WrightwoodCalif.com Forum
Public Forums => Outdoors => Topic started by: Rickster on Apr 19, 03, 02:34:26 PM
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We moved up here at the beginning winter. I noticed on one of the forums awhile back about hiking trails in town that go to waterfalls and other nice areas. I was wondering how to learn where these are. We live near acorn but we could not see where a trail might start without feeling we would be trespassing. Any help would be appreciated.
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To get to the Acorn Trail, which takes you to the top of Blue Ridge and the Pacific Crest Trail, go all the way up Acorn Road. Walk around the gate at the top end of the pavement). Go uphill on the road until you come to the Acorn Trail (There's usually a wooden sign.), which takes off to your left from the road. Follow it up, up, and away.
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Not that I would ever reccomend ignoring no trespassing signs, but...
a lot of people in town also walk up the top of the flood control channels on Sheep Creek and Heath Creek. The Blueridge trail is the shortest walk up to blueridge. It takes off from the south side of SR2 just across from the Big Pines ranger station. It's a very pleasant hike.
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Baden-Powell is a nice one, too...
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I thought getting to Badden-Powell was the best part. Hard on the knees the next day but always a good physical challenge.
I would recommend you buy John Robinson's very good book "Trails of the Angeles" published by Wilderness Press. You can usually pick up a copy at the Grassy Hollow Visitor's center or order online. You can find more information about the book here: http://www.wildernesspress.com/book160.htm.
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Baden Powell is a great hike. Leave about a half hour before sunrise and you can make it up to a bench that faces east. Have a seat, break out some gorp, and watch the sunrise. It's awsome. Continue up to the top before the heat sets in and be back home by 10:00. A great way to start the day.
Clint is right about the Dawson Saddle trail. This is a very pleasant trail that gains elevation very gradually. It's a bit longer than the Vincent Gap trail, but much easier. A pretty neat experience on this trail is being buzzed by gliders. Some of them fly so low to the top of the ridge that you can see the pilot looking at you.
Rickster, if you're looking for hikes with water, it's best to go from the Vincent Gap parking lot down to Mine Gulch. Even last October, after a pretty dry year, there was plenty of water down in the gulch. This area sees very few visitors, so unlike the Baden Powell trail, you can pretty much have the place to yourself. There are some very pretty areas down there. The problem with this hike is that it is an "upside-down" hike. You go down first, then come back up the trail when you're already tired and possibly sore.
The Acorn trail is fun, and you are almost guaranteed to see big horn sheep if you continue up the Pacific Crest Trail for another 1/2 mile or so. Keep looking down slope. Listen carefully and watch for dust clouds where sheep were startled by your presence and ran away. They are always aware of you before you are aware of them. To make this into a day hike, find the trail that goes up Pine Mountain. This is a narrow ridge that you won't soon forget. It may still be icy.
Have fun. :)
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BTW, there have recently been Big Horn Sheep sightings on top of Baden-Powell. Their range has been severely effected by the fires last summer. If you encounter them. PLEASE, watch from afar, don't let them be aware of your presence. Let them have the mountain.
I'm definitely heading up there soon then - I have yet to see ANY bighorns.... :'(
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I like the route from Mount Baldy to Wrightwood. You can do it in a day. You start at the Baldy Ski Area parking lot, hike up Baldy, go down the north side & accross the saddle & over Dawson, down that & up Pine Mountain, back to Blue Ridge & down the Acorn Trail to Wrightwood. It's good to have topo maps & a cell phone & lots of water, and start REALLY early. Each peak you climb is progressively shorter. Going that way this time of year(wait 'til the snow melts) I saw several bighorns with lambs. I also saw a large ram on top of Wright Mountain. (They go to the springs on the slide.)
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In my opinion, Tink, you have a much better chance of seeing big horn sheep on Blue Ridge or, even better, on Pine Mountain than on Baden-Powell.
Nolena, I have done the hike from Wrightwood to Baldy Village and it was awesome. You end up going through so many different types of forests and landscapes. As you said, start early and bring plenty of water.
Rickster, there is a real short hike to a waterfall that you can do. This begins just below the ski area at Baldy and goes up a paved access road for about 1/2 mile to San Antonio Falls. Lots of crowds in the summer, as it's so easy to get to.
For better waterfall and stream hikes, though, head to the Sierra.
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I've seen bighorn at Lamel Spring on Baden Powel. It must be quite the regular watering hole. Their tracks ar all over the area around the spring.
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To see some recent photos of local Big Horn Sheep, forum members click here:
http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=NaturalHistory;action=display;num=1053270979
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years ago while hiking from guffy campground east to the big slide area above wrightwood i saw my first and only big horn sheep. i was on the shelf that is about one third of the way down from the top of the slide and he or she was at the very top of the slide. i only happened to spot it because i heard rocks sliding down and looked up. this magnificent big horn sheep was giving me the big stare down and it was a most memorable site.
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Not only have you probably seen sheep and not known it, it is fairly certain that many other animals have been watching you without your knowledge. :o Mountain lions, bears :-[
There is an article in the Daily Press today about a mountain lion lying (in wait??) in the bushes at the Spring Valley Lake golf course.
mt
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Anybody else ever hiked the old Guffy Trail? It starts at Guffy and goes down past the spring and comes out on upper Lark.
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Anybody else ever hiked the old Guffy Trail? It starts at Guffy and goes down past the spring and comes out on upper Lark.
Nolena, where does the trail meet upper lark? I hike up the wash at the top of lark all the time and I do not recall ever seeing this trail.
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We moved up here at the beginning winter. I noticed on one of the forums awhile back about hiking trails in town that go to waterfalls and other nice areas. I was wondering how to learn where these are. We live near acorn but we could not see where a trail might start without feeling we would be trespassing. Any help would be appreciated.
Rickster, I don't know what sized waterfall you are looking to find, but I just got back this morning from a long hike up past the water company property at the end of swallow dr. There are two moss covered waterfalls up past the large twin water tanks. Just follow the dirt road to the left of the water tanks and after you come to an old abandoned pump house there is a stream that starts about 300 yards beyond that. Follow that stream and you will come to a 10 foot waterfall and then 200 yards past the first is another waterfall that is about 20 feet tall. The flow of water is actually quite impressive for the end of May. I hope this bodes well for our water supply.
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Rickster, I don't know what sized waterfall you are looking to find, but I just got back this morning from a long hike up past the water company property at the end of swallow dr. There are two moss covered waterfalls up past the large twin water tanks. Just follow the dirt road to the left of the water tanks and after you come to an old abandoned pump house there is a stream that starts about 300 yards beyond that. Follow that stream and you will come to a 10 foot waterfall and then 200 yards past the first is another waterfall that is about 20 feet tall. The flow of water is actually quite impressive for the end of May. I hope this bodes well for our water supply.
Where's swallow dr. ? Is this the waterfall in the government canyon area?
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The Guffy Trail is easier to find going down from Guffy Camp. If you want to find it from Lark, go up Lark past the last curve, where it gets really steep. On the left, there's a gate & a (sometimes vague) road between houses. (The trail is not maintained.) Go around the gate & up the road. If you stay about on the top of the ridge, you meet up with the trail (which was fixed up by the U.S. Fosrest Srevice after one of the recent fires).
* NOTE * I haven't been on it in a year or so, so the access may have changed.
The trail goes up along the west side of one of the slides to Guffy Camp. In some places, you get a LITTLE too close to the edge of the slide and the trail is undermined. Avoid these spots, or name me as a beneficiary.
Just below Guffy, there's a small cinder block building on the west side that houses a spring. Quail are ususally abundant in the area.
Please let the rest of us know if the landscape has changed. Happy hiking!
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Thanks Nolena, I think I know where that is at if it is next to that steel built house. I always thought that was someones private driveway.
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Royce, Swallow Dr. is on the L.A. side of town and it takes you right into the water co. property. I think that is called government canyon, but I am not positive.
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That's private property, I found out today ;)
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That's private property, I found out today ;)
If you mean it is water company property you are right, but it has been used by countless joggers, bike riders and hikers for years. I have been hiking there for over 20 years. There is most likely a prescriptive easment for the use of the trails there now, but beside that I see water company personnel there all the time and they always wave or say hello. In fact a couple of months ago I reported a suspicious vehicle up by the old pump house and they seemed most appreciative.
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There's some private property in the Government Canyon area south of the Water Road - a couple hundred acres of private property, I think.
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So Clint, can we legally access the Acorn trail from the bottom or not? I always felt it could only be accessed via crossing private camp property.
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I believe there is an old logging road going up the ridge on the east side of Government Canyon. I don't see it on the map, but lots of things aren't on the topo maps.
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WW from your map I would say the waterfalls would be in Government Canyon as that shows a water tank at the mouth of the canyon. There are actually two tanks there and one looks like it could be a million gallon tank.
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Robert,
Hi. I don't know about the Acorn Trail access. Frankly I've wondered about that myself. I know I have always felt a little guilty somehow just strolling through Camp Maria Stella. It is posted as private. When ever I have met camp employees I have asked permission and they always seem suprised I'm even asking. I am guessing, and again I don't really know, that if someone from the camp stopped you, you certainly coudn't just ignore them. At least I wouldn't. Imagine some poor PCT hiker reaching the bottom only to be told he can't cross camp property and has to go back up!
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The private property issue in Wrightwood has come up a few times recently.
I've put together a series of the latest topo maps offered by USGS and photographed them. In the latest topo maps they indicate private property in a shaded color.
(Because of the differences in printing of multiple topo maps, that have been assembled to show Wrightwood, two shaded colors appear but they both represent private property in Wrightwood.)
As you can see from the latest government maps, most all of Wrightwood is private property.
I've circled the area in red known as 3 levels, just east of town.
(http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/nature/md_wwtopo2.JPG)
For a large size 1200 x 800 image of the map click here:
ftp://http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/nature/LG_wwtopo2.JPG
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Clint, I would love to debate this with you as I have studied prescriptive easements and adverse possession extensively in my law and real estate classes, but WW has already stated this is not the forum for this. We will have to agree to disagree, but you need to check your case law on this and also talk to a few beach front property owners who tried to stop public beach access through their property. And I do not have to make up my mind, implied permission does not preclude a presciptive easement.
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It's not me your disagreeing with, it's the American Congress on Mapping and Surveying. I am not a lawyer, and have not studied the law, but I do know how to read. I supplied three links providing the legal information. I am still waiting to see the "specific steps and language spelled out in the law" that you reffered to. Apparently KC has read similar information to that which I provided. In any case I have no interest in debating with you either. If you care to take the time to go to the court and find that there is in fact a recorded finding of Prescriptive Easement, great, we will all be enlightened with actual proof.
My only interest as a moderator is to ensure that people do not post inaccurate information which encourages people to disregard the property rights of others. We run a "kid safe" site and have an active membership of local youth, for whom we must all set the best examples. When Royce very responsibly points out that trail access is private we cannot allow anyone to advocate ignoring those conditions. I encourage all interested parties to read the information provided in the links, or the NOLO book on property law, which clearly explains that prescriptive easements do not take effect witout court action.
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A good day hike is the PCT from the 15 up to acorn trail and down into town. Alot of brush so watch for the snakes. It's about 22 miles. You can always get off the trail earlier and go down to Lone Pine to make it a shorter trip. There's always someone willing to give you a ride into town.
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Clint, I knew my old law books would come in handy.
No use by any person or persons, no matter how long continued, of any land, shall ever ripen into an easement by prescription, if the owner of such property posts at each entrance to the property or at intervals of not more than 200 feet along the boundry a sign reading substantially as follows: "Right to pass by permission, and subject to control, of owner: Section 1008, Civil Code."
Do you have some property you need to protect? I sure hope you do not own 3 levels.
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Uh, O.K. where does that say that you have the right to pass if it's not posted, and where does that say that a "prescriptive easement automatically occurs after X number of years?
And no, thankfully I don't own the levels. But if I did, Ii would be fenced and posted. Or better yet used for something like a riding stable.
What's the date on the reference material you quoted? The penal code section covering criminal trespass is 602.
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Uh, O.K. where does that say that you have the right to pass if it's not posted, and where does that say that a "prescriptive easement automatically occurs after X number of years?
And no, thankfully I don't own the levels. But if I did, Ii would be fenced and posted. Or better yet used for something like a riding stable.
What's the date on the reference material you quoted? The penal code section covering criminal trespass is 602.
I think one of my posts left out some words, so let me clear up any misunderstandings. KC was right and I did mention in other posts that presciptive easements need to be aquired. This does not happen automatically and must be obtained through the courts. Now this only becomes necessary if the person stops the person or persons from doing what they were doing for the required 5 years in California. (It is 30 years in Texas, so prescriptive easements are extremely rare in Texas )
I checked and the material I quoted is current as of 2003.
You mention PC 602, which section are you refering to as it is quite long with many subsections? Criminal trespass really has more to do damaging property, breaking gates and fences, stealing, driving a vehicle onto or generally disturbing and destroying plants,crops and real property. The law does not usually recognize recreational use of land as criminal trespass unless damage is intentionally done or if there are signs stating no trespass at EVERY trail path or road entering the land and I think at least 3 to a mile of boundry. Also if the owner gives you verbal orders to stay off their land and you refuse to vacate. As a matter of fact, California actually encourages recreational use of private lands to supplement what is available on public lands, which is spelled out in section 1009 of the civil code.
I know you are concened with the youth and adults as well respecting property rights, but the bottom line is that recreational use of private property is lawful and encouraged by the state unless the owners take the above mentioned steps to prohibit its use. This all comes back to the trails through the water co. property that started all this, they are obviously OK with the public using them respectfully and I think you should be also..
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WW from your map I would say the waterfalls would be in Government Canyon as that shows a water tank at the mouth of the canyon. There are actually two tanks there and one looks like it could be a million gallon tank.
We were on Hwy2 today noticed the two tanks at the bottom of Government Canyon. The reason I had said Buford Canyon was that is the canyon closest to Swallow Dr. If I understand it right, your actually going past Buford Canyon and then heading up Government Canyon.
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We were on Hwy2 today noticed the two tanks at the bottom of Government Canyon. The reason I had said Buford Canyon was that is the canyon closest to Swallow Dr. If I understand it right, your actually going past Buford Canyon and then heading up Government Canyon.
That is correct WW. Are you planning to take any pictures up there? I don't remember if you mentioned in any of your posts whether you are a hiker or not, but I suggest that you bring a walking stick for some of the steeper areas of the hike and to chase off the flies and gnats which are out in abundance this year.
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That is correct WW. Are you planning to take any pictures up there? I don't remember if you mentioned in any of your posts whether you are a hiker or not, but I suggest that you bring a walking stick for some of the steeper areas of the hike and to chase off the flies and gnats which are out in abundance this year.
Chesslike,
If we do hike the Acorn Trail the camera will also go [smiley=sweatdrop.gif]
During a recent hike on the PCT this picture was taken looking down on the Acorn Trail. (Far right you can see one of the many switch backs)
(http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/forumimg/nature/AcornTrail1.JPG)
Trail marker on top of Blue Ridge.
(http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/forumimg/nature/AcornTrail2.JPG)
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The Guffy Trail is easier to find going down from Guffy Camp. If you want to find it from Lark, go up Lark past the last curve, where it gets really steep. On the left, there's a gate & a (sometimes vague) road between houses. (The trail is not maintained.) Go around the gate & up the road. If you stay about on the top of the ridge, you meet up with the trail (which was fixed up by the U.S. Fosrest Srevice after one of the recent fires).
* NOTE * I haven't been on it in a year or so, so the access may have changed.
The trail goes up along the west side of one of the slides to Guffy Camp. In some places, you get a LITTLE too close to the edge of the slide and the trail is undermined. Avoid these spots, or name me as a beneficiary.
Just below Guffy, there's a small cinder block building on the west side that houses a spring. Quail are ususally abundant in the area.
Please let the rest of us know if the landscape has changed. Happy hiking!
Nolena,
Today I hiked the Acorn Trail to the top and then over to Guffy. I thought I remembered you saying the spring was to the south of Guffy (my mistake) and could not find it. I met an older couple up there that had hiked over from Blue Ridge and they pointed me in the right direction, which was northwest of Guffy. WW will be happy to know that we began talking about this website and they told me that they knew about it and had read posts about the hiking trails and that they lived in the valley. After my dog got a drink from the spring or should I say the puddle from the trickeling pipe next to the old pumphouse (does anyone know where the water in the pipe comes from?), I decided to try the Guffy Trail that you mentioned. I would not reccomend this to anyone, as the trail was so narrow in places that two field mice would be crowded. The trail also had many burned trees and fallen trees across the trail. The trail also disappeared altogether through the middle third of its length and had many areas of loose footing. The view was quite nice and the bright green water of the Country Club was a nice sight to see most of the way down and also the house above and to the west of the Sunshine chuch built a very nice pool. When I got near the bottom there were signs all over stating private property no tresspassing, my appologies to Clint, but after 5 hours of hiking I was not about to hike back up. I think we should cross this off of our hiking trails. [smiley=2cents.gif]
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Chesslike,
thanks for a good report.
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Chesslike,
Thanks for the info. on the Guffy Trail. I haven't been on it in years. The only time it ever gets maintained is when there's a fire & a crew works on it for their access. So much for hiking that one.
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As of this morning, the waterfalls in Government Canyon are still flowing at about 65 to 70 percent of what they were two weeks ago. The stream has slowed to a trickle where it goes underground up from the pump house. I would have to say that this is one of the most special places in Wrightwood to get away from it all and to collect your thoughts. With water being such a precious commodity up hear, the sound of the running stream and the numerous small reflecting (or is it reflective?) pools and the sight of the water falling over the falls is just inspiring. The plant life up there has just exploded (along with the bugs) and is beginning to cover the trail along the stream. The animal life was also out in full force with lots of Quail, Jays, chipmunks (or are those ground squirrels?), gray squirrels, a couple cottontails, lambs and ducks (actually the lambs and ducks are in someone's yard on Swallow Dr.). Makes for a most pleasant morning.
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OK Clint,
You got me thinking, so I broke out my huge dictionary and guess what? Reflecting...given to reflection; meditative; reflective; as, a reflecting mind. Reflective... exercising thought or reflection; meditative; thoughtful. I don't know about you , but that sounds like six of one or half a dozen of another. Isn't the english language grand ???
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But, back to trails. Has anyone gone down into Prairie Flats & then gone down to the Fish Creek area? Is the fishing good there? How're the trails?
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I had posted in Hot Topics and was directed to this forum instead. However, I don't think that my question was answered. What access do we have to Acorn trail where we don't cross private property? Obviously Acorn Trail is a popular trail with the locals and with PCT hikers coming into town for supplies. One of the residents on Acorn rd. makes passing in front of her house a very unfriendly experience. I have encountered her both on foot, hiking up from the bottom of Acorn Rd. and when just dropping off at the end of the road. Is she right to be accosting me--meaning does she have the law on her side? I would love to find a different route--but it sounds like going through camp MariaStella is also trespassing. I love hiking this trail, and don't want to give it up--but seriously I can't stand the stress of the conflict. I can't imagine that I'm the only hiker that she has attacked--she told me that she yells at 60 hikers a day. What an unfriendly welcome for the PCT hikers!
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MountainMom,
My husband and I are on the same quest. We have also had the misfortune of meeting up with the woman at the end of Acorn. So we have been looking for a way to get to the trail without going anywhere near the shrew. We live on Sycamore and if you walk straight up to the wash then turn right and follow it you come to a spot where you can cross to the other side. It is just passed where the wash curves to the left. You come to a trail head on the other side. But after a point the trail all but disappears and the trek is straight up. At one point you come to a large outcrop of boulder with loose rock all around. We have tried to climb up and over this section but have never made it. Last time my husband almost went down to the start of the trail the hard way. But it would have been less painful then crossing paths with the "Acorn Trail Shrew". If we find a way to the Acorn trail I'll send you a post. Please do the same if you are successful. Good Luck and Safe Hiking. ;D
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Yikes! What does this women do at the start of the Angeles Crest 100 when 150 or so runners pass in front of her house?!!
(My first post! Don't live in the area, but love visiting Wrightwood and am in charge of an aid station at this year's AC100.)
Eileen
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Imagine how much energy goes into being that negative, and making herself so angry. :( How happy she could be if she put even a portion of that effort into friendliness. She's yelled at me, too, and I just smile at her and keep walking. She doesn't see me...just another person to hate. Something pretty bad probably happened to her to make her that way (unless it's a physical problem). What if we started bringing her flowers or something? There must be some strategy that could sneak up & get around her anger. I think it's important not to react to her anger...that would just be buying into (and feeding) her problem. In the mean time, keep hiking!
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Nolena, I need to agree. Anger that is met with anger will only breed more anger. You need to feel some concern and sympathy for those of God's children who have apparently had some personality altering negative experiences. Just keep on hiking and let the verbal barrage go in one ear and out the other. Verbal confrontations will only result in more negativity.
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her home's for sale !
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The stream in Government Canyon is still flowing, though only about 15-20 percent of what it was last month. It has moved under ground about 300 yards farther up hill since last month. I am not sure how this bodes for our water supply. The plant life seems to be enjoying the water as it is almost to the point where you need a machete to find the trail. There were quite a few yellow horn shaped flowers with a very nice smell that I have never seen before that look like some kind of lily and I was wondering if anybody knew what they were. I think I may have found a major source of our mosquitoes. With the stream so slow there are many side pools that are perfect breeding grounds for the mosquitoes and there were also thousands in flight. The smaller of the waterfalls has turned into about two dozen strings of water flowing over the moss.The larger of the waterfalls, which is farther up the hill has turned into a dribble of water over a huge slab of moss. There was a charm of hummingbirds numbering maybe twelve that seemed to be having a great time showering, drinking and landing in the wet moss. I need to get myself a digital camera as I could of captured some great shots.
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The Blue Ridge trail is still one of my favorites for a nice hike when you don't have all day. I've broken out in health lately and am back to hiking. I took my 9-year-old on the Blue Ridge Trail, and it was just right for her. (and the complaint level didn't reach epic proportions) Mr. Nolena drove up to Blue Ridge campground with refreshments (health problems keep him from much hiking), and we all drove down. I've done this twice in the last week, and it's been great exercise. :)
Now I'm looking for some fool to do the Pine Mountain trail with me.
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Nolena
we have done Pine mountain and I actually lived to tell about it! I would be willing to go again and I am sure we can talk Kawasaki girl into going with us as well ::).
We hiked Dawsons Saddle and Throop peak last weekend, and would love to do Baden Powell from that direction. Maybe do a through hike and go from Dawsons saddle to Baden Powell and down via the Baden Powell trail? was a great hike!
We also did Baden Powell last saturday night (at least half way!). I'll have to say it was my frist night hike experience and it won't be my last! What a hoot!
Let me know nolena when you want to "do" Pine Mountain. . .my boots are already on! ;D
[smiley=nurse.gif] [smiley=luxhello.gif]
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We be planning. ;D
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wow, sounds great, Im in!
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Trail Report:
Well, Blue Ridge Road is closed at Guffy, so I had to park at Guffy & walk to the Pine Mountain trail head (not bad - 45 minutes including stopping to look at the slide). None of my hiking partners made it, so all one of me regrouped & decided not to do Pine Mountain by myself. That turned out to be the better part of valor, as thunderheads started forming over Pine Mountain when I got there.
The Pine Mountain Trail sign is no longer there. I don't know if that's intentional, or not.
I saw tracks from sheep, deer, coyotes (who appear to be eating lots of berries), & a fox. The bees were very active all over.
Highway 2 & Blue Ridge near Inspiration Point appear to have received quite a downpour yesterday. There are big puddles, and a lot of rocks have washed onto Highway 2.
Oooh!....and the berries are ripe all over the place on Blue Ridge. :)
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What kind of berries? Anything that us humans can eat?
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Gooseberries.....can be a little bitter.....great to cook with.
I'll try to find a picture.
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Gooseberries make terrific pies!
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Hold on! I think I'm talking about elderberries, here.....clusters of blue berries about 1/4/" in diameter....plants about 4 feet tall......
Someone with a brain help me out here.
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Hold on! I think I'm talking about elderberries, here.....clusters of blue berries about 1/4/" in diameter....plants about 4 feet tall......
Someone with a brain help me out here.
Anyone know if those are the same berries that line the road through the Water Co. property around Buford Canyon?
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Nolena, you were going to find pictures? There are 3 or 4 varieties of berries on the way to Governnent Canyon, some with prickly stems and others without. I would be interested in knowing what they are. This appears to be the most berries produced that I can recall and it should make quite a feast for the birds and our other animal friends for a long time.
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I'm still looking fora reasonably good picture. Elderberries come in a big, palm-shaped clump, & they're blue. Chokecherries (good for jam) are red, as are serviceberries (I think...gotta look it up). Then there are coffeeberries, which aren't edible.
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This page "Berries of the San Gabriel Mountains"
http://home.earthlink.net/~zelicaon/sgm/blooms/berries.html
has pictures for most of the berries you will find on the trails.
I, too, am still looking for reasonably good pictures and will continue to update the page as I find them.
Some great berry locations are:
Chokecherry, across the street from Mt. High
Bitter Cherry, at the entrance to the Lightning Ridge Nature Trail
Alpine Gooseberry, at the beginning of the oak glade on LR Nature Trail
Mountain Gooseberry, towards Lamel Spring on B-P Trail
Serviceberry, on Manzanita Trail
Wax Currant, on the trails around Jackson Flat Group CG
a little bit of everything on the Big Horn Mine Trail
I think the official Wrightwood food should be Wrightwood Wild Berry Jam. It the berriest place I know!
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Thanks for the link! :)
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i'm a little confused here! i've been to the top of Acorn 3x now. each time i nd up coming back down to get more info. on where to go after reaching the fork in the road. and can't seem to find any.
when you get to the top where you can either go into Camp Mariastella (to the left) or go to the right into what i think is posted "private road" which way do i go ??? ???
i've never come to a place where the pavement ends. HELP!! i really want to walk this trial, it's so close to my cabin.
To get to the Acorn Trail, which takes you to the top of Blue Ridge and the Pacific Crest Trail, go all the way up Acorn Road. Walk around the gate at the top end of the pavement). Go uphill on the road until you come to the Acorn Trail (There's usually a wooden sign.), which takes off to your left from the road. Follow it up, up, and away.
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You walk up Acorn Road until breathing becomes a distant memory. You pass Mariastella on your left. The "Private Road" sign just means the road is not maintained by the county. Go up the road. Keep walking. You pass trees in the middle of the road. Keep walking. There are houses on both sides of the road. The pavement ends at a white gate at the top of the road. Walk past it onto the dirt road. Follow the dirt road uphill. You will pass a water tank on your left. Keep walking. An obvious trail takes off to the left, but the dirt road keeps going up. The trail to the left is the Acorn Trail. It may or may not have a sign. If you stay on the road instead of going on the trail, it dead ends at a block BBQ.
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Go past Vincent Gap about 7 miles. As you approach a left curve, you will see a steel building on the right, just past a turn out. This is Dawson Saddle. The trail from here to BP is about 4.5 miles. I once took this trail in newly fallen snow and followed bear tracks for about a mile of it. In fact, I'll be on this trail today.
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has anyone been on the trail to Mt BP? is it still icey?
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Went up Baden Powell Yesterday, I made it about 1 3/4 miles and turned around. The ice was thick and too hard to stick my poles in. I don't do the campon/ice ax thing. It was cold and windy too. I think it is still too dangerous.
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The Baden-Powel trail from Vincent Gap is typically still very icy until June.
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yeah, that's what i figured. when i went before any measurable snow, it was icy.
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how about Blue Ridge, anyone been up there? lately i've seen cars in the parking area. :)
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Great news in today's Mountaineer. Angeles Forest proposes to open Prairie Fork this summer.
I've been fortunate to be able to visit Lupine and Cabin Flats a few times late last year while working with the DFG on the Bighorn sheep restoration project. A few years back the area was burnt by wildfire and the new growth in the area is stunning!
Here's some Western Chokecherries along side the road near Lupine.
(Plenty of bears too!)
(http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/berries/chokecherry2.JPG)
(http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/berries/chokecherry3.JPG)
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Did you hike, drive or go by horseback to get there?
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The DFG was able to arrange special permission from the Forest Service to allow us to drive in.
On one occasion we met two hunters that had taken their mountain bikes down the road and were at Cabin Flats. (Long ways back up)
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Tried to hike west on Hwy 2 from the closed gate. I was asked politely to turn around (after about 2 miles). The cal trans team claims they will be working on it for the next 2 weeks (including weekends) to get it open. At first I was bummed, but then realized they are just doing their jobs and looking out for our safety. I went east from Inspiration point to home instead ( I wanted to do some miles today). Blue ridge has more snow than last week, but still not too much.
How lucky we are to hike out of our own backyards to the beautiful surroundings we have. When I lived down the hill I would have killed for a day like I had today. Now I can have them anytime.
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Ok- we are new here too, and I am dying to hike those trails.. I think I'll try acorn first since we have such detailed directions.. :) I was also wondering, what about mountain biking??? Does anyone know of any good trails for that??? It would be great if one day Mt. high opened up for the spring/summer season, and had trails for biking, like Bear mt. Maybe when they expand....
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Depends on your level of Mt. Biking. There are some really great fire roads, fairly extensive and somewhat confusing, off the road that leads to Ski Sunrise and Table Mt. Campground. If you want to work harder, there are a bunch of 4WD use trails that are not legal for motor vehicles, that the Forest Service trys to keep closed that run between the top of Lone Pine canyon and "The Levels" on Highway 2. Blue Ridge Road down to Lupine and Mine gulch campgrounds is a popular route, but you better have calves made of Titanium and elastic for the ride back up.
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ok.. I walked up Acorn trail, only far enough to feel like I should have a dog with me, and then turned around.. it looks beautiful up there, and next time, I'll bring a buddy.. (not into meeting up with bears yet...)
As far as the mountain biking goes... I guess Id like to find something that I can get to fairly easily, and feel dead by the time I get back down. Not too far off of the beaten path, with a possibility that I may run into a human or two.. As I get more familiar, and more experienced, I'll venture farther. Right now my bathing suit is looking at me and saying "ya right." So getting in shape is my main concern. Keeping in shape will follow.
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For mountain biking, I like taking 4N12 from Jackson Lake. Since it's a less gradual climb than some of the other rides, I use this route when I've led a ride with friends from down the hill. Sometimes if I have a stronger group I've added in the 4N56 spur down Pinyon Ridge, but it's a steep sandy climb back up! Don't miss the singletrack going back down to the lake; otherwise you'll end up at the Grassy Hollow Visitor Center. I've had to walk the bike through the parts of the singletrack that were washed out. (I'm not that great on singletrack anyway...)
I haven't had a chance to explore the dirt roads off from Vincent Gap.
Group mountain bike ride would be cool. May is bad for me, as I will be away for most of the month on business/personal travel (cycling in the French Alps!).
TableMtn, I thought Highway 2 west of the gate at Vincent Gap was open to non-motorized year-round (I have skiied on it), just like Highway 39. Or is the difference here that Caltrans to work on Highway 2 to reopen it in the summer, whereas they don't do that for Highway 39?
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Yes, normally Hwy 2 is open to non-motorized traffic in the winter when it is closed to vehicles. Cal Trans does have jurisdiction over this road, so if they asked Big Pines to turn around, it is under their perogative. They should be working on it at this time of year to get it open. I'm hoping it will open a little earlier this year than last as they don't have as much repair work to do as they did last year.
I'd be VERY CAREFUL about skiing on this road in the winter. There are 6 avalanche chutes that cross the road in the closure area. (and people wonder why Cal Trans won't spend the money to keep it open in the winter...). I don't know anything about what constitutes avalanche conditions, I haven't had any training along those lines but I know people who have and they were the ones who warned me to be careful about xcountry skiing along that road in the winter. If you have more knowledge about how to "read" these conditions, maybe you feel more comfortable. (and I don't really x-country ski, I x-country "shuffle"!)
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I had meant to ask bigpines, but I typed in TableMtn instead ... but thanks for answering! Thanks for the winter warning also (and I also shuffle instead of ski). :-)
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Brian, lets go in June then.
you know, on the subject of sking. about 2-3 weeks ago my daughter came up and we drove up to vincent gap. when we got to the parking lot there were 3 guys there. 2 were together and 1 was alone. the 2 guys had snow boards, and the lone guy had skis.
they were getting packs ready and strapping their skis/boards on. the ski guy took off hiking up towards mt. BP, don't know where the others went. we wondered if these guys were planning on doing some extreme sking.
there didn't seem to be enough snow covering the rocks to do this. anyone got any ideas on what we saw?
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Yea, I think you saw darwinism in action--or "nature has a way of removing stupid genes from the population." :o
Gee, I'm getting cynical and crotchety in my old age.... :P
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Here's a couple of photos taken from Blue Ridge this past week.
Hwy 2 & Hwy 138 - Mt Top
(http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/tracking/4_29_04aMtTop.JPG)
Mountain Hardware & the Wrightwood Post Office
(http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/tracking/4_29_04aMtHardware.JPG)
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I think I saw a lady bug on one of those cars at the post office. ;D
That is some lens!
I agree with Table Mountain. Those guys with boards and skis were proof that Darwin was right.
Of course, the cougars could always use an extra snack...
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And that is natures way of keeping the Big Horn population from overhunting by those cougars ;D
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June sounds good to me for a mt bike ride, ezzpete (and others?). When I get back during the last week of May I'll have to see what my schedule for the month looks like.
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Wrightwood! i just got back from hiking to the Blue Ridge campground, starting at the parking area on sr2. where did you take those pics from? i didn't see a view like that.
all i could see when looking towards Wrightwood, was the side of a hill with ski lifts running along the ridge. nothing from the campground either. does the trail continue past the CG? the only other trail i could find was the PCT, is this from were you got those shots? ??? ??? ???
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ah! that's quite a bit farther then i went.
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somewhere i recently saw a list of the local trails, and their condition. i can't seem to remember where though. has anyone seen this list? if not has anyone been to Mt. BP lately? is it still icy? i was at the parking lot a few days ago and some people were going up.
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BP is good until right near the top, where there's ice.
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thanks, my daughters and i want to do a hike this weekend, it's either BP or one of the peaks up icehouse canyon.
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Any word yet on when the gate at Vincent's Gap will open? I keep hearing 2 more weeks but have been hearing that for a month.
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i'm waiting too, seems like the work is done.
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I went up Baden Powell this past Saturday. Had an awesome time. Saw at least 50 people coming up as i was coming down. At the very bottom about ,50 yards from the trailhead, I came accross a rattler sitting right in the middle of the trail. From a distance it looked like a stick but as my dog almost stepped right on top of it i realized what it was. Luckily it didn't notice us until I pulled my dog back and it then curled up and let us know it didn't want us to pass. After a few rattles it headed back into the brush and hung out trailside with it's tail just barely visible from the trail. I warned a few people in the parking lot and they looked at me like i was crazy. Said they never heard of rattlers that high. Welcome to Wrightwood.
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I heard that Cal Trans is looking at opening Hwy 2 on or around May 21st.
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TableMtn,
Let's hope they do more than look at it ::)
Thanks for the update
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when does the road from insperation point to blue ridge campground and beyond open?
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NPR is reporting that Highway 2 is open. Any confirmation?
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Yes. It was opened today.
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ezzpete--the forest service engineering department needs to grade the roads in that area before they can open it. They get a lot of rocks on the road. I talked to someone at Big Pines and she said they were supposed to be working that area within the next couple of weeks.
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thanks for the info. TableMtn.
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Does anyone know if they clear away the rocks on part of Highway 39 that's closed to vehicle traffic? (Would like to take my bike on that section if it's clear.)
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Thanks ... I think I promised I'd take some pictures if I make it out that way.
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Keep your eyes open for Bighorn Sheep along Hwy 39 as it's one of the main corridors.
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I believe they clear hwy 39 once a quarter to have it as an emergency escape route. That's why they were able to use it to evacuate San Gabriel Canyon for the Curve fire. Everyone focuses on the 60 odd cabins that burned down but no credit is given for the fact that over 8,000 people were evacuated and NO LIVES were lost!!!! I talked to one of the firefighters who's job it was to fly in a helicopter and look for dead bodies a couple of days after the fire started.
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Are there any services (i.e. food) on Highway 39 between Azusa and Highway 2?
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there may be something at cyrstal lake, if not the next place would be a restaurant at the bottom of the cyn. but by then you might as well go into town.
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Crystal Lake is still closed. There is a contract to do a bunch of rehab on the facilities there but the district wants to drop all the dead and dying trees first. No sense in laying brand new asphalt to have to drop trees on it in a few months and wreck all the new work!
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is there a trail that gets you to the ridge above WW, to the north?
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ezzpete-
Try taking the paved forest service road off of Table Mountain Road. It's right next to the big turnout past McLellan Flats..look for the locked gate. It's not really a trail, but it's a pleasantly "flat" hike with great views.
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thanks, i'll try it.
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The Forest Service refers to that road as "East Table Mountain Road" It is open to traffic in the summer. Once the road crew clears it, the road will be open to vehicular traffic until the fall when it is shut for weather reasons.
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are there any foot trails leading to the ridge above WW? there seems to be one on the topo map, but it's not real clear.
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I've seen a trail from Islip Saddle to the Southfork Campground. How is that trail? Thanks, Lori
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Are you talking about the North or South ridge?
are there any foot trails leading to the ridge above WW? there seems to be one on the topo map, but it's not real clear.
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The North
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Lori,
I'm not sure about the Islip Saddle trail, I was asking ezzpete about the N or S ridge above WW.
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Sorry...the trail I'm looking at on the Angeles High Country Trail map is called the Southfork Trail. Just looking for some input on the trail condition. Thanks
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ezz pete,
there is trail that takes off from Rivera that follows the disturbance or cut for the natural gas pipeline into WW. Go up Rivera off of Highway 2 and just after the curve straightens out there is a vacant lot. At least it used to be vacant. The trail is obvious and leads right up to the center of the ridge north of town. It is steep with loose soil but not dangerous.
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thanks Clint, that on sounds like fun, i'm not really into strolling down a paved road if there's something more challenging.
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Don't dismiss the acess from JPL's Table Mountain Observatory (TMO) though. I prefer to drive up to the Ski Sunrise parking lot, then walk up the TMO road. When you come to the fenced in TMO enlosure, walk around the north side of the fence line and at the North East corner of the compound there is an obvious track starting off to the East. This will take you along the entire ridge North of our valley. You will even come across the old corral made of phone poles that wa used by the stable across from Holiday Hill.
In fact Wildman used to run the place so he may have more history on it.
I find it best to arrange a car shuttle for this hike. That ridge really undulates, and going East it's a net loss of elevation, so instead of coming back up, have someone pick you up near the old dump road when you come of the East end. Or better yet, leave your own car at the big turn out by the Sheep Creek bridge and get droped off at the top.
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And don't forget to wave to the spy cameras and men in black in the JPL facility--you WILL be watched :o
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As long as you respect their property line (fence) the black helicopters won't come after you.
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Warning: the biting flies are getting bad around Vincent gap. Wear your repellent.
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Nolena,
Which flies are you talking about? The deer flies?
Or the "new" ones?
Lately, every time I hike, I see these bugs (flies, ticks, fleas?)
And worse, I feel them. They bite.
Same size as a gnat, only longer and thinner.
They zoom in on your skin, bite, and for the next 6-8 days it itches like mad.
In the last 15 years of hiking local trails, I have not seen these particular bugs.
Any idea what they are?
Anyone?
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The deer flies were getting me. Can you describe these other $#%^&*@ bugs in more detail?
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I mostly notice them when walking under trees.
It is as if you stir them up from the ground as you move by. They seem to, not so much fly, as shoot through the air.
There are lots of them.
Very small, size of a gnat, only thinner.
??
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Hi, I've lived in the area for about 4 years and am really starting to get into the hiking. I don't really know where any of the local hikes are. Any info on local hikes in wrightwood?????
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First let me say that I love John W. Robinson's book, Trails of the Angeles, which lists 100 hikes in the San Gabriel Mtns.
I'm no expert, so others please chime in but here are some ideas:
Acorn canyon is nice and starts right in Wrightwood. I believe it's about 2 miles to the top. It's a pretty steep pull, but if you're accustomed to hiking, it's no big deal. A lot of nice trees. It joings the Pacific Crest Trail at the top. See: http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?lat=34.3495&lon=-117.64493&size=l&u=4&datum=nad27&layer=DRG Watch out for parking restrictions. The top part of the road is "off limits."
If you want a challenge, the trail to Pine Mtn, Dawson Pk, and Mt. Baldy is for you. You don't have to do all three peaks; if you do, you're in amazing shape! You would drive up Hwy 2, turn left on Blue Ridge, and drive to the N side of Wright Mtn. Wright Mtn. overlooks Wrightwood. See http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?lat=34.32236&lon=-117.64114&size=l&u=4&datum=nad27&layer=DRG and http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?lat=34.31337&lon=-117.64317&s=100&size=l&u=4&datum=nad27&layer=DRG25
Another cool one is Fish Fork Falls. I went down there a few years back and was able to crawl on my belly to a point where I could watch the water actually falling and feel a cool breeze coming up the face of the falls. CAVEAT: I haven't been here for a few years and don't know what kind of shape the road and trail are in. Just as in the above hike, you would go up the 2 to Blue ridge but instead of going all the way to the N ridge of Wright Mtn, you would turn right and go down into Prairie Fork. You would need to then drive to Lupine Campground. There's a dirt "road" (I think it's blocked off nowadays and you have to walk) that takes off to the South. Follow that road to the ridge top, turn left and follow the switch backs down to the canyon bottom. Proceed down the canyon bottom to Fish Fork Falls. I wouldn't do this alone; canyon bottoms tend to have poor footing and any trails tend to get pretty sketchy after floods (like the ones in '05 and '06). See http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?lat=34.31337&lon=-117.64317&s=100&size=l&u=4&datum=nad27&layer=DRG25 I wouldn't try to go down those falls unless you really know what you're doing and have the proper climbing equipment. There's a way you can loop back over Mt. Dawson from Fish Fork, but I haven't done that one since the 70's and have no idea what the condition of the trail is. As I recall it's a real bu++ kicker.
Mt. Baden-Powell is also great. See http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?lat=34.36857&lon=-117.75802&size=l&u=4&datum=nad27&layer=DRG25 Four steep miles up, and four more back, but a good hike. There's kind of a cool monument on top to Lord Baden-Powell the founder of the Boy Scouts. This is the terminus of the Silver Moccasin Trail which starts over by Red Box near Mt. Wilson. Boy Scouts make a week long "pilgrimage" along that trail to the monument although I don't think they're doing it as frequently now that part of Hwy 2 is closed.
Going down Prairie Fork further to Cabin Flat to the Prairie Fork trail that descends to the San Gabriel River is good as is the Mine Gulch trail from Vincent Gap. If you could arrange a car shuttle, that would be a cool hike. Heck let me know if you do that one, and I'll be one of the cars! I've only done the Mine Gulch side and would love to do the whole hike. Note: The Mine Gulch trail does NOT go down Mine Gulch; it goes down Vincent Gulch. I've been down Mine Gulch, and that is one wild, trail-less ride, although the old mining carts and equipment are pretty cool. See http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?lat=34.36529&lon=-117.72363&s=100&size=l&u=4&datum=nad27&layer=DRG25 Note that the map does NOT show the trail that goes from Vincent Gap down Vincent Gulch. Trust me; it's there. In fact, it's a pretty solid trail; not just a route or a "trace trail." Word of warning: The last time I tried to go to the Big Horn Mine towards the top of Mine Gulch, I was asked to leave by men with guns who started firing them into the air after I left. Not fun.
There's also the Blue Ridge trail, but I haven't ever done that one. If you don't mind driving towards Valyermo, there's the Devil's Chair and S. Fork trails. There's also the Burkhart trail near Devils's Punchbowl.
There are probably a dozen others, but those are the ones that pop into my mind.
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Hi, Phoenixgirl, I totally agree with hikin_jim's response about John Robinson's book. I've had a copy for several years, and have really enjoyed the descriptions of the trails, and have hiked several. I'm certainly not in the good shape that hikin_jim is obviously in, so I would like to add a few simpler choices to the mix. Not meaning to insult you, if you are capable of doing all those (I'm certainly not, wish I were... :P).
The Blue Ridge trail is very nice, starting across hwy 2 from the Big Pines visitor center. It's a pleasant 2 mile hike up to Blue Ridge campground. A little steep, but not bad.
You can park at Inspiration point, on either side of hwy 2. From the south side, you can take either the PCT or the road up to Blue Ridge campground, then on to Guffy campground. It's 2-1/2 miles to BR campground, and another 3 up to Guffy.
From the north side, you can take the PCT a little way to Grassy Hollow, then follow the PCT to Vincent Gap. Or you can park at Grassy Hollow (the gate is closed on weekdays, but there is parking near the hwy). Then take either the PCT or the high road toward Jackson Flat, and on to Vincent Gap. If you go from Grassy Hollow to Vincent Gap on the high road it's about 3.5 miles, a little less if you hike the trail (that's one way).
Of the ones that Jim mentioned, I've hiked the Acorn trail, the Mine Gulch trail almost to Cabin Flat, and the PCT to Baden-Powell. The Mine Gulch trail is an upside down one, and I definitely would not do that in the summer (too many bugs, plus it's hot). I've hiked from the Visitor Center at Devil's Punchbowl, to Devil's Chair, many times, and that is a great hike, but again, not in summer. That is a great spring or fall hike.
There is also the Jackson Lake trail, starting either from Grassy Hollow, Vincent Gap, or Jackson Lake. I'll give you more details if you're interested in that one.
I can probably think of some others but until I get back into shape, these are the ones I like to do.
Happy Hiking!
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What is the High Road? Is that the highway?
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I believe the road in question is the service road to Jackson Flat CG. See http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?lat=34.38033&lon=-117.728&size=l&u=4&datum=nad27&layer=DRG
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What is the High Road? Is that the highway?
I think Hikin_Jim is correct with the map he posted - I don't DO maps well, they didn't teach us that at USC. ;D
By the "high road" I mean the one, where if you park at/near Grassy Hollow, you walk past the picnic area, Visitor Center, past a couple of gates, and on to Jackson Flat. Very pleasant, and in fact did that one yesterday with my tiny wiener dog and my friend and her big dog. No breeze at all, pretty warm, but I love that walk!
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I know where you mean now. I had never heard it called the High Road before. That is a nice walk if I remember correctly with some great views of the desert.
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Has anyone been up Sheep Canyon or Slover Canyon? Very rugged and signs of VERY large predators up both.
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Saw some medium sized bear tracks in Slover a while back.
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Has anyone been up Sheep Canyon or Slover Canyon? Very rugged and signs of VERY large predators up both.
I've seen Mountain Lion tracks at the top of both.
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Does anyone know how to get to the Flume Canyon trail? I've heard it is a great hike but also heard it runs through private property. I took a drive up Flume Canyon road the other day to see where you pick up the trail but couldn't see a thing. Anyone have any info on where to pick up the trail and if this is on private property is the owner okay with people asking them to go through their property to use the trail?
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Does anyone know how to get to the Flume Canyon trail? I've heard it is a great hike but also heard it runs through private property. I took a drive up Flume Canyon road the other day to see where you pick up the trail but couldn't see a thing. Anyone have any info on where to pick up the trail and if this is on private property is the owner okay with people asking them to go through their property to use the trail?
Anyone?
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Just did the hike today from Vincent Gap to the Big Horn Mine. There is still fresh water coming out of the mine and also along the trail. But if you hike that be aware that there are at least 3 places where rock slides have gone over the trail. The other thing is at the mine itself, there is a lot of graffiti on the mine, the rocks, and the entrance to the tunnel.
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Did the Jackson Lake loop last week. It was good, but hot. About 10 miles for the whole loop; 7 uphill to Jackson Flat; 3 downhill back to the lake.
Pretty.
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Did the Jackson Lake loop last week. It was good, but hot. About 10 miles for the whole loop; 7 uphill to Jackson Flat; 3 downhill back to the lake.
Pretty.
No, it was 25 miles UP to Jackson Flat, and 3 miles back down. :o ;D One of us was a little sore the next day..... :P
Very pretty hike though.
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So, if I'm reading Rad Dog's post correctly, the Big Horn Mine is open to hikers again? Some years ago, I went hike there and was chased out by several gun toting men who appeared to be working the mine. Shortly after I left they began firing their guns into the air. Not the most pleasant experience!
Still it would be fun to go back if it's now open to hikers. I remember all of the buildings -- they were pretty intact in the 60's/70's. I know that the ravages of time have probably taken their toll (haven't been since the mid 80's), but it would still be a bit of a nice nostalgia trip.
One time I hiked to Big Horn Mine, descended mine gulch (a lot of neat mine cars and other scraps and tidbits) to the trail coming down from Vincent gap and returned via said trail to Vincent Gap. Kind of a neat hike, but Mine Gulch is pretty steep, and it's NOT a short hike. Best to be in good shape; not sure what the mileage is.
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The bighorn mine is private property and if you go hiking in there, you are trespassing on private property. The last I heard, the owners were trying to sell to the Forest Service but it was bogged down.
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OK, so stay out of the mine area for a while longer.
Thanks for the tip by the way about Chris F. He said that nothing had turned up, but I appreciate your reference.
Jim
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I work at the Chamber and am definitely not a hiker, but I get quite a few calls from people who have questions who are. Is there anything I can send them or tell them to help them on their quest to find trails here? Sure would appreciate some direction, such as difficulty of the trail, location, etc. Thanks.
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Try refferring them to the Big Pines information center (760) 249-3504
The map that covers the area is the Angeles High Country Trail map (topo) and costs about 8.95
Unfortunately there aren't many free maps available. The only "free" map I know of is published by the CTUC and pertains mostly to off road vehicles and isn't very informative about hiking trails.
Another good book for trail information is the Trails of the Angeles, which is available at all REI stores. It lists the trails, locations, milage and terrain difficulty.
such as difficulty of the trail, location, etc
FS personnel can not reccommend trails or terrain difficulties for liability reasons and I wouldn't encourage you to do so either. They can only point the public to the direction of the trail. It's up to the individual to decide his-her physical hiking capability.
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Hmmm.
I believe "Trails of the Angeles" is available locally. Check the Yankee Peddler, the Hardware store, and the Big Pines Visitors' Center.
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Hmmm.
I believe "Trails of the Angeles" is available locally. Check the Yankee Peddler, the Hardware store, and the Big Pines Visitors' Center.
We have had that book for years. It's a great book, but it's like a piece of exercise equipment.... It's worthless unless you put it to use... ;D
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This is a pretty good web site: http://www.simpsoncity.com/hiking/hikes.html, but unfortunately not much around Wrightwood. It does however cover Mt. Baden-Powell which is pretty close to Wrightwood.
I "second" the map that was referred to earlier. All of Tom Harrison's maps are worth the price. They show mileages which are very helpful for planning. You can get them at REI, Sport Chalet, or A16 (although the closest A16 to Wrightwood is probably either the one in Tarzana or the one in W. Los Angeles, both a little "out of the way").
You can also get them on line at http://www.tomharrisonmaps.com/online%20order.html
The one for the Wrightwood area is Angeles High Country. One note: Harrison only shows 100% reliable, solid trails. There are older or less used trails that are out that are out there that are still quite passable that Harrison doesn't list.
Trails of the Angeles by John Robinson is the classic that you'll hear refferred to all the time. It should be noted that Robinson was a heck of a hiker in his day (he's getting up there in years these days). His ratings tend to be a little bit on the low side. Recently I did Strawberry Pk from the West side (class 3 climbing), which Robinson rates as "moderate." The summit register said, "moderate, my [censored]!" I think that about sums it up on Robinson's ratings. Great book; highly recommend it; comes with a great overview map of the entire San Gabriel Range with insets of certain more popular hiking areas.
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As anyone driven the either of the forest roads off the paved portion of Lone Pine lately. Are they open and drivable with a 4 wheel drive vehicle?
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...Very open and you do not necessarily need real high clearance. Just be safe back there and be prepared to turn around if someone breaks down in front of you. The road to Lyttle Creek has hardly diminished since its last grading. When it rains is when it gets dicey.
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What are your favorite trails in the area (within about a 30 minute drive) for hiking or mountain biking?
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Blue Ridge Trail at Big Pines
Pacific Crest Trail off Swarthout Canyon Road
road to Jackson Flats from Grassy Hollow
road to the east of Mac Lellan Flat
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Is there any good 4-wheeling (Jeeps, not quads) in the area? I sold my old truck last spring, but I might get the itch to go roll around the woods again.
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I would add to Nolena's list for hiking the lightning ridge trail that is a PCT section from Inspiration point to Vincent Gap, and of course Mt. Baden-Powell.
For off highway, not off road, the fire roads that cris-cross the ridge between Lytle Creek and Swarthout canyon are great. 2N56, 2N57, 3N31, 3N29, 3N49, 3N33, 2N89. Many of these interconnect and offer route with some spectacular views of the Cajon Amphitheater, the San Andreas fault country of Swarthout Valley and Lytle Creek. Top maps would be Telegraph Peak, Cajon, and Devore.
Also the Forest Service N roads down to Lupine Campground from Inspiration point are real pretty.
I highly recommend the USDA Forest Service San Bernardino National Forest Atlas. Which can be ordered on line.
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We take walks & mini hikes on the common use trails near our home and would like to know the name of the area! I live at the top of the S curves on E Lone Pine Cyn Road, north side, and follow all the trails into the little valley and on the hills where we can overlook the Wright Mountain homes in one direction and see Phelan in another. Also can travel up the other direction and look down on LPC. On the trail that leads to one viewpoint there is now some fencing and a barrier.
I have asked lots of long time residents about this general vicinity but just got lots of head scratching.
Also, we have heard plenty of shots in that area since living here. Shotgun shells are not uncommon findings. Can anybody tell me about that? In addition, we used to frequently hear dirt bikes, etc. and that noise seems to have diminished.
Any info is appreciated! Thanks!
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At the urging of the Fire Safe Council, the USFS fenced the area to prevent illegal off road vehicle use. One of the biggest causes of vegetation fires is mechanical causes. This includes over heated bits of break pad from big rigs and trains, and also hot exhaust systems igniting tender dry grasses. All of the area you are talking about is USFS land where off highway driving is illegal. There was a very high amount of illegal traffic in the area, which is down slope from the village, and was presenting a major fire hazard.
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Clint,
Do you know the name (official or not) of that particular area?
I wonder about needing help (say, a sprained ankle, etc.) and how I would direct someone to me. I was thinking of naming the trails after our family and posting signs but don't know if it would catch on... ;) Anyway, I do have cell phone reception out there & carry it for emergencies but it doesn't do much good when one can't pinpoint their location...
Thanks!
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Well, that depends on where you are exactly. If you start at the top of LPC and walk up the little non fenced (for now) dirt road to the good view spot down LPC where people dump stuff, you are on Helicopter Hill, If you continue on up to the top of the prominent rounded mountain there, you are on Circle Mountain. The protected little canyon that runs predominantly north that has nice pines in it, that's Horse Canyon, and if you drop down to the northwest and end up at the big dirt area along SR2 you are at "The Levels". If station 101 was told any of those names they would know exactly where you were.
And posting signs in the forest would be littering. ;)
Have you read the topic on the Navigation Class? I can squeeze two more in. Maybe you should buy a compass and map and attend. And BTW, the map for where you are hiking is Telegraph Peak and Mt. Hardware carries them. If you take the class you can learn to give your exact location in UTM coordinates.
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We take walks & mini hikes on the common use trails near our home and would like to know the name of the area! I live at the top of the S curves on E Lone Pine Cyn Road, north side, and follow all the trails into the little valley and on the hills where we can overlook the Wright Mountain homes in one direction and see Phelan in another. Also can travel up the other direction and look down on LPC. On the trail that leads to one viewpoint there is now some fencing and a barrier.
I have asked lots of long time residents about this general vicinity but just got lots of head scratching.
Also, we have heard plenty of shots in that area since living here. Shotgun shells are not uncommon findings. Can anybody tell me about that? In addition, we used to frequently hear dirt bikes, etc. and that noise seems to have diminished.
Any info is appreciated! Thanks!
I believe the area you are referring to is "Helicopter hill" or more correctly Circle mountain. This is the highest point if your talking about the ridgeline on the North side of Lonepine Cny Rd. (on the right as your heading up hill). There is actually a trail that runs that ridgeline, but it is quite steep, and the trail is a little overgrown in spots(butt whooper) :o. This trail can actually be taken down the other side ending up at Horse Canyon (about a mile from the 138)
I'm not sure what the name of the peak that borders PC estates, but there is a trail called the meadow trail in that area.
I defer to Clint on the name of the levels
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Thanks to both of you for the helpful info! And Clint, I promise not to be a litterbug... I will resist the temptation to name the area after me.
I will look into the navigation class although it is probably more sophisticated info than I need (what's a UTM coordinate? See what I mean?). I do have a compass though! Woo!
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See reply #11 under that topic for the required compass.
You can't actually do any navigation with most compasses. Come and learn why.
The class is good for any level of hiker. Or even off road driver.
UTM is the Universal Transverse Mercator system of identifying and reporting a location.
With a topographic map and some basic navigation skills you can report a location by cell phone or
radio in the same format a GPS uses, without having a GPS. Emergency personnel can input that data into a GPS and pinpoint your location very easily. In class you learn what navigation tools work 24/7/365 in all weather, day or night, and which ones don't. A GPS receiver does not.
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Has anyone hiked Blueridge lately? How much snow can I expect to find before I hit the campground? Is it doable with just boots? I'm thinking that might be a good hike for today.
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We ended up hiking from Inspiration Point, up the PCT all the way to Blueridge Campground. There were a few patches of snow to traverse over, and we had to switch over to the main road a little ways past the last view of the (in operation) ski lift, but for the most part it wasn't too bad. We had the campground to ourselves, popped out the thermos of hot water, cup of noodles and had a nice (albeit junky) hot meal. It was only about an hour's hiking time each way. Nothing left to do but smile, smile, smile.
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Nothing left to do but smile, smile, smile.
Domingo... Dead fan?
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How about Blue Ridge Trail from Big Pines? Anyone tried it?
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Are there any really easy hikes in the area (other than the WW Trail!)? Easy enough to bring my one-year-old in a stroller/harness, without any cliffs to trigger my wife's fear of heights... Any suggestions? Looking for nature, but a path that isn't too steep and doesn't go close to the edge of anything. Thanks!
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I don't know of any trails suitable for a stroller but with a shoulder harness yes. The Blueridge trail is very nice up to the campground as well as the PCT from Inspiration Point over to the campground. Neither have drop offs that would trigger anxiety. It's one of my favorite couple hr. hikes close by. This time of year Mtn. High will have runs blocking the trail. I may suggest PCT Trail from Inspiration Point heading west. Again an easy trail with no drop offs in that direction either.
If you don't have a harness and must use a stroller, I can suggest the FS paved road on Table Mtn. It has very little elevation gain and is a nice place to walk and enjoy nature.
BTW, this weekend is a "free fee" weekend, no adventure pass displayed required.
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Are there any really easy hikes in the area (other than the WW Trail!)? Easy enough to bring my one-year-old in a stroller/harness, without any cliffs to trigger my wife's fear of heights... Any suggestions? Looking for nature, but a path that isn't too steep and doesn't go close to the edge of anything. Thanks!
There are several paved forest service roads that are nice this time of year. The road out of grassy hollow is a nice one and it's closed to vehicles.
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Thanks for the tips! I didn't know there were actually paved forest service roads, that would be perfect.
And I completely forgot about the Adventure Pass! What a noob.
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Last suggestions worked out awesome, so I'm going to ask for a new one...
Are there any hikes up on the east side, around Sheep or Heath, other than the washes themselves? I've been walking up the washes lately, but today I went up to the Acorn Trail, and it was so much more fun, with a steeper climb and better scenery. But it wastes half my freetime walking over to that side of town -- is there anything similar near me?
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There is a nice trail that starts just past Wright Mountain Road. I always forget the street that deadends onto the trailhead, is it Locarno? The trail starts where the Pacific Crest development houses end. It goes gently uphill until a slightly steeper section deposits you close by Helicopter Hill. Spectacular view down Swarthout Canyon. There are a couple of other trails through there too but that's the big one.
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Oh thanks, Chris, I never thought to go down, I've only been looking up so far.