Gay

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