WrightwoodCalif.com Forum
Public Forums => Outdoors => Topic started by: ezzpete on Feb 03, 05, 08:06:58 PM
-
anyone interested in going on some hikes during the week? i was thinking for a first hike we could do the devils punchbowl hike. i think it's about 7-8 miles RT. i haven't been getting much hiking in, so the pace will be moderate. how about next wednesday?
-
Sounds fun ezzepete -
where does the trail start for Devil's Punchbowl, anyway? 7 -8 shouldn't be too bad.
-
-
Are you talking about the hike from the park headquarters out to Devil's Chair and back? That's a good one, about 7 miles RT. My friend and I did that one yesterday. The snow and ice are gone off the trail, which is excellent since I'm a real weenie about slipping and sliding. There is some bad erosion right near the approach to the chair, which creeped me out, but my friend is more sure-footed than I am so she gave me a hand, and there is such a fabulous view from out there! The only other minor obstacle is the creek crossing about a mile into the hike, but that was easy to get across.
We also tacked on the 1-mile loop trail into the bowl and back out. Some beautiful views there too. Made me realize how out-of-shape I've gotten, but we did it! This a good hike right now, since our trails are inaccessable.
yeah, that's the hike i was thinking about. i went there around Christmas with my mom, and we only did the little 1 mile loop. i really want to do the 7 mile hike, ready to go again?
i also noticed that there is a trail from the Big Rock area going to the DPB.
-
-
There is also the Burkhart trail up to Burkhart Saddle from park headquarters. I haven't been to the saddle from that side but my friend has - I think that's close to 14 miles RT.
I heard a rumor that the Burkhart trail may have recieved some storm damage. Heck--probably ALL the trails out there that weren't under snow got some damage!
-
-
I'm now up to 4 miles a day so perhaps I will be able to do some hiking soon.
My New Year's Resolution: START walking and STOP crabbing.
-
-
I heard a rumor that the Burkhart trail may have recieved some storm damage. Heck--probably ALL the trails out there that weren't under snow got some damage!
Unfortunately, I'm sure you're right about that! The Burkhart Trail (from Hwy 2 to the saddle) had one really "iffy" spot in it under the BEST of conditions. If they don't open H2 past Vincent Gap this summer, our hiking choices are going to be severely limited, never mind the condition of the trails.
i haven't heard anything about not opening hwy. 2, did you? that would not be good!
-
-
If they don't open H2 past Vincent Gap this summer, our hiking choices are going to be severely limited, never mind the condition of the trails.
But it would be GREAT for the wildlife! :)
We just have to hike a tad ;) farther. Just think of how much better shape we'll be in 8) , and how much better of a chance we'll have to see wildlife! :)
A road closure will also keep out the people who trash the area.
-
If they don't open H2 past Vincent Gap this summer, our hiking choices are going to be severely limited, never mind the condition of the trails.
But it would be GREAT for the wildlife! :)
We just have to hike a tad ;) farther. Just think of how much better shape we'll be in 8) , and how much better of a chance we'll have to see wildlife! :)
A road closure will also keep out the people who trash the area.
true dat! but going camping at any of the great campgrounds like Buckhorn, will become a real hassel, use more gas and cause more pollution.
-
We just have to hike a tad ;) farther. Just think of how much better shape we'll be in 8) , and how much better of a chance we'll have to see wildlife! :)
A road closure will also keep out the people who trash the area.
Is it possible (or legal) to walk hwy 2 if it's closed? I'm thinking it would be a nice walk for those of us trying to get into hiking shape.
-
-
-
Yeah, there's that. Lots of stuff to consider. :eyebrows:
-
I just breezed through this topic.
I would be up for some day hikes.
Has anyone gone up to Buckhorn and down to Cooper Falls. It should be running great late spring!
-
isn't SR2 still closed to Buckhorn? there should still be lots of snow up that way. i'd still like to go on some day hikes too. maybe on sat. or sun. mornings.
right now, though, i think most of the hiking will be at lower elevations.
-
I am definitely an amatuer hiker (a.k.a big weinie when it comes to steep inclines) but I really like to get out and enjoy the area we call home.
Any suggestions besides blue ridge and inspiration point for a good hike local that is not to much of the ups and downs? I really like the idea of hiking HWY 2 if it stays closed.
Thanks for any ideas!
-
isn't SR2 still closed to Buckhorn? there should still be lots of snow up that way. i'd still like to go on some day hikes too. maybe on sat. or sun. mornings.
right now, though, i think most of the hiking will be at lower elevations.
Oh yeah I am sure it is closed now, but maybe later this spring. It is a really cool hike.
In the mean time let us know if you get something going as far as some of the lower elevations......the next few weekends are pretty booked for us.
Thanks!
-
I am definitely an amatuer hiker (a.k.a big weinie when it comes to steep inclines) but I really like to get out and enjoy the area we call home.
Any suggestions besides blue ridge and inspiration point for a good hike local that is not to much of the ups and downs? I really like the idea of hiking HWY 2 if it stays closed.
Thanks for any ideas!
sounds like you'd enjoy the table mt. road, that goes to and past JPL. it's not really a trail, it's a road, but it's real nice there, and about as flat as it's gonna get.
-
I am definitely an amatuer hiker (a.k.a big weinie when it comes to steep inclines) but I really like to get out and enjoy the area we call home.
Any suggestions besides blue ridge and inspiration point for a good hike local that is not to much of the ups and downs? I really like the idea of hiking HWY 2 if it stays closed.
Thanks for any ideas!
sounds like you'd enjoy the table mt. road, that goes to and past JPL. it's not really a trail, it's a road, but it's real nice there, and about as flat as it's gonna get.
Go up Table Mountain Road to the big turnout that overlooks Mt. High. The gate marks the end of the road.
-
Thanks for the info guys :)
I will try them out!
-
isn't SR2 still closed to Buckhorn? there should still be lots of snow up that way. i'd still like to go on some day hikes too. maybe on sat. or sun. mornings.
right now, though, i think most of the hiking will be at lower elevations.
Oh yeah I am sure it is closed now, but maybe later this spring. It is a really cool hike.
In the mean time let us know if you get something going as far as some of the lower elevations......the next few weekends are pretty booked for us.
Thanks!
Buckhorn is a great campground, i think the best in that area. it reminds me a lot of Oregon, with all the ferns and undergrowth. i camped there and down by the falls lots of times as a teen and young adult. my daughters, son in law and me camped there this last fathers day.
-
Last Summer I took my kids to Little Rock Dam first time we had been there. Are there any cool trails to hike around there?
-
Last Summer I took my kids to Little Rock Dam first time we had been there. Are there any cool trails to hike around there?
the Devils Punchbowl is near there. or you can go to Big Rock, and there's a stream that gets stocked with trout. there are also some trails that start there.
-
-
Is the gate still closed just past Mt High?
-
-
sounds like you'd enjoy the table mt. road, that goes to and past JPL. it's not really a trail, it's a road, but it's real nice there, and about as flat as it's gonna get.
I've got one map (Tom Harrison maps) that says it doesn't go too far east past the radio towers, just short of the county line. I have another map (Topo program) that shows that the road keeps going past the county line. Which is it? Has the snow melted yet?
Also, the Topo program shows that there's a trail connecting the JPL road over to Rivera on the north side of town. This trail doesn't show up on the other map. Assuming it exists, is it hikeable or bikeable?
-
sounds like you'd enjoy the table mt. road, that goes to and past JPL. it's not really a trail, it's a road, but it's real nice there, and about as flat as it's gonna get.
I've got one map (Tom Harrison maps) that says it doesn't go too far east past the radio towers, just short of the county line. I have another map (Topo program) that shows that the road keeps going past the county line. Which is it? Has the snow melted yet?
Also, the Topo program shows that there's a trail connecting the JPL road over to Rivera on the north side of town. This trail doesn't show up on the other map. Assuming it exists, is it hikeable or bikeable?
The paved road goes to the towers, but the dirt trail goes all the way to town and is bikeable and hikeable. I was up there yesterday and there is probably 3 feet of snow on the road.
-
Hi,
I'm looking for information on the conditions of a trail.
Prairie Fork to Pine Mountain Ridge, Sheep Mountain Wilderness, Little Fish Fork, Upper Fish Fork.
any info about this trail or any others that would be in wrightwood area in the easy to moderate range would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
-
Last Summer I took my kids to Little Rock Dam first time we had been there. Are there any cool trails to hike around there?
Most of the area is closed now because of protection to the federally endangered arroyo toad. But the forest service has a proposal out to modify the closure area and allow for more public access to the area yet still protect the critical and occupied habitat for the toad. The environmental studies will be conducted in the next year or so on the proposal.
-
Most of the area is closed now because of protection to the federally endangered arroyo toad.
This is just toadally ridiculous!
-
Toadally awesome wit mr hillbilly. ;D
-
Mr. Hillbilly does it again!
:2thumbsup: KARMA POINT!! :2thumbsup:
-
thanks BB and LP...........some K back to ya both..... ;D
-
as my dad used to say "he should be on stage, the first stage out of town"
-
as my dad used to say "he should be on stage, the first stage out of town"
LOL.............I have to give ya a "k" for that one ezz.
-
Hi,
I'm looking for information on the conditions of a trail.
Prairie Fork to Pine Mountain Ridge, Sheep Mountain Wilderness, Little Fish Fork, Upper Fish Fork.
any info about this trail or any others that would be in wrightwood area in the easy to moderate range would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
That's some tough hiking country there, with unmaintained trails and a lot of winter trail washouts and other damage. There's a trail from Blue Ridge Road to Pine Mountain, but it's strenuous and exposed (as in "MY GOSH that's a long way down!!")
Access to the other trails is still covered with snow or ice. A year or 2 ago, a hiker died trying to hike the Acorn Trail too early. The trails get covered with snow, which turns to ice, and people slip down the ice chutes (and often die). Don't try crossing the ice chutes. Friends ask frineds to "Just turn around."
Many landslides have occurred during this wet winter, also, which have closed off trails.
Hiking at lower elevations is a better idea until the trails melt off.
Wouldn't want to lose any new residents or forum members!
:welcomehere:
P. S.
I. M. me for more info. on those areas.
-
Nolena is right about the condition of trails....especially the trail from Prairie Fork down through Fish Fork and the San Gabriel River. Very rugged and often rock hopping through the river for several miles. Several pitches are best down with ropes (down the waterfalls) and are not for novices.
It is a very wild and primitive canyon with lots of wildlife (bears especially) I hiked it in the 70's and it was very rugged and wild then.
Never did see any toads.
-
Thanks for the info! I just wanna hike, not die out there, or get introduced to any larger than life fuzzy animals (i.e. BEARS!)
-
F.Y.I SR2 was closed at Grassyhollow last weekend. According to a source in the USFS, the word is Caltrans would try to have it open to Vincent Gap by sometime in May (late?). It's highly unlikely it'll be open west of there this season. Maybe he's wrong? Maybe not. Anyone heard anything else?
-
-
-
Photos of damaged portions of Highway 2 taken April 10th.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v646/thesupermodel/SR2a_050410.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v646/thesupermodel/SR2_050410.jpg)
-
Super Model, I'd be interested to know where those pictures were taken on Highway 2. Would you be so kind?
-
They look like the section of Highway 2 between Grassy Hollow and Vincent Gap.
-
That's kinda what I thought too. If so, too too bad as it might be awhile before we'll be able to drive to the Baden-Powell trailhead. At my age, I don't want to hike from Grassy Hollow then up and back. 'Just lazy I guess.
-
-
Looks like the area where all the motorcycle accidents occur, just past Grassy Hollow.
Here's a quick fix:
(http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/forumimg/Hwy2bandaid1.jpg)
-
Super Model, I'd be interested to know where those pictures were taken on Highway 2. Would you be so kind?
They were approximately 1/2 - 3/4 of a mile from where Highway 2 was closed.
-
-
mtm629,
thanks for the positive notes on the Hwy2 repairs. I've talked with the person responsible for arranging the flight for the Caltans maintenance person. I was told that there are 7 areas between Vincent Gap and Islip with major damage and contactors will be responsible to get the repairs completed.
I'm surprised to hear someone saying that it will reopen this summer.
This was in an email sent to me but the PIO from Caltrans District 8 earlier today in response to me asking about the Hwy 2 winter closure:
"Our Maintenance crews
actually flew over this area about 2 weeks ago and there was some
considerable slide damage on our portion of SR-2 near ISLIP Saddle. At
this point they are telling us that our side will probably open mid-summer
2005. It will not reopen before Memorial Day as it did last year.
They are working on the repairs now so that is a good sign."
mid-summer? that seems more hopeful that anything else i have heard... hopefully they are correct!
-
Looks walkable.
-
Looks walkable.
Just keep your eyes on the road.... or lack of it :alert:
-
Pretty funny, Wrightwood!!!
Love the band-aids. If I rode my motorcycle off that I would need those extra large ones.
-
Are those CalTrans bandaids?
-
I'm trying the P. C. T. with access off upper Swathout Canyon Road this afternoon. I'll report.
-
I've been told the PCT from McDonald's at the I15 to the bottom of Swarthout Canyon Rd is in bad shape and washed out in a number of spots.
-
Caltrans bandaids are bright orange!
-
Caltrans bandaids are bright orange!
You get a karma point for that one! :)
BigPines has been hiking from the Swarthout Canyon Road spot west on the P. C. T. Says it's passible.
-
I'm trying the P. C. T. with access off upper Swathout Canyon Road this afternoon. I'll report.
The trail's in good condition. It's an easy, gradual uphill. Nice views. Wildflowers.
-
O. K. KILLER wildflowers! There's a huge variety, and there are tons of them.
-
lets revive this thread....
anyone hike lately?
I've been exploring areas I have never been on before.... following deer trails that lead up to ridge lines... really great workouts!
-
Blue Ridge Road yesterday.
Dormant elderberry bushes:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/Nolena/Hiking/BlueRidge03102011007.jpg)
Wild San Gabriel Poodle:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/Nolena/Hiking/BlueRidge03102011017.jpg)
-
The snow on the road had a hard crust on it, so the walking was easy.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/Nolena/Hiking/BlueRidge03102011004.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/Nolena/Hiking/BlueRidge03102011009.jpg)
-
Love the Wild San Gabriel Poodle. Rare sighting! :2thumbsup:
-
following deer trails
That's a great way to acquaint yourself with ticks, depending on your clothing...and the trail.
The GF and I were hiking on the other side of the moutains earlier this week. I spotted an obvious game trail and pointed it out to her. We took a few steps into it and I started looking for ticks. We didn't make it more than 10 feet before finding them. Interesting critters - they wanted to stay camoflaged on the brush...they positioned themselves right at the point in the brush where there were regularly spaced raised spots on the stems - they were right on those spots. I thought maybe they'd grab onto a blade of grass, but they weren't budging. I recalled that they either responded to heat, or CO2 (breath), or both, so I got one to respond to my breath by sticking it's legs out to grab onto whatever...but it still wouldn't grab a blade of grass.
-
Love the Wild San Gabriel Poodle. Rare sighting! :2thumbsup:
We see the Poodle about 40% the time we are out on Patrol for the USFS. A rare sighting but well worth it. ;D
The snow is melting and spring is coming...
-
O. K. KILLER wildflowers! There's a huge variety, and there are tons of them.
This is exactly why I don't do day hikes anymore.
Who wants to risk the chance of being killed by "wild" flowers.
It's much safer to play Wii Hiking in the comfort of your own home.
-
Hiked west of Vincent Gap yesterday 1.6 miles to the end of the cleared road. Really nice hike!
(http://www.cig.usa.canon.com/ph/OPA/aig/o7LjaKe3po0L1iXx0503ks3kskXL010102953kskXLS0KI9q7c.jpg)
http://www.cig.usa.canon.com/ph/OPA/aig/o7LjaKe3po0L1iXx0503ks3kskXL010102953kskXLS0KI9q7c.jpg (http://www.cig.usa.canon.com/ph/OPA/aig/o7LjaKe3po0L1iXx0503ks3kskXL010102953kskXLS0KI9q7c.jpg)
(http://www.cig.usa.canon.com/ph/OPA/aig/K7phMYzCoJEolgYR7T03ks3kskXL010102863kskXLS0KI9q7c.jpg)
http://www.cig.usa.canon.com/ph/OPA/aig/K7phMYzCoJEolgYR7T03ks3kskXL010102863kskXLS0KI9q7c.jpg (http://www.cig.usa.canon.com/ph/OPA/aig/K7phMYzCoJEolgYR7T03ks3kskXL010102863kskXLS0KI9q7c.jpg)
-
That dog looks like a relative of the Wild San Gabriel Poodle!
The hiking is really great lately! :2thumbsup:
-
That's a great way to acquaint yourself with ticks, depending on your clothing...and the trail.
The GF and I were hiking on the other side of the moutains earlier this week. I spotted an obvious game trail and pointed it out to her. We took a few steps into it and I started looking for ticks. We didn't make it more than 10 feet before finding them. Interesting critters - they wanted to stay camoflaged on the brush...they positioned themselves right at the point in the brush where there were regularly spaced raised spots on the stems - they were right on those spots. I thought maybe they'd grab onto a blade of grass, but they weren't budging. I recalled that they either responded to heat, or CO2 (breath), or both, so I got one to respond to my breath by sticking it's legs out to grab onto whatever...but it still wouldn't grab a blade of grass.
never had a problem with ticks.... nor my dog...
Most of the "deer trails" I use are on the sides of hills, and not a lot of brush around... occasionally we get into a thicket and have to work our way through, but never had the tick issue.
-
anyone go all the way up Acorn lately? I attempted yesterday but near the top the snow was pretty thick...It looks like footsteps continued up through the snow.
Lots of downed trees up there
-
The hardcore PCT hikers have been dropping down Acorn to get supplies and clean up. I am sure they are in for a bigger challenge further out towards Baden and beyond with all the ice chutes.