to participate in the 44th Annual Baldy (Walk) Run-To-The-Top on Labor Day, Sept. 7th, 2009. It starts just below the ski-lift parking lot and covers 8 miles of fire-road/trail to the top of Baldy. You can really feel the energy of the hundreds of people hoopin' and hollerin' that line up at the starting line and accompany you all the way up the mountain. For more information, check out
http://www.run2top.com/
For some strange reason, very few Wrightwood residents participate in this annual event. You get a really nifty T-shirt out of the deal too. Am I going to be the only WW resident running it this year? Sheeesh. What I like the best about it is that you can walk it, fast-walk it, walk-run it or run it, according to your physical condition. They have water tables set up every two miles; a mile or two before the top there's a table w/oranges and at the top they have bananas and oranges and a spectacular view as compensation for your laborious efforts. If you have any further questions or if you're interested in doing a few Mt. Baden-Powell fast-walk training sessions, please PM me.
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Think I'm gonna get one of these (http://www.findmespot.com/en/) things. or something like it. Right now I don't carry anything but my cell and it wouldn't help if I got bit by a snake or got hurt.
I've been lucky so far. Hate to die just because I didn't spend $250. ;D
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Think I'm gonna get one of these (http://www.findmespot.com/en/) things. or something like it. Right now I don't carry anything but my cell and it wouldn't help if I got bit by a snake or got hurt.
I've been lucky so far. Hate to die just because I didn't spend $250. ;D
REI has the "spot" for $150.00. Don't know anything about it. Most the avid hikers I know, including CDFG Biologists who hike into very desolate areas alone, use this $600 PLB unit:
(http://www.rei.com/zoom/1022023.jpg/150)
http://www.rei.com/product/751974
I would also strongly recommend getting a HAM license. There are very few canyons, especially on the South side of the San Gabriel Mountains that you couldn't get immediate help via Repeater communications.
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REI has the "spot" for $150.00. Don't know anything about it. Most the avid hikers I know, including CDFG Biologists who hike into very desolate areas alone, use this $600 PLB unit:
(http://www.rei.com/zoom/1022023.jpg/150)
http://www.rei.com/product/751974
I would also strongly recommend getting a HAM license. There are very few canyons, especially on the South side of the San Gabriel Mountains that you couldn't get immediate help via Repeater communications.
wow what a difference in price.
gotta find out what why.
how does the ham thing work?
is it heavy, bulky?
thanks!
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PM me for info on HAM radio (Amateur Radio).
A class for the Tech license will be forming soon in Wrightwood.
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The Spot and other location devices are a good concept in theory for civilians....once authorities have been notified of you missing your return time. Missing persons usually aren't considered missing until 24hrs. A lot can happen in that time... like expiration :P The military has been using devices like this for years. However for the military, the beacon frq's are monitored 24-7... kinda like Lojack for humans. If the manufactures offered that subscription service to civilians I could consider it a possible "only" tool in the shed for help. But it still doesn't tell them your condition. Also keep in mind once you're reported / considered missing, the time element to dispatch Bravo Company is a factor.
Personally, if I had only one communication tool I could rely 100% on in my backpack it would be my Ham radio. The cell phone can stay in the truck as far as I'm concerned, or, at the bottom of the pack next to the T-P. ::)
There's a grocery list of reasons I got my Ham license years ago and hiking while alone was at the top of the list.
The new Ham radio test's are as easy as 6th grade math test's now days. Children 8yrs. of age are passing easily joining the Ham radio community.
Wilderness + cellphone = 0
Wilderness + Ham radio = 100
You can buy the study book for 20 bucks that covers everything you need to know and in less than a month you'll pass the test. Or as CA5 mentioned, sign up for a class.
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You know, until this thread I had no idea that HAM radios were that portable. I hike with my dog and am aware that I'll be in trouble if I get hurt. Or if my dog gets hurt for that matter; I couldn't carry 70 pounds of dog out by myself. Hm...
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Personally, if I had only one communication tool I could rely 100% on in my backpack it would be my Ham radio. The cell phone can stay in the truck as far as I'm concerned, or, at the bottom of the pack next to the T-P. ::)
Wilderness + cellphone = 0
Wilderness + Ham radio = 100
I have been considering a SPOT, but getting a ham radio seems to be much more practical.
Is there a way for a person using a ham radio to leave "voice mail" messages to someone who may not be on line at the time?
What other features are availible in today's ham technology that could be used to support hiking or motorcycling in the desert/mountains.
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The Spot and other location devices are a good concept in theory for civilians....once authorities have been notified of you missing your return time. Missing persons usually aren't considered missing until 24hrs. A lot can happen in that time... like expiration :P The military has been using devices like this for years. However for the military, the beacon frq's are monitored 24-7... kinda like Lojack for humans. If the manufactures offered that subscription service to civilians I could consider it a possible "only" tool in the shed for help. But it still doesn't tell them your condition. Also keep in mind once you're reported / considered missing, the time element to dispatch Bravo Company is a factor.
Personally, if I had only one communication tool I could rely 100% on in my backpack it would be my Ham radio. The cell phone can stay in the truck as far as I'm concerned, or, at the bottom of the pack next to the T-P. ::)
There's a grocery list of reasons I got my Ham license years ago and hiking while alone was at the top of the list.
The new Ham radio test's are as easy as 6th grade math test's now days. Children 8yrs. of age are passing easily joining the Ham radio community.
Wilderness + cellphone = 0
Wilderness + Ham radio = 100
You can buy the study book for 20 bucks that covers everything you need to know and in less than a month you'll pass the test. Or as CA5 mentioned, sign up for a class.
Toolman.
Is the ham transmitter waterproof like spot? I saw a few pictures of them and they look pretty small. How much do they weigh?
How much $ is it going to cost before I am hiking with one?
it's a $100 yearly with spot. is there a fee with the ham system?
Thanks.
Also you can kinda text with spot. I found this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wV0KoOF9tDg) on you tube.
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Chanel 7 News reports, this morning, a spate of thieves targeting hikers' cars in the Angeles Forest. They're breaking in and looting the cars' contents while the owners are hiking.
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Thanks! Did they say what areas the bad guys are targeting?
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Chanel 7 News reports, this morning, a spate of thieves targeting hikers' cars in the Angeles Forest. They're breaking in and looting the cars' contents while the owners are hiking.
There's a lot of places that have been reported of car break in activity. In our area, the most popular was Islip Saddle while the road was closed and a few were reported from Red Box.
The majority of the car looting occurs along Hwy39.
Anytime you park your car in a remote area and leave it for hours you are at risk of a car looting. Try not to leave anything visible in the passenger area except an empty coffee cup and the Adventure pass. ;) I can't believe some of the stuff I've seen left in cars sitting on the drivers seat or passenger seat. Cell phones left to charge, I-Pods, expensive hiking gear it's all fencable.
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Fight On,
There are a few radios that are water resistant. One of my partners fell into a stream last year during a Big Horn count with the DFG and fell into a stream totally submerged. Cell phone in the pocket=died Ham radio= survived.
I own several HT's and prefer my Kenwood three band radio that goes on patrol with me and on hikes. It isn't much bigger than my cell phone, in fact I use the same carry pouch.
There is no fee to use open Ham radio repeaters once you get your license / callsign. There are private club organizations that have linked repeater systems and often charge a fee.
I commute to the flat lands on my road bike and allways carry an HT in the tank bag. If I have a problem or I happen upon another rider down or in trouble there are repeaters I have programmed I can hit along the Angeles Forest. There is no voice mail, but there is a paging capabilty....never used it...probably never will. All of them scan frequencies in your memory channels you program yourself. All programming can be done with software for the radio. I prefere not to use the software, but to learn the radios keypad functions and menu features. This way you'll know how to operate the radio on the fly and not rely on software.
This is sort of moving away from the Hiking thread so maybe move your Ham questions into the Ham Radio section of the forum and you'll get all your questions answered. :thumbs:
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Thanks.
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I was a bit shocked and dismayed to find today that there was a official notification on the sign at the beginning of the Blue Ridge trail saying that until further notice the Angeles National Forest is closed off and no one can enter it to hike, backpack, run, bike, picnic, etc. I wonder if they have such a sign at the beginning of Acorn and the other trails in town. For me not being able to hike is painful. Does anyone have any inside information or further clarification about this restriction?
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Here's the order: http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/angeles/orders/ (http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/angeles/orders/)
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I was a bit shocked and dismayed to find today that there was a official notification on the sign at the beginning of the Blue Ridge trail saying that until further notice the Angeles National Forest is closed off and no one can enter it to hike, backpack, run, bike, picnic, etc. I wonder if they have such a sign at the beginning of Acorn and the other trails in town. For me not being able to hike is painful. Does anyone have any inside information or further clarification about this restriction?
I hear ya, but if you go up there and sprain your ankle you might end up being bbqed. :( and this smoke isn't good to breath while hiking.
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Thanks, Bob, for posting the order. I can see that technically speaking, the Angeles Nat'l Forest is off limits within the perimeter from the 210 to the 14 to the 138 to the 15, which includes areas that are very far from the Station Fire and are in no immediate danger. I have a question: Am I at risk of being fined and possibly jailed if I walk my dog up the dirt road paralleling the Sheep Creek Wash or the Heath Creek Wash at this time? How do you rest of you stand on taking this order literally?
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Thanks, Bob, for posting the order. I can see that technically speaking, the Angeles Nat'l Forest is off limits within the perimeter from the 210 to the 14 to the 138 to the 15, which includes areas that are very far from the Station Fire and are in no immediate danger. I have a question: Am I at risk of being fined and possibly jailed if I walk my dog up the dirt road paralleling the Sheep Creek Wash or the Heath Creek Wash at this time? How do you rest of you stand on taking this order literally?
This subject has come up on other (Hiking) message boards, not this order but similar ones. I was surprised to discover that almost all that commented were not against either entering a closed area, no trespassing areas etc. Even advising a father and his child to enter the Crystal Lake Closed area, (even an administrator advocates it!) truly amazing!
The way I see it is respect for the wilderness. It doesn't matter if you get fined to me. You couldn't pay me to enter a closed area. Even if nobody would find out!
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Not to stir up any arguments, but, to some of us hiking is like breathing.
To stop is not an option.
Maybe Domingo is like that?
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D- The forest closure is hurting alot of us. Especially, those of us that take advantage of living so close to the wilderness. My doggies go hiking everyday and usually we head for lower ground in the winter but now with the fire we all have to adjust. I hope for the best and if the fire can be contained at Hwy 39/2 we might be able to get back in before winter. Now... if these winds would just die down! Oh and be careful around the Sheep Creek Wash, pack of coyotes hanging around and they are not bashful.
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I'd be very surprised if anyone got in trouble hiking through the Angeles forest around our town. After all, the fire is 12-13 miles away, the forest forms a perimeter around much of our town, and the state's resources are devoted to protecting the truly threatened sections of the forest.
I didn't even know the forest right above me was officially closed, but it has not stopped prominent residents of WW who are active in CERT or fire awareness matters from hiking up the wash. I would advise against it when the smoke is blowing into the area, though.
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Ah. But what about the San Bernardino Forest?
That would allow access to the PCT off Swarthout Canyon Road.
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Ah. But what about the San Bernardino Forest?
That would allow access to the PCT off Swarthout Canyon Road.
That's what I would do.
"A violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or
$10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both." is something I'd rather not be thinking about on a hike! ;D
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I'd be very surprised if anyone got in trouble hiking through the Angeles forest around our town.
The Angeles Forest closure IS being enforced with NO exceptions.
I'd strongly suggest that you follow the details of this closure as your chances of getting caught are going to be high. Stick to trails that are in San Bernardino National Forest and administered by SBNF.
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Not to stir up any arguments, but, to some of us hiking is like breathing.
To stop is not an option.
What if someone said "to some of us horse riding is like breathing.
To stop is not an option (even if the horse is lame)." If you respected your horse, would you not ride another one until it was better???
The forest is a living thing as well, and respectfully, not a workout or transcendental prop for any one of us. I understand your point, my garden is my zen, but the forest belongs not to us, but to itself first, those who live in it second (meaning the flora and fauna) and then to those of us who are very privileged to share it.
Honestly folks, can't you give it a rest for a few days to help out those trying to keep *what's left* safe? When you are in the closure area, you are a distraction for every agency trying to keep what remains safe and what is in danger accessible.
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Quote from: bootsmiles on Sep 05, 09, 04:33:50 PM
Not to stir up any arguments, but, to some of us hiking is like breathing.
To stop is not an option.
Luckily, you live in CA! A little extra driving and some research, you can explore great places you never knew existed. No need to break the rules.
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Ah. But what about the San Bernardino Forest?
That would allow access to the PCT off Swarthout Canyon Road.
That would work, as long as your East of the 15 frwy. The Angeles extends to the 15 even though it crosses into Sb county.
Last time the ANF closed, a buddy of mine and I were cutting over sheap creek to the shooting range and a ranger coming the other way inquired were we are going and gave us the option to leave or be cited. Das-Boot
So I guess... roll the bones if you're feeling lucky they may not come up snake eyes. :o
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Homer,
The PCT in Lone Pine Canyon is administered by San Bernardino National Forest and not part of the closure and is on the West side of the I15. The ANF administration line is on the West side of Slover Canyon near Wright Mountain.
If people are on the PCT and stay East of Wright Mountain they are in SBNF.
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Here's a map that was used for the Boundary Ridge Fuel Modification Project that shows where the ANF and SBNF starts and stops.
(http://www.wrightwoodfsc.com/BoundryRidge/MD_boundary.ridge.JPG)
Larger: http://www.wrightwoodfsc.com/BoundryRidge/MD_boundary.ridge.JPG
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This might be a dumb question..but what is a "land stop?"
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GRAHAM_RANCH I reworded it and hope it makes sense now ;)
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Homer,
The PCT in Lone Pine Canyon is administered by San Bernardino National Forest and not part of the closure and is on the West side of the I15. The ANF administration line is on the West side of Slover Canyon near Wright Mountain.
If people are on the PCT and stay East of Wright Mountain they are in SBNF.
Opppp's my bad... I was looking at the Closure map which is bounded by the 14 / 138 / 15 / 210 that would put the forest closure over to the 15 on the east side. Maybe that's why I saw so many FS trucks on those roads by the old ranch.
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The Angeles Forest closure IS being enforced with NO exceptions.
I'd strongly suggest that you follow the details of this closure as your chances of getting caught are going to be high. Stick to trails that are in San Bernardino National Forest and administered by SBNF.
OK. So, SBNF = open and ANF = closed got it. And "SBNF Administered by ANF" is closed also? For sure or is that speculation?
As for the "SBNF Administered by ANF" area (which I assume is synonymous with the Valyermo Ranger district), is there a good map? I've seen this which shows only portions
(http://www.wrightwoodfsc.com/BoundryRidge/MD_boundary.ridge.JPG)
and I've seen this but it's not very detailed:
(http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/forestvisitormaps/sanbernardino/north/images/clip01.jpg)
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For sure.
The Wrightwood area administered by ANF is closed right now.
In fact I had correspondence going back and forth with District Ranger Blount because the closure was being enforced on Lone Pine Canyon down to the I15. That was incorrect as one forest cannot close another forest. The closure stops as the edge of the ANF administered area in Wrightwood.
There's been people hiking Sheep Canyon and Acorn Canyon into ANF property and that's in the closure area. The forest closure is being enforced and carries some pretty hefty fines.
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OK. If controlled by ANF in some way, shape, or form it's closed. Got it.
But no map of the admin area? Or just assume anything around Wrightwood is closed -- except the PCT coming from the east but that only until around the top of the Acorn trail which is I think where the Admin area starts, yes?
In other words, if someone came in on the PCT from the east, they could hike Gobbler's Knob, Wright Mtn, etc, but could not go to Guffy or points west.
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In other words, if someone came in on the PCT from the east, they could hike Gobbler's Knob, Wright Mtn, etc, but could not go to Guffy or points west.
Wright's Mtn is also under ANF Administration. ANF administers the ridge above Wrightwood all the way to the end of Blue Ridge Rd which ends at Slover Canyon. It's a logistics thing.
It also administers the forest along Hwy 2 East of Wrightwood, including the 3 levels area, helicopter hill and Horse Canyon.
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There's been people hiking Sheep Canyon and Acorn Canyon into ANF property and that's in the closure area. The forest closure is being enforced and carries some pretty hefty fines.
Some people think that the rules apply to everyone but themselves. The ANF has been notified of this activity.
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Some people think that the rules apply to everyone but themselves. The ANF has been notified of this activity.
I know "exactly" what you mean! Who do these people think they are any way? Not only do some think that but go further and advise others,(even a parent with his child!) to enter a closed area! Unbelievable!
Rules to some are there to break instead of follow. simply crazy.
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Wright's Mtn is also under ANF Administration. ANF administers the ridge above Wrightwood all the way to the end of Blue Ridge Rd which ends at Slover Canyon. It's a logistics thing.
It also administers the forest along Hwy 2 East of Wrightwood, including the 3 levels area, helicopter hill and Horse Canyon.
Sounds like it's time to go hiking -- in Big Bear. :)
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Sounds like it's time to go hiking -- in Big Bear. :)
"be discreet" ;)
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Along with many other local residents, I like to enjoy the trails by my house off of LPC which head east toward the frwy. There are a variety of nature walkers, joggers, horseback riders, and familes taking strolls. What concerns me are the people who take their dirts bikes, quads, etc. on these trails. If they enter from the residential area they have to ride all kinds of twists and turns before hitting open trails and there is no way they would be able to avoid hitting someone! They are not supposed to ride these trails to begin with... but... they do. I can hear them fire up their dirt bikes and get on the trail. Every time I see the tire tracks I get the willies thinking of the potential tragedy. Any suggestions on how to stop the activity?
P.S. I think riding dirt bikes is a blast and I'm all for it - just do it where it's legal and safe.
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Can you give a better location?
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I live at the top of LPC after the S curves. I can get on the small trail directly from my property. There is an entry to the same trail from the housing which sits below me (Wright Mtn Properties?). This trail leads to a nice, open, small valley. If you climb up one side from the small valley you can view LPC for quite a distance, eastbound. If you climb the other side you can view distant mtn homes in WW and have a view of Phelan/Pinion Hills.
Sorry, I don't know the name of the area. Someone once told me it's Horse Canyon but I'm not sure.
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I know exactly where you are talking about. This network of trails can be accessed from a number of places including Helicopter Hill (the dirt road at the top of the S curves), private property in the East Canyon development, Three Levels, Horse Canyon, etc.
The Forest Service is aware of the problem with off road vehicles on this network of trails and makes it apart of their Patrol area. The Wrightwood Fire Safety Council has big concerns about potential fire starts in the area. The USFS have been making changes in the area that will make it much harder for off road vehicles to access this area, as there is a big concern as to the potential for fire starting from bikes without spark arrestors, etc.
A lot of time was put into the "Three Levels" area (guardrails and fencing) to make it difficult for this area to be accessed. USFS will soon be installing gates at Helicopter Hill to keep vehicles from entering the area.
Improvements continue to be made to Horse Canyon to keep off road ATVs and bikes out. Of course you can't keep people from accessing this network of trails from their own property, thus we try to make it a regular stop when out on patrol.
BTW, Horse Canyon, which extends to Hwy 2 in the area of the 5,000 ft sign, is under full closure. It is a NO ENTRY closure and is closed to ALL traffic including hikers. While this is indicated at the Hwy 2 side, many access the canyon from the south, from the area you're talking about.
Edited by Wrightwood
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Thank you very much for the info. It is reassuring to know steps are being taken to prevent the tragic situations which could occur from traffic on the trails. Hopefully nothing ever happens at all, with or without enforcement.
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P.S The residential trail entry I was referring to is in the Pacific Crest homes area, Chaumont street. The tire tracks can be followed all the way there and I can hear when the riders enter the trail, a portion of which runs below my property. There is a Nat'l Forest sign and a sign to pick up after your dogs posted but nothing about motor vehicles.
I've lived here 4 years and I will say the dirt bike activity is alot less than when I first moved up.
There also used to be quite a bit of shooting in that little valley too. Could hear it and see shells all over the place when walking through.
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Hike (http://fighton.smugmug.com/Other/INSPIRATION-POINT-11-22-09/10405859_vX6F2#720885204_vdhQJ)
Map (http://mapper.acme.com/?ll=34.22011,-118.11058&z=10&t=R&marker0=34.22007%2C-118.11045%2C3.8%20km%20NxNE%20of%20Altadena%20CA)
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Best quick hike near WW for a 3 and 5 yr old? We'll cover about a mile one way.
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Fight On-Has the forest fire closure been lifted for the area that you hiked through? The Angeles web site lists Mt Lowe Rd area as being closed due to the fire damage.
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Best quick hike near WW for a 3 and 5 yr old? We'll cover about a mile one way.
The Sheep Fire messed up some easy trails around here. But off the top of my head, if you go out to Inspiration Point and park you can take the wide Blue Ridge trail/road up for several miles. The views are gorgeous. From the same parking lot you can go up Lightning Ridge nature trail, but be careful at the top -- there's a ridge with a bench on it. Amazing view but I'd be nervous about the 3-year-old.
From Vincent Gap you could take the road that leads towards the mine. Not all the way there, but walking along for a mile or so is fine. There are several other trails leading from there too.
And if you go to Grassy Hollow, park off the 2 and walk in a bit you'll see signs for the Pacific Crest trail. I forget which direction it is, but go left on the trail for an easy walk.
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Also, from Grassy Hollow, you can walk on the road out to Jackson Flat. It's a little over a mile, but the road is nice and wide. If you want to take the PCT, it picks up to the right as you walk in, across from the visitor center.
The Blue Ridge Road is really nice, as Chris mentioned above, but with Mt. High open, several of their runs cross the road, and you might run into the man-made snow, depending on which runs are open. I haven't been up there to check it out.
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Picky children, a little unsure of the great outdoors! They didn't want to park and walk the road at the Grassy Hollow center. Too much wind on I think Blue Ridge road today for my daughter. I was able to convince her that it would be much less windy on the desert side (barely), so we hiked the loop at the Inspiration Point parking lot (and pit potty--a wonder to my son.) . My son was very excited, but I had to hold my daughter's hand--for just a little while. by the end, she wanted to go on another hike, but my son was ready to go home.
Thanks for the suggestions! We will be hitting them all shortly--they have itchy feet now--can't wait to go again! :2thumbsup:
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Great! ForestGal is right, the Jackson Flat road is wide and paved and the views are just gorgeous. Get to it via Grassy Hollow. You can also pick up PCT in two places along that road. Another one that I'd forgotten is Table Mountain. Camping is closed so the bar is down, but park at Table Mountain and walk the roads through the campsite. There is also a nice nature trail there, but I'm not sure about the 3-year-old. And my dog and I will walk up the JPL road but I'm not actually sure we should! Another nice walk is the fire road between Hwy 2 and the top of Table Mountain. You park overlooking Mountain High.
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Another nice walk is the fire road between Hwy 2 and the top of Table Mountain. You park overlooking Mountain High.
The parking for this one is a wide turn-out about 1/2 mile up Table Mtn. Road, at McLellan Flat. It is indeed a nice walk, a little buggy in summer, but pretty. It's almost level for the first 2 miles, and the mile markers are painted on the edge of the paved road, marked every 1/4 mile I think, so it's easy to keep track of how far you have gone. Glad you are starting your kidlets at a young age, in my dreams! Hopefully they will get infected with the hiking bug! :laugh:
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I went cross-country skiing at the Table Mountain Campground this morning. It was excellent!! :2thumbsup:
(Pictures to follow after I figure out my new video camera better.)
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There was a group that hiked up Baden Powel last weekend and jumped over the side and skied down the north west facing slope chute. Looked like they had a blast.
Never learned to ski but looks fun. I'll keep it to two wheels instead.
pictures please ;D
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I went cross-country skiing at the Table Mountain Campground this morning. It was excellent!! :2thumbsup:
(Pictures to follow after I figure out my new video camera better.)
A few weeks ago, I was going to get out my cross-country skis and go around the Country Club, but something came up. How is the snow at the CC now? Or maybe I could go to Table Mountain since you've already laid some tracks for me. :)
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Both are good.
The views from Table Mountain are great!
The JPL road at Mclellan Flat is also good.
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;D
Loop hike from Bailey Canyon Parking Lot to Jones Saddle, Hastings Peak, Toll Road, Mt. Wilson Trail down through Little Santa Anita Canyon and back.
map (http://mapper.acme.com/?ll=34.19959,-118.05325&z=13&t=T&marker0=34.17084%2C-118.06118%2C1.3%20km%20NW%20of%20Sierra%20Madre%20CA&marker1=34.18745%2C-118.05325%2C2.9%20km%20N%20of%20Sierra%20Madre%20CA&marker2=34.19452%2C-118.06243%2C3.3%20km%20S%20of%20Mount%20Wilson%20CA&marker3=34.20225%2C-118.06642%2C2.5%20km%20SxSW%20of%20Mount%20Wilson%20CA&marker4=34.21198%2C-118.06046%2C1.3%20km%20S%20of%20Mount%20Wilson%20CA&marker5=34.21251%2C-118.05891%2Cunnamed&marker6=34.20932%2C-118.05385%2C1.7%20km%20SxSE%20of%20Mount%20Wilson%20CA&marker7=34.18987%2C-118.04586%2C3.2%20km%20N%20of%20Sierra%20Madre%20CA&marker8=34.17023%2C-118.04943%2C1.0%20km%20NxNE%20of%20Sierra%20Madre%20CA) A.= Trail head. B.= Jones Saddle. C.= Hastings Peak. D.= Toll Road. E.= Boulders. F. = "THE BAR". G.= The Bench. H.= Connector Trail Junction. I.= The End.
pictures (http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/11237198_esFaF#787945326_nqhHy)
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cool google video of the hike from islip saddle to baden powell.
It makes it look dangerous because of the steep sides but it's really a nice hike.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2g3wwZ345c&feature=related
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http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/11301737_4gmqL#793083731_y5Gp8
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I hiked up to Inspiration Point yesterday.
Looks like a new sighting tube was recently installed!
(http://www.smugmug.com/photos/832933143_4YVur-X3.jpg)
Wanted to see what was there before so I searched my photos and there wasn't one.
(http://www.smugmug.com/photos/832942418_TKsNr-X3.jpg)
pics (http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/11792909_2k5bb#832942418_TKsNr)
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I'm confused...
Which Inspiration Point is this one? It isn't the one on Hwy 2 near Grassy Hollow, and this looks like an interesting area to hike through.
Any information is appreciated
Peace
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I'm confused...
Which Inspiration Point is this one? It isn't the one on Hwy 2 near Grassy Hollow, and this looks like an interesting area to hike through.
Any information is appreciated
Peace
It's above Altadena. far from Wrightwood. :) map (http://mapper.acme.com/?ll=34.28729,-117.89017&z=11&t=T&marker0=34.22130%2C-118.10916%2C4.0%20km%20NxNE%20of%20Altadena%20CA)
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I ran to Mt. High West & back today with the furry children.
As of today, the Blue Ridge Trail still looks pretty buried in snow, and I saw no new tracks on it.
The dirt road between Mt. High East & West has some very slippery muddy spots, but is passable.
Water is running in the stream from West to the pipe under the East parking lot.
The best news is that I scored a nice pair of gloves and 2 grocery bags of aluminum cans! :2thumbsup:
And the dogs are sleeping like rugs. :)
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cool google video of the hike from islip saddle to baden powell.
It makes it look dangerous because of the steep sides but it's really a nice hike.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2g3wwZ345c&feature=related
Now that's truly amazing. Whoever did the navigating on Google Earth really knew what they were doing. Wonder how they did that. It's hard to do!
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:o That was sooooo cooool!!!! (missed its posting first time 'round)
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Hello!
We are new to WW and I have a 17 almost 18 year old son who took to hiking almost the first moment after unloading the moving truck.I worry because he knows very little about the area and goes alone.I keep hearing about some hikers that meet on Saturday mornings ,but I'm having a hard time with when and where.It would be nice to meet others with this interest and even better, around his age. He is a good kid and recommend him highly to any club, group or volunteering .
Thanks!
His only Mom.
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Check out this link for the Wrightwood Hiking Club phone number:
http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/orgclub.html
Here is another thread with hiking info:
http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/forum/index.php?topic=2664.0
Welcome to Wrightwood to you and your son and I am sure you will enjoy it as much as most of us do.
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Thanks!!
That was fast!
I left a message.
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If he still chooses to go hiking alone, here are some tips:
1. Have at least a belt sized survival kit. There are several that you can purchase or buy items and stock your own.
2. Know where you are going, and leave an itinerary with someone who will know if you are missing. One of the keys to search and rescue is to know where to start looking!
3. Be PREPARED! I don't know how many S&R calls I get from people that started out in a tank top, shorts, and flip flops with little to no water, get lost, then they have to be bailed out. Take extra water, map, compasss, (know how to use them...), clothing not only for current but expected weather, etc.
I occasionally hike alone with my dog but follow my own advice!
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That's great advice!
I would insist he stay on the trails or go with an experienced hiker for a while to start out. Not easy to get lost on trails especially if you have a map and stick to your planned trip. And if something happens he could be easily found.
I rarely go off trails. and im all growed up! ;D
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Another hike to Inspiration Point on a very hot day.
Saw a dog, a group of rappellers, 3 switchback cutters, a trespasser, and many other hikers with little water.
pictures (http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/12447871_pHoqs#891474731_xVtNZ)
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Do you know what the purple flowers are, Fight On?
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Do you know what the purple flowers are, Fight On?
Can't find the name. ???
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Found it!
http://www.theodorepayne.org/mediawiki/index.php?title=Leptodactylon_californicum
(actually I didn't find it. I met someone yesterday who is a landscape architect. He took classes on identifying native southern california plants. has a photographic memory and knew what it was right away. As well as every other plant in the mountains! And the best part, HE HIKES!!!!!!!!!!)
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It was a beautiful day for hiking up the Blue Ridge Road. I took the dogs. Several groups of people were out there. Didn't need a jacket, and the snow had a strong crust on it, so you could walk on top of it easily with just sneakers. :)
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A friend and I went snowshoeing today at Table Mountain campground. Really nice conditions - soft snow and warm day. Had plenty of snow, but probably not for much longer.
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nice up there... thanks for the invite
;D
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I've been cross country skiing up there. Very nice for that sort of thin in the winter. And you can have a nice picnic there, too. Great views! :)
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Obviously Pine Mountain Ridge. As you know John, I know that ridge very well and still have the cut up boots to prove it. No doubt the helicopters were getting the water from the Mt. High Resevoirs. As a note, while out on patrol for the USFS, I'm surprised that the resevoirs are not full by this time of the year. They were last year.
How is that ridge? I've been looking at it for some time now and wondering what it would be like to walk up and or down it. How did you access it? Did you make a loop from Pine mountain and down to the bottom some how? Or start at Vincent Gap and walk up to Pine Mountain and then north and back? Is there a trail on the ridge?
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There's the Devil's Backbone Trail from Blue Ridge Road to the summit of Pine Mountain. The trail goes on to Dawson and Baldy. It's a 1 day trip from Baldy village to Wrightwood (better than the other way, as the elevation of peaks becomes increasingly lower), coming the other way. Then you can take the Acorn Trail into town.
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How is that ridge? I've been looking at it for some time now and wondering what it would be like to walk up and or down it. How did you access it? Did you make a loop from Pine mountain and down to the bottom some how? Or start at Vincent Gap and walk up to Pine Mountain and then north and back? Is there a trail on the ridge?
The ridge is very rough with lots of sharp rocks to twist your ankles on. Trekking poles suggested. Above the Pine Mountain "Slab" the ridge is only about two feet wide with cliffs to each side.
We took the Devil's Backbone trail from the back of Wright Mountain on Blue Ridge Road up to Pine Mountain and then started down the ridge. We spent the night and then came down the old logging road down into Lupine.
It was the middle of August and very hot. We had to carry all our water which made the packs heavy. We had "Wrightwood" meet us in Lupine and drive us back out.
We did this trip because we were doing a Big Horn Sheep survey for the DFG. We had a collar that kept going into mortality signal and then back out of mortality signal (the collar goes into a mortality signal, very fast beeps, when a Big Horn has not moved for six hours). Telemetry from Blue Ridge Road pointed to the lower part of Pine Mountain Ridge. We suspected that someone may have poached a collared Big Horn and then hung the collar in a tree.
We saw plenty of Big Horn Sheep, but not the one we were looking for, nor did we find the collar. We did have a VERY Strong signal from the collared Mountain Lion that made us a little nervous when we bedded down for the night. ;D
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Oh my! Now that's an adventure. I'm glad that Mr. Collared Mountain Lion didn't follow up the signal with a personal call!
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The ridge is very rough with lots of sharp rocks to twist your ankles on. Trekking poles suggested. Above the Pine Mountain "Slab" the ridge is only about two feet wide with cliffs to each side.
We took the Devil's Backbone trail from the back of Wright Mountain on Blue Ridge Road up to Pine Mountain and then started down the ridge. We spent the night and then came down the old logging road down into Lupine.
It was the middle of August and very hot. We had to carry all our water which made the packs heavy. We had "Wrightwood" meet us in Lupine and drive us back out.
We did this trip because we were doing a Big Horn Sheep survey for the DFG. We had a collar that kept going into mortality signal and then back out of mortality signal (the collar goes into a mortality signal, very fast beeps, when a Big Horn has not moved for six hours). Telemetry from Blue Ridge Road pointed to the lower part of Pine Mountain Ridge. We suspected that someone may have poached a collared Big Horn and then hung the collar in a tree.
We saw plenty of Big Horn Sheep, but not the one we were looking for, nor did we find the collar. We did have a VERY Strong signal from the collared Mountain Lion that made us a little nervous when we bedded down for the night. ;D
RobertW, where exactly is that slab on the ridge?
Can you pin point it on ACME Mapper? ACME Mapper (http://mapper.acme.com/?ll=34.31835,-117.68340&z=14&t=T)
Have you walked the entire ridge down to the east end and up to Vincent Gap before? I'd like to do that. like make a loop hike starting there. Thanks!
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There's the Devil's Backbone Trail from Blue Ridge Road to the summit of Pine Mountain. The trail goes on to Dawson and Baldy. It's a 1 day trip from Baldy village to Wrightwood (better than the other way, as the elevation of peaks becomes increasingly lower), coming the other way. Then you can take the Acorn Trail into town.
I did that both ways in one day about two years ago... http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/9208103_5BpQ6#614767092_r9dRG
I looked down that ridge and thought it looked so cool.
spooky at the very bottom. I was looking at it on Sunday from on top of Baden Powell. Gotta walk on it!
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The ridge is very rough with lots of sharp rocks to twist your ankles on. Trekking poles suggested. Above the Pine Mountain "Slab" the ridge is only about two feet wide with cliffs to each side.
We took the Devil's Backbone trail from the back of Wright Mountain on Blue Ridge Road up to Pine Mountain and then started down the ridge. We spent the night and then came down the old logging road down into Lupine.
It was the middle of August and very hot. We had to carry all our water which made the packs heavy. We had "Wrightwood" meet us in Lupine and drive us back out.
We did this trip because we were doing a Big Horn Sheep survey for the DFG. We had a collar that kept going into mortality signal and then back out of mortality signal (the collar goes into a mortality signal, very fast beeps, when a Big Horn has not moved for six hours). Telemetry from Blue Ridge Road pointed to the lower part of Pine Mountain Ridge. We suspected that someone may have poached a collared Big Horn and then hung the collar in a tree.
We saw plenty of Big Horn Sheep, but not the one we were looking for, nor did we find the collar. We did have a VERY Strong signal from the collared Mountain Lion that made us a little nervous when we bedded down for the night. ;D
Last year, my wife and I saw a number of Big Horn on the southeastern flank of Pine, while we were hiking the Fish Fork trail.
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I've done the hike from Vincent Gap, down into mine gulch, then up Pine Mtn ridge to Pine Mtn. summit, down the backbone and Acorn trail to return to Wrightwood. A very long day. Gaining Pine Mtn ridge from the creekbed involved lots of bushwacking (some through manzanita-ouch!). This is a beautiful and full hike. We saw several big horn sheep and even some mountain lion tracks. This was an eleven hour day, and worth every minute.
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Gaining Pine Mtn ridge from the creekbed involved lots of bushwacking (some through manzanita-ouch!).
That's what I was interested in. How it is from the creekbed up to the ridge. Where did you start going up?
Can you put some markers on acme mapper? http://mapper.acme.com/?ll=34.35066,-117.72494&z=14&t=T
So you started from Vincent Gap and walked down the trail that goes down Vincent Gulch? When you get to the base of the Pine Mt. Ridge did you just go straight up from there or go to the east or west a bit? Thanks!
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I've found my original report to the CDFG. How time flys! It was actually July of 2004 when we made our decent down Pine Mountain Ridge. In one of the pictures you can see smoke beyond Baden Powell. That was the morning that the "Pine" fire started near Lebec, CA. It would burn for nearly a month. I'm sure the ridge is a lot more overgrown after 7 years with buckbrush and Manzanita.
I've packpacked since I was 15 years old. This was my nephews first experience of "backpacking". Since then he's done a tour of Iraq and Afganistan and has taught me a thing or two about "backpacking". ;D
http://wrightwoodcalif.com/bigpines/History/BighornSheepHike.pdf
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That's what I was interested in. How it is from the creekbed up to the ridge. Where did you start going up?
Can you put some markers on acme mapper? http://mapper.acme.com/?ll=34.35066,-117.72494&z=14&t=T
So you started from Vincent Gap and walked down the trail that goes down Vincent Gulch? When you get to the base of the Pine Mt. Ridge did you just go straight up from there or go to the east or west a bit? Thanks!
My son and I started from Vincent Gap and hiked down the trail into Vincent Gulch. We followed the creekbed down to where we thought Pine Mtn Ridge 'touched down'. At this point we were on the wrong side of the creek and had to find a way across. The creek was quite wide here, and we climbed over a number of logs and boulders to get to the other side. We went past (downstream) where the actual ridgeline touched down about 100 - 200 yards before climbing up to the ridge. From Vincent Gap, it looks very obvious, clear, and easy to get to the ridge. When you are actually down in the canyon, it's not quite so obvious and there are some obstacles. Our hike was in November several years ago, so some things may have changed.
OK. I just looked at the ACME map, but couldn't quite figure out how to drop a marker. From the center of the map (where the + is), continue south to where Vincent Gulch meets Mine Gulch. Turn west, then go around (south) Pine ridge. It is too steep to get to the ridge from before this point, unless you want to hike up towards cabin flats a ways first, and then you miss your goal of hiking the whole ridge. After you've gone past (south of) the ridge, as soon as you see that it's not as steep, start heading straight up through the brush. When we went, it was a bit of a fight to get on the ridge. Our goal was to hike the whole ridge. Otherwise, we would have just gone up to cabin flats and hopped on an easy trail or dirt road to the top of the ridge.
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My son and I started from Vincent Gap and hiked down the trail into Vincent Gulch. We followed the creekbed down to where we thought Pine Mtn Ridge 'touched down'. At this point we were on the wrong side of the creek and had to find a way across. The creek was quite wide here, and we climbed over a number of logs and boulders to get to the other side. We went past (downstream) where the actual ridgeline touched down about 100 - 200 yards before climbing up to the ridge. From Vincent Gap, it looks very obvious, clear, and easy to get to the ridge. When you are actually down in the canyon, it's not quite so obvious and there are some obstacles. Our hike was in November several years ago, so some things may have changed.
OK. I just looked at the ACME map, but couldn't quite figure out how to drop a marker. From the center of the map (where the + is), continue south to where Vincent Gulch meets Mine Gulch. Turn west, then go around (south) Pine ridge. It is too steep to get to the ridge from before this point, unless you want to hike up towards cabin flats a ways first, and then you miss your goal of hiking the whole ridge. After you've gone past (south of) the ridge, as soon as you see that it's not as steep, start heading straight up through the brush. When we went, it was a bit of a fight to get on the ridge. Our goal was to hike the whole ridge. Otherwise, we would have just gone up to cabin flats and hopped on an easy trail or dirt road to the top of the ridge.
Very cool! I'm with you wanting to hike the entire ridge!
Acme mapper is pretty easy.
First you should clik "markers" and clear any existing markers.
Then zoom in or out and move the map around where the + is and clik "mark". As many times as you need.
Then clik "link to this page" and then copy the link and there you are!
For example, "A" is where you started? "B" is where that trail meets the other one. "C, or D" is where you started going up?
Is there really a trail starting at "E"?
map (http://mapper.acme.com/?ll=34.34372,-117.71765&z=13&t=T&marker0=34.37164%2C-117.74906%2C10.8%20km%20W%20of%20Wrightwood%20CA&marker1=34.34344%2C-117.72503%2C8.7%20km%20WxSW%20of%20Wrightwood%20CA&marker2=34.34294%2C-117.72820%2C9.0%20km%20WxSW%20of%20Wrightwood%20CA&marker3=34.34096%2C-117.72726%2C9.0%20km%20WxSW%20of%20Wrightwood%20CA&marker4=34.32841%2C-117.69945%2C6.6%20km%20NW%20of%20Mount%20San%20Antonio%20CA)
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went on a nice hike up Flume Canyon yesterday.
Lots of water, and the wildflowers were great!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/Nolena/Flume%20Canyon/FlumeCanyonAugust42011025.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/Nolena/Flume%20Canyon/FlumeCanyonAugust42011029.jpg)
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Nolena, that looks like a great summer hike. Thanks for the pics. For variety, I'd like to check it out myself. What's the best way to access that trail?
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Park at the cul-de-sac at the top of Lark.
Follow the trail. (various trails; no really demarcated trails, but they all go up the canyon)
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I and two others hiked the Great San Antonio Ridge a week ago from Sunday.
On that perfect day...
Here's looking at Big Bad Iron Mt. from just west of West Baldy.
Walking On The Moon! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbv-LcdLY-Y)
(http://www.smugmug.com/photos/i-wHcBsDx/0/S/i-wHcBsDx-M.jpg)
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Before going out into the Forest to hike, you should always let someone know where you are going and when you plan to be back. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office has put together a nice little form you should fill out. It makes it much easier if they end up having to come look for you. This past weekend Search and Rescue had to go out looking for 15 different people over multiple incidents. Make their job easier and fill out the form:
http://file.lacounty.gov/lasd/cms1_163961.pdf
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great idea. i made my own on the computer, but don't always remember to use it. I do text someone to know what trail I am on, and who is with me tho
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I also usually leave a note in my car.