Gay

2008 September 13, Saturday. O: Bolsa Chica. S.K., Christy V. The Bolsa Chica is one of the Sierra Club's success stories in helping to protect Southern California's vanishing coastal wetlands from pressures of real estate development. The reserve is a rare ecosystem where salt water from the ocean and freshwater from the land meet and mix, forming an unusually rich diversity of habitats, including freshwater wetlands, costal bluff scrub, grasslands, and a eucalyptus stand that provides critical nesting habitat for raptors and herons. Expect to see any of the 321 species of migratory and permanent resident birds that have been sighted here in the past decade. We will walk approximately 5 miles, 0 elevation gain/loss. Bring 2 quarts of water, lunch, binoculars, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, hat and windbreaker/light jacket. Dogs are not allowed. Rain cancels. Meet at 9 am in front of the Interpretive Center, 3842 Warner Avenue, Huntington Beach, CA 92469. From the 405 or 22 Freeways, take the Bolsa Chica Rd exit south to Warner Avenue. Turn right on Warner Avenue, and then left into parking lot before PCH.
2008 September 6, Saturday. O: Marathon Beach Bike Ride & Activities. Mike B, Susan C. A 45 mile round-trip bike ride along the coast from the Palisades to Palos Verdes. This trip is a series of beach activities strung together by biking. We will meet at 8:00 am in the Palisades. We will bike for one mile and eat a leisurely breakfast at Back to the Beach, a restaurant with tables outside on the sand. We will then bike 20 miles through many beach communities until we reach Torrance where we will relax, lay out in the sun, swim, or whatever. Afterwards we will turn back and head to El Segundo where we will catch a 2:30 matinee at the Old Town Music Hall. The Old Town Music Hall is like walking into a movie theater from the 1930's, with a Wurlitzer Organ complete with a wall full of neon pipes and other instruments. The movie is usually preceded by a sing-a-long and a Laurel and Hardy short. After the film, we will head to Venice for dinner at the C&O Trattoria. Following dinner we will complete our final leg of the journey returning to the Palisades with a magnificent view of the sunset over the Pacific. Bring: a bike; bike lock; spare tire and/or patch kit; bike pump; helmet; headlight; bathing suit and change of clothes if you plan to swim; beach towel; water (we can refill along the way); money for breakfast (about $12.00), movie ($7.00), dinner (about $15.00) and extra for snacks long the way; library books you want to return (we pass the Marina Del Rey Public Library). For more info and to reserve a spot, contact Mike.
2008 August 31, Sunday. O: Beach City Walk. Barbara E, S.K. Escape the heat!!! Join us for a moderately paced walk through the marina, Fisherman’s Village and on to the beach. The first part of the walk will be 5 miles, through Marina Del Rey, to Burton Chase Park, then returning to our cars for a short break by the lagoon. Wear good walking shoes. Well behaved dogs on leashes permitted for this portion. The second part will be a walk on the sand at Playa Del Rey for 2 miles. Dogs are not permitted on the beach for this portion. Join us for both or either parts of the walk. Beginners welcome. No elevation gain. Bring water and snacks. Meet at 9 am at the Del Rey Lagoon in front of restrooms. Coffee, bagels and cream cheese provided by leader. From the 405 in Culver City, southwest on Culver Blvd to Esplanade (approx 4 miles), 1 block right to park at 6660 Esplanade, 90293. Free parking.
2008 August 23, Saturday. O: Big Sycamore Trail & Wood Canyon Mountain Bike Ride Nancy B, S.K. Join us for Nancy’s favorite mountain bike ride – a 14 mile loop of fun, fun, fun; some easy flats, some steep climbing (on pavement), some technical whoopdie-do dips in the dirt, some speedy downhill. Meet at 9 am at the Big Sycamore Canyon parking lot. Take Pacific Coast Highway 32 miles northwest of Santa Monica, cross the Ventura Co. line, then look for the “Big Sycamore Canyon Campground 800 feet” sign, and finally the “Pt. Mugu State Park” sign. Park here (there is a parking fee; some free parking available on PCH; additional paid parking available on the beach side). Bring mountain bike, helmet (you will not be able to ride with the group without one), water, and a spare inner tube. This is an intermediate ride – not for complete novices and not for hammerhead tigers. The ride should take about 2.5 hours (1200’ of gain). Feel free to join us for a picnic lunch and optional boogie boarding at the beach afterwards.
*2008 August 17, Sunday. O: Mount Williamson (8244') - Dave's Provisional.* Dave B, Nancy B.** Join us for this short but somewhat steep hike through beautiful, forested Angeles High Country to a summit overlooking Antelope Valley. 4 mi RT, 1600' gain. Meet 10 am at the La Canada Rideshare. Bring 2 quarts water, sunscreen, lunch, fsp.
2008 August 10, Sunday. O: Very Basic Navigational Workshop. Marie A, Jeff C. For every beginner, and for those leader candidates in quest of an “I” rating, this workshop will focus on the very basics of using topo map and compass in hopes of taking the mystery out of both. We will also discuss what to expect at a nav noodle and checkoff. All are welcome. We’ll meet at the Stough Canyon Nature Center in Burbank at 8 am to avoid the heat. A brief (1 hour) introduction to the nav tools will be followed by an easy-paced hike (4-6 miles, approx. 1400’ gain — will adapt to fit weather) to put skills to use. You will need to purchase a Burbank quadrangle USGS topo map and bring a compass. Please call/email Marie to sign up, get instructions, and directions to the Center.
2008 August 10, Sunday. O: Serrano Canyon Loop Tom M, Alan S. This hike starts out moving north on the pleasant Sycamore Canyon Trail for about a mile and a half, where it comes to a junction with Serrano Canyon Trail, which takes you east into a densely wooded narrow canyon, with a lovely seasonal stream crisscrossing the trail numerous times, and abundant wildlife. As the trail begins to gain elevation and move north away from the stream, a stunning vista begins to emerge. The trail traverses gently rolling grasslands set against the steep outlines of Boney Mountain. You continue through the valley, eventually connecting up with Old Boney Trail, which drops back into Sycamore Cyn, forming a loop. 9 miles, 800' elevation gain. Meet at 9:00 am in the parking lot in the Big Sycamore Cyn Campground, located about 5 miles south of Point Mugu on Hwy 1 (PCH).
2008 August 2, Saturday. O: Mount San Jacinto. Mike B, Jerry K. Hike to San Jacinto Peak 10,804' via Marion Mountain trial, the second tallest peak in Southern California. Strenuous hike. 11 miles. 4350' gain. Be in good condition. Hike starts at 8:30 am. For more information, contact Mike.
2008 August 2, Saturday. O: Pt. Mugu State Park Loop Trail/ Beach Adventure Alan S, Tom M. 7 mi. 1100 foot elevation gain. We'll hike the Sycamore Canyon Trail to the Overlook Trail where we'll ascend the ridge and then loop back to our starting point via the scenic trail (may be very steep descent in spots) We'll have a late lunch on the beach. Meet at 9:00 am at Sycamore Canyon daytime parking lot. Take PCH to the Big Sycamore Canyon Campground in Pt. Mugu State Park (about 15 minutes north of Kanan Dume Road). $8.00 parking fee so try to park on PCH. Bring a sand chair and any other beach paraphernalia you'd like to keep in your car till after the hike. Bring water, hiking shoes, 10 essentials, a snack for the hike and then lunch, which you can leave in your car for our beach picnic following. Spectacular ocean, Boney Ridge and Channel Island views that time of year, weather permitting. Rain cancels.
*2008 July 26, Saturday. O: El Morro Canyon (Crystal Cove State Park) - Christy's Provisional.* Christy V, Barbara E.** We will hike approx 6 miles taking the El Morro Canyon Trail and turning onto the East Cut Across Trail (also known as "I Think I Can"). Then turn onto El Moro Ridge to El Moro Canyon Trail that goes through a grove on our way back to the starting point. For those who want, after the hike, you can walk across to Crystal Cove beach. Bring water, lunch, and lugsoles. It does get warm even though we are near the beach so dress accordingly. Meet at 9:00 am in the parking lot of the park. There is a parking fee of $10 but you can park below in the elementary parking lot for free and walk up the road to the parking area. Crystal Cove State Park, 8471 Pacific Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach 92651 (949) 494-3539 website: www.parks.ca.gov.
2008 July 20, Sunday. O: Kayaking in Long Beach. Karen L, Laura R. Join us for a few hours of summer fun as we explore the waters of Alamitos Bay. Meet at 9:00 AM at Kayak on the Water, 5411 E. Ocean Blvd. From the 405, take the 7th Street exit to Studebaker, turn left and take Studebaker until it dead ends at Westminster, then turn right. When Westminster crosses P.C.H., it turns into 2nd St. Go over 2 bridges, turn on Bay Shore Ave immediately after the second bridge. It's 1/4 mile on the left side, next to the basketball courts. Park on street or at metered lot. Be prepared to rent a kayak for 2 hours. Lunch nearby after.
2008 July 19, Saturday. O: Sandstone Peak Dog Hike 3,111’. Robin R, Dora O. Highest peak in the Santa Monica Mountains with ocean view of the Channel Islands and a descent through beckoning canyons. 6 mi, 1400' gain, 4 hours, moderate to strenuous via the Mishe Mokwa Trail. Meet 9 AM at Sandstone Peak Trailhead (from PCH, turn inland at Yerba Buena Rd 5 mi to pass Circle X Park headquarters on R, continue 1 mi to signed Sandstone Peak Trailhead on left — lots of parking; or from Valley, take 101, exit Westlake Blvd to Mulholland Hwy to Little Sycamore Cyn Rd, which turns into Yerba Buena Rd). Bring 10 essentials, 2-3 qts water, lunch, snacks, lugsoles, hiking poles. Small, well-conditioned dogs on 6’ leash OK, bring a dog bowl. Rain cancels.
2008 July 13, Sunday. O: Orange County Beach Walk. Jeff J., S.K. A long beach walk north from the tip of the Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach to the bluffs above Bolsa Chica in Huntington Beach, 11 miles, maybe 100' elevation gain, with car shuttle. Last time, we went north to south, some with bare feet the whole way. Rest stop and beach-towel-potluck-lunch break approx. 1 mi after we cross the Santa Ana River (on a bridge). Possible snack/dinner stop in Huntington Beach. The last couple miles are on the bluff path above the surfing beach in Hunt-ington Beach. Bring beachable footwear, layers for warm or cold (it may be cold and windy), portable shareable lunch item, water, sun protection. If you want to walk just part of the way, call the leader to make arrangements. Low tide noon, high tide 6:30 AM. Meet 10:30 AM West Jetty View Park, at East Ocean Front and Channel Road in Newport Beach. From 405, take 55 S until it turns into Newport Blvd. Continue on Newport, down the hill, across PCH onto the Balboa Peninsula. Continue until Newport merges with Balboa Blvd, continue on Balboa until it turns into Channel Rd, which ends at E Ocean Front. Park on nearby residential streets.
2008 July 12, Sunday. O: Palos Verdes Hike - Swim - Potluck. Dora O, Grace H. After a sweaty mountain hike, we will deserve a refreshing splash in the ocean. We will be hiking in the spectacular Palos Verdes peninsula. A 5 mile hike RT, 1100' altitude loss/gain. Approximate 5 hrs.: hiking, sunning, and lunching. Bring a potluck to share, a bathing suit for a refreshing swim in a pebble bay, your hiking gear, and plenty of water. K9s are very welcome, with extra water for the doggies. We will meet at Del Cerro Park in Palos Verdes at 8:40 am. Directions: 405 to Crenshaw Blvd exit. Drive on Crenshaw South (through Torrance and Palos Verde) until its dead ends. Turn left and the Del Cerro Park is down on the street on your right. Park in the parking lot or on the street.
2008 July 2-6, 2008 (Wed-Sun). O: Table Mountain Car Camp/Bishop Creek. Alan S., Karen L., Laura R., & Tom M. Join us for the whole four nights or just a few nights. This secluded walk-in (100 yards) group campground is at 8500’ elevation and sits on the banks of the north fork of Bishop Creek. Expect several great hikes, a delicious 4th of July barbeque, and other surprises – all included in the price of the trip. Cost includes lunch fixings (except for the last day) and BBQ on the 4th. Bring an appetizer to share for the 4th. Because of the terrain and altitude, the hikes will be moderate to strenuous. There will be two sets of hikes for each day -- an easy to moderate and a moderate to strenuous. Cost for the extra long weekend is $75 (written out to GLS & mailed to Alan Schimpff, PO Box 2210, Port Hueneme, CA 93044). Space will be limited to 25 campers. Any questions, please e-mail Alan. Click here for the trip notes .
2008 June 29, Sunday O: Sandstone Pk. via Mishe Mokwa Loop. Amanda S., Anna B. 6 miles RT, 1400 ft altitude gain/loss, approximately 4 hours hiking. This moderately paced hike takes us on a lovely loop through a shady canyon and past stunning sandstone rock formations then on to the highest peak Mt Allen/Sandstone Peak (3,111) in the Santa Monica's. Great views of the ocean, and a breezy cool location for the late summer. The middle part of this hike is shaded, but the rest of it is exposed so please bring plenty of water (3 liters at least), sunscreen, hat, snacks/lunch. Dogs on leash are welcome; remember to bring extra water for them too! Rain cancels. Meet at Sandstone Peak trailhead parking lot at 9 AM. From Malibu: Take Pacific Coast Highway (1) north past the Ventura County line. Turn east on Yerba Buena. The Sandstone Peak trailhead parking lot is approximately 5.5 miles from PCH, on the left side, about 1/2 mile after Circle X Ranch. An alternate route from Westlake Village and the 101: exit on Westlake Blvd from the 101 Freeway, and follow it south for several miles as it merges with Mulholland highway. Turn right onto Little Sycamore Canyon, which becomes Yerba Buena Road as you cross the county line. Proceed on Yerba Buena Road for about 4+ miles to trailhead to the 2ND (!!!) parking lot on the right side. If you see the Circle X Ranch, you've gone too far. A note to those who suffer from motion sickness: the Malibu route is slightly less curvy than the Westlake Village route. Also, please be aware that there are 2 parking lots (!!!) for this loop trail. We will meet at the Sandstone Peak lot, which is the first parking lot on the left, (1/2 mile past Circle X Ranch) as you are coming up Yerba Buena from Malibu/Pacific Coast Highway.
2008 June 28, Saturday O: Matilija Canyon. Tom M., Alan S. Join us for an easy/moderate 6 mile round trip hike with only 600 feet elevation gain. Expect some tricky stream crossings, a few areas with overgrown brush. Highlights include views of mountains, wonderful cascades and pools along Matilija Creek. The destination of this hike is a spectacular section of Matilija Creek that flows over unusual rock slabs. The last 1/2 mile of the trail follows beautiful cascades and pools of clear water. Trailhead: because Adventure Passes are needed, we'll car pool to the trailhead. Meet right outside the entrance of Foster Park at 9:30 AM. Foster Park is at 438 Casitas Vista Road, Ventura County, right off of Hwy 33 as you exit Casitas Vista Rd. Bring good hiking boots, lunch and at least 2 quarts of water, and the 10 essentials. Bring Adventure Passes if you have them. If we don't have enough passes, we'll buy them on the way to trailhead. Bring swimsuits for when we find the right swimming hole.
2008 June 21, Saturday O: Lily and Orchid Hike Jeff J., Ginny H. (Nat. Sci.) Join lily enthusiast Jeff Johnson on this hike from Three Points around the southwest side of Waterman to a lovely meadow of Incense Cedar and, if we’re lucky, lemon lilies, rein orchids, and stream orchids. Moderately paced, 8 mi rt, 1500 ft gain. Meet at 8 AM at the La Canada carpool point with water, lunch, hat, camera.
2008 June 14, Saturday O: Mt. Baldy 10,064’ Robin R., Jeff H. You can touch the sky. Strenuous, 8.4 mi rt, 3900' gain. From Manker Flats to the summit via the Sierra Club Ski Hut. Moderately paced. Ski lift option on descent available ($10). Meet 8 AM at Manker Flats. Bring 10 essentials, 3 qts water, lunch, snacks, lugsoles, hiking poles. Rain cancels.
2008 June 7, Saturday O: Hancock Park/Larchmont/Windsor Square Urban Walk Barbara E., Nancy B. Come enjoy the history and architecture of this fascinating area. Hancock Park was once home to such notables as Howard Hughes, Mary Pickford, Muhammad Ali and others. We start by strolling through Larchmont Village, a small cafe-laden shopping area where the locals hang out. Then we will explore a historic preservation overlay zone where the grand old mansions of Windsor Square are still standing. Next we will return to the village for a quick lunch and then meet again to continue on the second part of the walk where we will stroll by Mae West's home and other mansions in a shady tree-lined neighborhood. Meet at 8:30 AM in front of Noah’s Bagels at 250 N. Larchmont Blvd. about a mile east of Highland. Walk starts promptly at 9 AM. Free all-day parking in the neighborhood south of the village. Bring water and lunch, or money if you want to eat out. Approx 5 miles, 200 ft elevation gain. Dogs welcome.
2008 May 31, Sunday. O: All GLS Trail Maintenance Day. Anne M, Mike B. Here’s a chance to give back to the environment, have fun with the rest of the GLS, and find something good to eat, too! All members are encouraged to come out and help. There will be a range of activities available, from picking up trash to hard digging- there’s something for everyone. A potluck lunch will follow, with a special treat from Porto Bakery to be provided. We hope to add an even deeper sense of purpose to the GLS section, so please take this opportunity to come out and make a difference. What to bring: work gloves (if you have them), water, lug soles, potluck item. We will be doing trail maintenance at the Pines Area off the Angeles Crest Highway. We will be meeting at the La Canada ride share point at 8:30AM, then carpool to our spot. (From the 210 intersection with Hwy 2, Angeles Crest Highway. 9 miles north to intersection of Angeles Crest Highway and Angeles Forest Highway. Turn left onto Angeles Forest Highway. Drive 1/4 miles - Pines Day Use Area is located on the left side. Adventure Passes not needed at this parking spot). Clean up starts at 9:00, continues for 2 -3 hours, we will then have a potluck, and then a leaders’ meeting. Please RSVP to Anne M so she can tell the Ranger how many are attending.
2008 May 23-25 (Fri-Sun). I: Wind Wolves Preserve, Eagle Rest Peak (6,005'). Marie A., Susan C. A whole new world to explore, and only about 90 miles from home. Marie’s second required 'I' provisional, this car camp will take us to a preserve with great scenery, varied environments, and a chance to see Tule Elk. The main event will be the 8-12 mile RT hike to conquer Eagle Rest Peak, counted on the HPS list. Not a tall peak, but a challenging one nonetheless. Participants who attempt the hike should be in good shape. The mileage is uncertain as the exact route has yet to be determined, and changes within the Preserve have lengthened the usual route by an unknown amount. PLEASE NOTE: The Preserve asks that we all arrive at the same time and leave at the same time. This is due to the camp’s location and the fact that we’ll be driving amongst hikers. We anticipate a Friday afternoon arrival, and a Sunday afternoon departure. Times will be more specific as we coordinate with the Preserve. If you are not able to follow this schedule, please do not sign up for this trip. The preserve also requires that each participant sign a waiver, and that all paperwork be in their office a month in advance. Therefore, deadline for sign-up will be April 10, 2008, no exceptions. This Preserve is a very special place, and we believe that it will be worth the trouble it takes to camp there. At this point, there is no fee for this trip; this may change as we learn more from the Preserve. If you have any questions, please contact Marie.
2008 May 17-18 (Sat-Sun). O: Long Beach Pride. Jeff J. GLS will have a table at Long Beach Pride again this year. Come volunteer for a few hours to meet and greet and spread the word about GLS. Everyone is there to have a good time, so it’s not difficult. GLS pays the all day admission for volunteers, so you can come early or stay late, listen to the music and see some shows. Questions? Call Jeff J.
2008 May 3, Sat. O: Channel Island Day Hike. Mike B., Tom M. For the past two years, over 25 people attended this outing. So we are offering it again this year. We will take a ferry to Santa Cruz Island where there will be two day hikes: an easy 4 mile hike or a challenging 10 -15 mile+ hike. Both hikes will offer spectacular views (depending on the "June gloom"). There is no drinking water or food on the Island. So pack like a normal outing. After returning to the mainland, we will head over to a nearby Mexican restaurant (optional). We will meet at Island Packers 1691 Spinnaker Drive Ventura Harbor 93001 at 715 AM (805) 642-1393. The boat leaves at 8:00 AM. The boat ride is an hour and we should return to Ventura Harbor by 6:30 PM. The cost for the ferry is $55. We need to purchase our tickets in advance. Please send a check by April 7 made payable to GLS to: Mike Brostoff, 11220 Moorpark #110 Studio City CA 91602. Include a note indicating whether you are interested in dinner afterwards, your e-mail address and the best phone number to reach you at. If you do not have e-mail then please include a SASE. Bring minimum 1.5 quart water, lugsole hiking boots, snacks, & 10 Essentials. Note: in the rare case that weather may be poor, call 805-642-1393 after 5:30AM on May 3. A recording will indicate if the boat trip is canceled.
2008 Apr 27. Sun. O: Thorn Point (6935’). Ingeborg P., Nancy B. The trail (8 miles rt, 2000’ gain) to the summit of Thorn Point leads past unusual sandstone formations to an ancient lookout where condors have been spotted during past hikes. The drive requires high-clearance vehicles, depending on previous rainfalls. Bring lunch, 2 liters of water, weather-appropriate layers, and sunscreen. Heavy rain cancels. Contact leaders for meeting time and place. Ingeborg e-mail:ingebike@yahoo.com. This trip is co-sponsored by the HPS section.
2008 Apr 19. Sat. O: Santa Rosa Plateau. S.K., Kirk O. Plenty of rain this year brings lots of wildflowers and bigger vernal pools at the Santa Rosa Plateau. This Ecological Reserve protects unique ecosystems like some of the few remaining bunchgrass prairies and vernal pools in S. California. We will do either an easy 6 mile hike with a car shuttle if the temperature is above 80ºF, or a moderate10 mile loop hike if below 80ºF. Elevation gain is a gently sloping 700ft. Highlights of the hike are rolling green hills and meadows studded with California poppies, blue-eyed grass, lilies, lupines, etc., streams with shady oak-lined banks, a historic adobe built in the 1840's where we will stop for a potluck lunch break, and vernal pools atop mesas that are home to the rare fairy shrimp. There is a $2 Day Use Fee/person. No dogs permitted in the Reserve. Meet at the Santa Rosa Plateau Visitor Center at 39400 Clinton Keith Rd., Murrieta, at 9:30 AM. Take I-15 to the Clinton Keith exit in Murrieta, head S 4 m on Clinton Keith Rd. Or to carpool, meet 8:30 AM at the North Orange County rideshare point (park-n-ride, E side of Tustin Av just S of Lincoln Av, Orange). Bring lots of water, hat, sunscreen, layers for warm or cold, and something portable to share at the potluck lunch. Extreme heat (above 95ºF) or heavy rain cancels. Contact leader SK with questions, or the night before if you are not sure about cancellation.
2008 Apr 13. Sun. O: Big Sycamore Trail & Wood Canyon Mountain Bike Ride. Tom M., Alan S. From the parking lot, we ride up Big Sycamore Trail. We turn and ride our bikes up the paved Ranch Center Road, then connect to Wood Canyon Trail, which will be a downhill ride back to Big Sycamore trail and the parking lot. Distance is 14 miles with 1200' of gain; should take about 2.5 hours. Meet at 9:30 a.m. at Sycamore Cyn parking lot. Take PCH to the Big Sycamore Canyon Campground in Pt. Mugu State Park (about 15 minutes north of Kanan Dume Road). $8.00 parking fee so try to park on PCH. Rain cancels. Mountain bike is needed, helmet is mandatory (you will not be able to ride with the group if you show up without one) and a spare tube. After the ride, join us for a picnic lunch at the beach.
2008 Apr 5. Sat. O: Devil's Punchbowl. Karen L., Laura R. The Devil’s Punchbowl is geologically spectacular, due to its location above the San Andreas and Punchbowl Faults. We will start out at the Nature Center where we will have a presentation on the animals in the area, complete with some live snakes and owls. Then we will go to the viewpoint and have a presentation on the geology of the area. These will take approximately 1 hour. We will then begin our moderate 7.4 mile, 1200’ gain out and back hike at an easy pace. Meet at 11 a.m., we should be finished around 4:00 p.m. Take Hwy. 14 to the Pearblossom Hwy. exit, go east into the town of Pearblossom. Turn right onto Longview Road (County N6) and follow signs for Devil’s Punchbowl Natural Area, 7 miles away. Free parking at the visitor’s center. Please call the visitor’s center at (661) 944-2743 for trail conditions (possible mud, possible snow). Bring minimum 1.5 quart water, lugsole hiking boots, snacks, & 10 Essentials. Rain cancels.
2008 Mar 30, Sun. O: Matilija Canyon. Tom M., Diane R. The destination of this hike is a spectacular section of Matilija Creek that flows over unusual rock slabs. The last 1/2 mile of the trail follows beautiful cascades and pools of clear water. This time of year, the ceanothus should be blooming against snow-capped peaks. Distance: 6 miles round trip with only 600 feet elevation gain. Approx time 3 hours. Difficulty: Moderate. Some tricky stream crossings, A few areas with overgrown brush. Trailhead: Because Adventure passes are needed, we'll car pool to the trailhead from near Ojai at Foster Park. Meet at Foster Park at 10:00 a.m. Foster Park is at 438 Casitas Vista Road, Ventura County, right off of Hwy. 33 as you exit at Casitas Vista Rd. Bring good hiking boots, lunch and at least 2 quarts of water and the 10 essentials. Bring Adventure Passes if you have them. If we don't have enough passes, we'll buy them on the way to the trailhead. Bring swimsuits in case we find the right swimming hole. Call Tom or Alan to let them know you are coming.
2008 Mar 23, Sun. O: Los Feliz Architecture & History Walk. Barbara E., Nancy B. Work off those Easter dinner calories in advance by joining us for a moderate 6 mile walk in the Los Feliz hills. Approx 1000' elev gain. The highlight of this historic Hollywood suburb is Frank Lloyd Wright’s Ennis-Brown House, a massive fortress-like structure on top of a hill. Other attractions include hillside residences previously owned by celebrities such as Brad Pitt, Madonna, Walt Disney, Bela Legosi and Elvira. Be prepared for stunning views of downtown LA, Hollywood, and the Pacific Ocean. Meet at the restrooms on the corner of Commonwealth and North Vermont, next to the Greek theater in Griffith Park at 9 AM. Plenty of free parking. Bagels and coffee provided by leader. Bring water and a light lunch. Walk will be in 2 parts, returning to our cars and restrooms at the halfway point.
2008 Mar 22, Sat. O: Mount Lukens. Amanda S., Marie A. A challenging peak in the front range of the San Gabriels. At the top, you stand at the highest point in the City of LA, and peer over a vast urban plain. The view to the north and east is across the various ridges and peaks of the San Gabriels. Moderate but challenging route, 8.5 miles RT, 3000' gain and loss. Expect hike to take about 5 hours. Bring lunch/snacks, water, extra layers, gloves & hat in case of cold windy weather at the summit. Dogs are welcome. Meet at 8:30 AM at George Deukmejian Wilderness Park (City of Glendale). Directions: From 210 in La Crescenta, take the Pennsylvania Ave. exit N. to Foothill Blvd. Turn left (west) on Foothill Blvd. to New York Av. Turn right (north) on New York, left on Markridge, then between New York and Frederic, turn right into the George Deukmejian Wilderness Park (City of Glendale) and park in lot. Rain cancels!
2008 Mar 15, Sat. O: Round Top, Granite Mt. Nancy B., S.K. Pine trees, clear mountain air and a stunning 360 degree view at the top await you on this Peak Baggers’ Special. This is a moderately strenuous 13 mile (roundtrip) hike that will take most of the day. Elevation gain is approximately 1600’. Much of the hike is on a gradually climbing fire road – that’s the moderate part – but you will feel the elevation as we get to Round Top Peak at 6,316’. The strenuous part is heading up Granite Mountain – 20 minutes on a steep, barely-there trail that tops out at over 6600’. Meet at 8 a.m. sharp at the La Canada rideshare point. Bring a big lunch, 3 liters of water, sunscreen and lots of layers for unpredictable March weather. Adventure Pass required to park at trail head. Heavy rain or snow cancels.
2008 Mar 7-9 O: Afton Canyon Car Camp. Jeff J., Laura R. Car camp at BLM campground by a riparian area in Afton Canyon on the Mojave River, between Baker and Barstow. Saturday, visit interesting local desert locations, some driving involved. Potluck Saturday night. Sunday, explore areas near camp including Cave Mountain and nearby canyons, possibly visit a ghost town on the way home. Good road in from highway to the campground. Dry campground, bring plenty of water. Bad weather could require change of plans. Cost $10, check to "GLS" to Jeff J., include email address or SASE. Questions? Contact the leader. Click here for the Trip Notes.
2008 Mar 2, Sun. O: Whale Watching, Tide Pool Hike. Tom M., Alan S. It will be low tide. We'll have lunch first followed by walk to Little Dume Beach to explore tide pools, climb up to Point Dume to whale watch, then down to Westward/ Zuma Beach (2m). We'll park and meet at the first volleyball net on Westward Beach Road near Zuma Beach in Malibu at 11:00 AM. Westward Beach is a few roads north of the intersection of PCH and Kanan Dume, after Heathercliff, but before Busch Drive and Zuma Beach. Turn L on Westward if you are traveling on PCH in a NW direction. We'll car shuttle over to the Paradise Cove Café. You must RSVP to Tom, 310-589-9125 so reservation can be made. Bring cash as no separate checks. Bring a quart of water, and the ten essentials and shoes appropriate for beach, tidepool, coast rock walking.
2008 Feb 24, Sun. O: Upper Santa Ynez Canyon. Karen L., Laura R. Moderate 6 mile, 1100' gain out and back hike. This hike starts at Trippet Ranch in Topanga State Park. We take the East Topanga Fireroad a short distance before descending into the lush Santa Ynez Canyon. We will pass interesting sandstone formations as we work our way down towards the waterfall. Our turn around point will either be the old cabin site or the waterfall (if conditions allow us to get there). The way out is steep in places. Meet at 10:00 a.m. near the picnic tables in Trippet Ranch. Bring minimum 1 quart water, lugsole hiking boots, snacks, and 10 Essentials. Rain cancels.

Gay & Lesbian Sierrans

Angeles Chapter of the Sierra Club