WELCOME TO THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY
EVENTS AND HIKES CALENDAR FOR 2012


San Fernando Valley ·  Griffith Park Repeat Hikes

Welcome to the San Fernando Valley Group's Calendar of Events and Hikes. We hope that you find this page informative. Any questions re: the Valley group please call (818) 884-6210. This page will cover events/hikes taking place in the San Fernando Valley and those sponsored by the San Fernando Valley Group. The San Fernando Valley Group is looking for hike leaders, if you are a Sierra Club leader and wish to lead hikes in the San Fernando Valley area Contact Barry Katzen at 818 341-8304 or Contact us.


SAN FERNANDO VALLEY GROUP HIKES
AND OTHER AREA HIKES:


HIKES SPONSORED BY THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY GROUP For all hikes, bring 2 qts water, lunch, lugsoles, hat, & sunscreen. Rain cancels.
Possible $3-$5 park fees

Hike Leaders Contact:

For any information regarding any San Fernando Valley Group Hike E-mail Gabe Szende or call him at 818-999-5384.
For information regarding any other hikes or hike leaders check your Schedule of Events, or if you do not have one Contact us and we will get it for you.

JAN-FEB 2012

Tuesday Hikes

01/03/12 TUE
Tapia SP to Malibu Creek SP/Backbone Trail:
O: (WA/SFV) Moderately paced 500’ gain, 6.5 mile route from Tapia SP to Malibu Creek SP; visit the Rock Pool and Century Lake and return. Come & learn about the indigenous plants & animals. Meet 8:30 AM at Tapia Park. From 101 Ventura Fwy take Las Virgenes Rd exit and go approximately 4 1/4 miles south, passing Malibu Creek State Park.  Enter Tapia Park just before Piuma Rd, and park in first parking area in fee lot. Rain cancels. Leader:  RITA OKOWITZ   Asst: PIXIE KLEMIC

01/10/12 TUE
Cold Creek, Stunt High Trail:
O: (WA/SFV) Moderately paced 6 mile 1000’ gain hike through 2 beautiful riparian canyons and chaparral, with great sandstone outcroppings in the Santa Monica Mtns.  Includes the Cold Creek Preserve with its year-round creek and grotto. Come & learn about the indigenous plants & animals. Meet 8:30 AM Stunt High trailhead.  From 101 Ventura Fwy take Valley Circle/Mulholland Dr exit south, turn right on Valmar Rd (becomes Old Topanga Cyn Rd), right on Mulholland Hwy for 3½ miles, left on Stunt Rd for 1 mile, park on dirt shoulder on right.  Rain cancels. Ldr: Pixie Klemic, Asst: Virve Leps

01/17/12 TUE
Chumash Trail:
O: (WA/SFV) Moderately paced 5 mile, 1100’ gain hike up the chaparral cloaked Santa Susana Mtns. through wonderful sculpted sandstone rock formations with a series of scenic overlooks. Come & learn about the indigenous plants & animals. Meet 8:30 AM at trailhead.  From 118 Fwy take Yosemite Ave exit north 0.4 mile, turn right on Flanagan Dr, continue 0.8 mile to end and park. Rain cancels. Leader:  PIXIE KLEMIC  Asst:  VIRVE LEPS

01/24/12 TUE
Ahmanson Ranch Parklands:
O: (WA/SFV) Moderately paced 6 mile hike with 800’ gain.  Enjoy our recently acquired Santa Monica Mtns Conservancy land at the edge of the Simi Hills.  Hike the rolling grassland hills of oaks and coastal sage and visit the old ranch house at Lasky Mesa. Come & learn about the indigenous plants & animals.  Meet 8:30 AM at Van Owen trailhead.  From 101 Ventura Fwy take Valley Circle Bl. exit and go north to Van Owen, about 3 miles.  Turn left on Van Owen, go ¼ mi. to gate on left hand side.  Park on street.  Muddy when wet.  Rain cancels. Leader:  PIXIE KLEMIC  Asst:  SFVTuH Comm

02/07/12 TUE
Paramount Ranch:
O: (WA/SFV) Moderately paced 5 mile, 400’ gain around the old (and still active) movie set and environs of oak savannahs, Medea Creek, chaparral canyons, including a side trip to the old Reagan Ranch. Come & learn about the indigenous plants & animals.  Meet 8:30 AM at Paramount Ranch parking lot.  From 101 Ventura Fwy take Kanan Rd exit, go south on Kanan Rd ½ mile, turn left on Cornell Way and veer to right continuing south 2½ miles to Paramount Ranch entrance on right. Rain cancels. Leader:  PIXIE KLEMIC  Asst:  SFVTuH Comm

02/14/12 TUE
Calabasas Peak:
O: (WA/SFV) Moderately paced 4 mile hike with 950’ elevation gain to the top for great multi- Valley views at one of the highest peaks in the Santa Monica Mtns.  Wonderful rock formations and flowers; waterfalls after rains, too!  Come & learn about the indigenous plants & animals. Meet 8:30 AM at Stunt Road trailhead.  From 101 Ventura Fwy take Valley Circle/Mulholland Dr exit south, turn right on Valmar Rd (becomes Old Topanga Cyn Rd), right on Mulholland Hwy for 3½ miles, left on Stunt Rd for 1 mile, park on dirt shoulder on right. Rain cancels. Leader:  PIXIE KLEMIC  Asst:  SFVTuH Comm

02/21/12 TUE
Cheeseboro Canyon:
O: (WA/SFV) Moderately paced 7 mile, 500’ elevation gain in the lovely Simi Hills, first through ridge grasslands, then along an old ranch road following a streambed/multiple stream crossings with lovely oak woodlands to Sulfur Springs.  Come & learn about the indigenous plants & animals. Meet 8:30 AM at trailhead.  From 101 Ventura Fwy take Cheeseboro Rd exit, turn north on Palo Comado Canyon Rd then right on Cheeseboro Rd, and continue 1 mile to park entrance, turn right and follow road to second parking lot at end. Rain cancels. Leader:  RITA OKOWITZ   Asst: PIXIE KLEMIC

02/21/12 TUE
O'Melveny Park to Mission Point:
O: (WA/SFV) Moderately paced 5 mile 1400’ gain/loss hike with great views of SF Valley and way beyond depending on visibility.  Come & learn about the indigenous plants & animals. Meet 8:30 AM at trailhead.  From 118 Fwy take Balboa Blvd exit north about 2 miles to Orozco St, turn left continuing ½ mile to end, then left on Sesnon, pass parking lot, and go about 4 blocks to Neon.  Turn right and park at end of street. Rain cancels. Leader:  REAVEN  GATELY   Asst:  PIXIE KLEMIC

Thursday Hikes

01/05/12
Pt. Mugu State Park:
O: (WA/SFV) Moderately paced 7 to 9 mile 900’ gain hike to Old Cabin Site. Possible short side trip to little waterfall. Come & learn about the indigenous plants & animals. Meet 8:30 AM at Wendy Drive & Potrero Rd parking area. From 101 Ventura Fwy in Newbury Park take Wendy Dr exit, go south 2.8 mi on Wendy Dr to its end at Potrero Rd..Lder: DOUG DEMERS Asst: N. KRUPA

01/12/12 THU
Hummingbird Trail to Rocky Peak:
O: (WA/SFV) Moderately paced 9 mile 1700’ gain hike in Santa Susana Mtns to Rocky Peak, on beautiful trail through coastal sage scrub and chaparral, then on fire road to peak with great views. Come & learn about the indigenous plants & animals. Meet 8:30 AM at Kuehner Dr trailhead (from 118 freeway in east end of Simi Valley, take Kuehner Dr, exit 30, go north of freeway 100 yards and park off pavement on east side of street beside fence). Rain Cancels. Leaders: ROSEMARY CAMPBELL, MARGARET VERNALLIS, REAVEN GATELY

01/19/12 THU
Malibu Creek State Park:
O: (WA/SFV) Moderately paced 8 mile 1000’ gain hike including Lookout Trail with great views, Century Lake, and Reagan picnic area. Come & learn about the indigenous plants & animals.  Meet 8:30 AM at Cornell & Mulholland dirt parking area (from 101 Ventura Fwy take Kanan Rd, exit 36, south ½ mile, turn left on Cornell and veer to right continuing south 3 miles, past Paramount Ranch, to paved entrance of dirt parking area on east side of street just south of Mulholland Hwy). Rain cancels. Leader: TED MATTICK Asst: NANCY KRUPA

01/26/12 THU
Newton Canyon Backbone Trail:
O: (WA/SFV) Moderately paced 8 mile 1400’ gain hike on scenic trail through oak woodlands and chaparral. Come & learn about the indigenous plants & animals.  Meet 8:30 AM Newton Canyon Trailhead (from 101 Ventura Fwy take Kanan Rd, exit 36, south to paved trailhead parking area on west side just north of Tunnel 1 (3rd tunnel from 101 about 1¾ miles past Mulholland Hwy). Rain cancels. Leaders: NANCY KRUPA, PIXIE KLEMIC

02/02/12 THU
Placerita Canyon, Pinetos Trail:
O: (WA/SFV) Moderately paced 9 mile 1700’ gain hike starting in Placerita Canyon Park with shaded oak groves and a willow and sycamore-lined seasonal stream, to Walker Ranch and then up the Pinetos trail to Wilson Canyon Saddle. Come & learn about the indigenous plants & animals.  Meet 8:30 AM at Placerita Nature Center parking lot. From Hwy 14 in Newhall take Placerita Cyn Rd, exit 3, and go east 1½ miles to park entrance. Rain cancels. Leaders: MARGARET VERNALLIS, REAVEN GATELY

02/09/12 THU
Trippet Ranch, Musch Trail, Eagle Rock Loop:
O: (WA/SFV) Moderately paced 8 mile 1200’ gain hike in Topanga State Park. Come & learn about the indigenous plants & animals. Meet 8:30 AM at Trippet Ranch parking lot (from 101 Ventura Fwy take Topanga Canyon Blvd, exit 27, south to Entrada Rd, turn left (east), go about one mile making two left turns to stay on Entrada Rd, and park along Entrada Rd outside lot or pay to park in lot). Bring $ for parking, Rain cancels. Leader: TED MATTOCK Asst: NANCY KRUPA

02/16/12 THU
Nike Missile Radar Site:
O: (WA/SFV) Moderately paced 8 mile 1100’ gain hike with great mountain and valley views. Come & learn about the indigenous plants & animals. Meet 8:30AM Caballero trailhead in Tarzana (from 101 Ventura Fwy take Reseda Blvd, exit 23, south 2 miles to east side across from entrance to Braemar Country Club). Rain cancels. Leader: REAVEN GATELY Asst: NANCY KRUPA

02/23/12 THU
Johnson's Motorway to Rock Peak:
O: (WA/SFV) Moderately paced 9 mile 1700’ gain hike on picturesque trail in Santa Susana Mtns. Come & learn about the indigenous plants & animals. Meet 8:30 AM outside Iverson gate to Indian Springs Estates (from 118 Fwy take Topanga Canyon Blvd south in Chatsworth, turn right on Santa Susana Pass Rd and go about 1 mile to Iverson Rd (just past Rocky Peak Church), turn right, go ¼ mile and park on dirt shoulder outside gate. Rain cancels. Leaders: MARGARET VERNALLIS, MIMI KNIGHTS

Weekend Hikes and Events

01/07/12 SAT
Sat Lunch and Valley Ragtime Stomp:
O: San Fernando Valley
O: (SFV )Do you groove to turn-of-the century ragtime composers Scott Joplin, Wilbur Campbell, or James Scott? Do you enjoy listening to Duke Ellington’s blues? Are you intrigued by esoteric instruments like the melodica? If so, please join us for an afternoon of ragtime music by a group of musicians called Valley Ragtime Stomp who perform monthly at a neighborhood restaurant in Canoga Park. Learn about the music & instruments of that period. Order a sandwich and some coffee and spend a funky afternoon listening to live performers play and sing rags and blues. Host: Gabe Sende. 818-999-5384

01/07/12 SAT
Sat Whitley Heights, the High Tower, and Hollywood Bowl:
O: Sierra Singles, San Fernando Valley
Join us as we explore parts of historic Whitley Heights, which boast stunning Mediterranean-style homes, many dating from the 1920’s where the rich and famous were known to reside.  We’ll walk to the High Tower elevator and see views of the downtown skyline.  Then have a look-see at the Hollywood Bowl.  Learn the history of the area. This 4 – 5 mi rt walk involves going uphill and stairs, yet it will be worth it.  We will take many breaks to catch our breath and enjoy the views.  Afterwards join us for lunch at an eatery on Hollywood Blvd.  Meet 9am at Hollywood and Highland Metro Station entrance.  Wear appropriate attire; bring water and money for lunch.  Rain cancels, light drizzle is a go. Leader: Sandra Tapia 818.365.4571, Co-Leader Elaine Ayala 310.612.3619

01/14/12 SAT
Music Box Stairtop Hike:
O: San Fernando Valley/Verdugo Hills Join us for a historical stairway walk in Silverlake area. The complete hike consists of 705 steps, 2.5 miles. You are welcome to go at your own pace and return to the starting point at any time. Visit the famous location where Laurel and Hardy made their 1932 Academy Award-winning movie. Learn about a piece of movie history The two comedians carried a piano up a steep flight of steps. Meet at the corner of Sunset Boulevard and Parkman Avenue (Thomas Guide 594-C7) at 10AM. If you are interested in public transportation to the meeting place, contact the leader. Wear walking shoes and bring money for optional lunch at one of the charming restaurants in the Silverlake area. Rain cancels. Ldrs: Gabe Sende 818-999-5384;

02/04/12
West Hollywood:
O:  Sierra Singles, San Fernando Valley O:  Sierra singles, San Fernando Valley Join us on a 4.5 to 5 mile walk that is mainly flat with a bump or two.  We’ll see 2 small intimate parks, some old courtyards; go in elite areas where window shopping is too expensive, we’ll see a land locked blue whale, along with a few other surprises. Learn the fascinating history of the area.   Meet 9:30am at the corner of La Cienega & Santa Monica.  The real adventurous can join me at the N. Hollywood subway station where we’ll get off on S/M for a bus ride to La Cienega.  Bring water, money for rides, optional lunch, and dress appropriately.  Rain cancels.  Please call leader for meeting time if being adventurous.  Leader: Sandra Tapia, 818.365.4571.  Co-Leader: Elaine Ayala 310.612.3619

01/15,02/19,03/18,04/15,05/20,06/17/12 SUN
Stage Coach Trail:
O: Moderate hikers Interpretive hike into history in the Santa Susanna Pass State Park, from 3.5 to 5 miles depending on hikers, 400' gain loop hike up the Stage coach Trail. Meet 9AM. Come & learn about the indigenous plants & animals & the area’s history. Directions: from Topanga Cyn. Blvd., turn West on Devonshire St. continue to Larwin Ave., turn left and park near Park Entrance on right about 40 yards south of Devonshire. Leader: LEE BAUM, ASST: TMH COMMITTEE Lee Baum (818) 341-1850

2/5/12 SUN
Redline Metro Stations Tour:
O: (SFV/Sierra Singles) Join us for a docent-led walking tour of a number of Redline metro stations beginning at Union Station and ending at Universal Station. This is a rare opportunity to study the station interiors, which are decorated with the artwork of some 300 commissioned artists. On this educational tour the docent will give insights into the art and the artists who created it. The tour is completely free; it takes approximately two hours. At the tour’s end we’ll take a train to Union Station. From there we can walk to Olvera Street, where we’ll have lunch at one of the fine restaurants in the neighborhood. We will visit Pico House, the first three-story building constructed in Los Angeles (1870). You will receive a courtesy pass to ride the Metro free for the entire day. Meet at 9:30AM at the Union Station Information Booth. Wear walking shoes, sun protection, dress for weather. Rain cancels. Ldr: Gabe Sende; Co-Ldr: Bob Dean

2/26/12 SUN
San Pedro Urban Walk:
O: SFV/International Community Join us for an easy-paced 3-mile walk through the Palos Verdes Peninsula and San Pedro. We will start at the Korean Bell of Friendship, then walk down to Paseo del Mar and Point Fermin Park West and stroll along the park bluffs, enjoying the panoramic view of the coastline, with its views of Catalina Island, tidepools, flying aquatic birds and the Pt. Fermin Lighthouse. We’ll then continue down Paseo del Mar for a two-mile walk to the White Point Nature Preserve. Learn about this pristine 102-acre parcel, owned by the city of Palos Verdes, dedicated to the cultivation and preservation of native California plants. We will break for lunch in the lively Ports o’ Call district of San Pedro. We’ll eat at a local seafood restaurant where the fish you choose is cooked and served up to you at tables overlooking the harbor. Meet 10:30AM at the Korean Bell of Friendship in San Pedro. Wear appropriate attire; bring water, sun lotion, and money for a seafood lunch. Rain cancels. Call leader for carpool information. Ldr: Gabe Sende. 818-999-5384 Co-Ldr: Iris Edinger.

2012 Car-Camps

1/21-23/12 FRI-SUN
Morro Bay Family Carcamp
O: (SFV) Join us on our annual Morro Bay carcamp—we’ll be spending three days in this beautiful spot. One highlight of our outing will be to view the thousands of elephant seals at Pt. Piedras Blancas. We’ll see the pups being cared for by their giant moms, while the hefty male seals fight it out for control of the beach. Come & learn about these wonderful wild animals. We’ll hike along the beach bluffs and into the hills behind the campground. Sign up for a tour of Hearst Castle if you wish. And bring a camera to snap the plovers, egrets, herons, willets, ducks and geese in the marshes at the Elfin Forest at Morro Bay. Happy hour Saturday night with international potluck dinner to follow. Send $30 to Ldr: Gabe Sende. Co-Ldr: Iris Edinger.

GRIFFITH PARK REPEAT HIKES


All meetings to be at the Upper Merry-go-Round parking lot, unless otherwise instructed.
Always remember: Water, Lugsoles, and a snack. For nighttime hikes remember to bring a small flashlight
Contact Leaders for directions: Ann and Louis Cavalieri 818 244-5929, Chuck Molloy 818 246-9815


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