outsidelosangeles

Go to the fall in the winter

noreply@blogger.com (Outsidelosangeles.com) — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 05:10:00 +0000

Most hikers head to Sturtevant Falls in the summer, when they search out the spray of the 50-foot cascade to escape the mid-day heat.
But the falls really get roaring in the winter, a few days after a strong storm.
The falls were named for William "Sturde" Sturtevant, a packer from Colorado who opened a resort and pack station in the San Gabriel Mountains in the 1930s.
You will still hike past several dozen cabins along the nearly two-mile hike from Chantry Flats to the falls. You can still hire horses or mules to "pack" to the cabins. The trail offers a 500 foot gain but the views along the river, in the shade of oak and alder trees, will make it feel like a stroll in the park. Giant ferns and towering canyon walls will make you think you have dropped in on a Tolkien shire.
Direction: From the 210 Freeway, take the Santa Anita Avenue and drive north for six miles into the hills until you reach a parking lot and a pack station at Chantry Flats. Follow the paved road downhill to a wooden bridge and follow the signs to Sturtevant Falls. Water and bathrooms are available at Chantry Flats. You need to buy a $5 parking pass, sold at the bottom of the hill at the REI store at the corner of Santa Anita Avenue and Santa Clara Street.
(Photo: Sturtevant Falls. Credit: Hugo Martin)

Atop Mt. Bliss

noreply@blogger.com (Outsidelosangeles.com) — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 05:51:00 +0000

With an 8 mile round trip and 3,000 feet of elevation, the trek to the peak of Mt. Bliss is what you might call a "conditioning hike."
You can bag Mt. Bliss by hiking the fire road past chaparral, cactus and a few pine and oak trees.
This hike has no access to water and little shade so pack lots of H20. The views are pretty impressive from up here. Or maybe not. You can see the 605, the 210 and the huge gravel pits of Irwindale, not to mention the well-spaced, humble homes of Duarte at the bottom of the mountain. But, hey, you are here to get in shape so don't complain. Be aware: I spotted a few bear track so make some noise as you hike so you don't run into a startled bear.
Directions: Take the Mt. Olive Drive exit from the 210 freeway and head east, turn right on Royal Oaks Drive and then left on Melcanyon Drive. After the road ends, turn right and look for the paved path on your left. It leads to the dirt fire road after you reach the huge water tank a few yards up the hill.
(Photo: Me on the peak of Mt. Bliss)

Pick an excuse to skip work to visit the West Fork

noreply@blogger.com (Outsidelosangeles.com) — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 04:51:00 +0000

1. I've got a dentist/therapist/podiatrist appointment.
2. My cat/aunt/neighbor died.
3. My refrigerator/dryer/transmission needs repairs.
4. I have a rash on my back/scalp/down below.
Any of the above excuses work for getting you out of work so you can escape to the West Fork of the San Gabriel River for some hiking, biking or fishing. The paved access road borders the clear-water creek for eight miles from the access gate to Cogswell Dam. The road makes for a great place to jog or ride but I couldn't resist the fishing. About a mile from the gate where the road begins, the creek meets up with Bear Creek. At this confluence I found the trout biting like angry pit bulls. On weekends, the path and the river are clogged with anglers, hikers and bathers so I suggest you check it out on a weekday. Remember: This area is designated for "catch-and-release" fishing with barbless hooks only. Be on the lookout for bear, which hunt for trout without such restrictions.
Direction: From the 210 Freeway, take the Azusa Ave exit (State Route 39) and head up into the mountains. Just as you enter the forest, stop by the ranger station on your right to get you daily pass ($5) to park in the forest. (If you get caught parking without a pass, you will get a citation, requiring you to buy a pass.) Continue for 14 miles and after you pass the Off Road Vehicle access area on your right, look for a parking lot and a gated road on your left. That is the access point for the West Fork path.
(Photo: A trout caught with a barbless hook. Credit: Hugo Martin)

Get hot at Deep Creek

noreply@blogger.com (Outsidelosangeles.com) — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 01:36:00 +0000

As the temperature in Southern California begins to cool, my mind turns toward the desert.
This is the best time of year to visit Deep Creek Hot Springs. The hike through the desert near Hesperia is much more tolerable during the fall temperatures. The colder the temperature the better because when you get to the hot springs at the end of the hike you will love the feeling of the 100-degree plus pools.
Click on the link above to get the details from a previous post.
Warning: This place is clothing optional, which means most people hang around nude--even the ugly folks.
(Photo: My naked feet sticking out of a hot spring pool. Credit: Hugo Martin.)

Vasquez Rocks rock

noreply@blogger.com (Outsidelosangeles.com) — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 21:58:00 +0000

If you take California State Route 14, northeast of Santa Clarita, the strange rock formation on our left may look familiar. Those rocks have been the backdrop for dozens of movies, including "Little Miss Sunshine," "Austin Powers" and "The Flintstones."
But the rocks had a more interesting role in history decades before Hollywood discovered the area.
The rocks are part of Vasquez Rocks County Park, named for Tiburcio Vasquez, the Mexican bandito who hid among the upturned sandstone slabs to elude the law back in the 1870s. Click on this page to read more on Vasquez.
The 932-acre park is easily accessible (only two miles from the freeway) and lined with easy single-track trails. Most visitors come to hike or boulder-hop but I like looking for the caves that Tiburcio and his gang may have used as hiding spots when the local sheriff was on their trail. You can also climb around and find what could have been the perfect spot for a Tiburcio ambush.
Some history books describe Tiburcio as a sort of "Mexican Robin Hood" because he allegedly distributed some of the loot he stole to the Mexican peasants in the area. But I suspect a lot of those tales are exaggerated.
Tiburcio's end came when he got "involved" with the wife of one of his gang members. The jealous husband got revenge by passing on Tiburcio's hiding place to the sheriff. Tiburcio was hanged and buried in San Jose.
Directions: From Los Angeles, take I-5 north toward Santa Clarita. Take State Route 14 northeast for about five miles and take the Agua Dulce Exit and look for signs to the park.
Hours: 8 a.m. to Sunset
Cost: Free
Drinking water and bathrooms are provided.
(Photo: Vasquez Rocks. Credit: Hugo Martin)

Monrovia Canyon Fall

noreply@blogger.com (Outsidelosangeles.com) — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 16:41:00 +0000

Despite our desert climate, Southern California is home to several waterfalls--small but still a delight to visit.
The Monrovia Canyon Fall, in the San Gabriel Mountains, is a 30-foot cascade at the end of an easy 1.7 mile hike.
To visit the fall, you must enter Monrovia Canyon Park. There is a $5 parking charge but it is well worth it.
The water fall is a nice cap to a wonderful hike. The creatures and foliage that live in the canyon come together like nature's greatest symphony. The crickets set the back beat. The frogs perform the melody, and the wind-rustled leaves sound like distant applause. Bravo.
The dirt trail follows a small creek, bordered by oak and sycamore trees that form a shady canopy. It's a great hike on a hot day. Even better, the $5 ensures that the park is kept free of litter--soiled diapers and empty beer cans that trash other parks.
Directions: From Monrovia, take E. Foothill Blvd. east then turn left at North Canyon Blvd. Follow the road uphill and look for the signs that direct you right just before you reach a dead end.

Snakes, Rattle and Coil

noreply@blogger.com (Outsidelosangeles.com) — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 06:45:00 +0000

You adventurous outdoor enthusiasts who refuse to let a little heat keep you from venturing in the wild need to be extra careful about where you step.
Experts say rattle snakes are especially active when the temperature outside starts to rise.
That make sense, considering I almost stepped on the fanged reptile to the left during a recent hike along Coldbrook Creek Canyon in the San Gabriel Mountains. This creek eventually dumps into the San Gabriel Reservoir.
There are a couple of good fishing spots along the North Fork, near the OHV Entrance Station in San Gabriel Canyon. However, the area is overrun with families and picnickers on the weekends. That's why I explored the river further upstream to look for a place to drop a line and accidentally met up with the snake in the grass that you see above.
So, stay safe! Stay on marked paths and trails. Wear hiking boots and thick pants if you are going to venture into the brush. And look before you step.
Happy hiking.

Look for Osprey in Upper Newport Bay

noreply@blogger.com (Outsidelosangeles.com) — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 21:00:00 +0000

The Osprey, a majestic bird that makes its home near water, is making a comeback in Southern California.
It's great news because these are beautiful birds to watch in action. I just got back from my annual vacation in Huntington Lake where I joined the Osprey in a daily hunt for trout in the beautiful mountain lake. My efforts were an epic failure but I enjoyed watching the Osprey soar over the surface and dive to pluck the floundering fish from the lake.
If you have never seen an Osprey before, think of a cross between a seagull and an eagle, with a call that sounds like a crying baby.
To see the Osprey, check out the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve and Ecological Reserve. Follow the link for hours and directions. The preserve boasts one of the largest coastal wetland in southern California, and is renowned as one of the finest bird watching sites in North America.

(Photo: Osprey nest near the Upper Newport Bay. Credit: Los Angeles Times.)

It's not too late to see Bald Eagles

noreply@blogger.com (Outsidelosangeles.com) — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 04:23:00 +0000

Our nation's iconic symbol, haliaeetus leucocephalus, spends most of the summer in cool places like Alaska and Canada. But with some luck you can spot a couple of Bald Eagles here in Southern California.

Big Bear Lake in the San Bernardino Mountains has been home to dozens of Bald Eagles, most visible in the winter but a few hang around in the summer.

The best way to see them is to check into the Big Bear Discovery Center on the northeast end of the lake. From the center you can join a canoe or kayaking tour of the lake. The eagles usually nest in the tallest trees closest to the water. The juveniles look like Golden Eagles, covered with brown feathers. But there is no confusing them with any other bird when you see an adult eagle, sailing on a wind current.

For more information, call 909-866-3437.

(Photo credit: bigbearblogs.com)

Training to bag Mt. Whitney (Mt. Wilson)

noreply@blogger.com (Outsidelosangeles.com) — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 22:02:00 +0000

It's been on my bucket list to hike to the peak of Mt. Whitney, the tallest summit in the lower 48 states. If you have the same wish, between now and early October is probably the best time to do it before the winter weather sets in. But before you attempt such a feat, you have to train a bit so you don't poop out half way up the mountain. To get in shape to tackle Mt. Whitney, many people choose Mt. San Gorgonio in the San Bernardino Mountains. It is the highest peak in Southern California at 11,503 feet in elevation.
I haven't hiked Mt. San Gorgonio but another good training site is Mt. Wilson, the 5,710 feet peak overlooking the San Gabriel Valley. If you begin at Eaton Canyon Nature Park in Altadena, you will hike about 12 miles each way with an elevation gain of 4,400 feet. I did this hike last summer in the midst of a stifling heat wave.
From Eaton Canyon park, go to the nature center where you can get a map that shows how to look up to the Mt. Wilson Toll Road. It probably won't be necessary. Just follow the main trail up the creek and when you get to the big concrete bridge, follow the wide dirt trail up the mountain. You won't find any water until you get to a small hike-in campsite halfway up the mountain. The terrain ranges from dry, dusty chaparral to shady pine and oak forests. Keep an eye out for bear, which have been spotted in the area. To read up on the toll road, check out this Wikipedia site.
Directions: From the 210 Freeway, take the Altadena exit east. After you past New York Ave. look for the Eaton Canyon Nature Park on your right. Park and follow the creek up river.
(Photo: Mt. Wilson from Altadena.)

Hiking is for the dogs (Griffith Park)

noreply@blogger.com (Outsidelosangeles.com) — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 04:05:00 +0000

The dog days of summer are here and you don't want to leave Fido at home while you're exploring the great outdoors. If you're looking for good hiking trails where your pooch is welcome, you will find no shortage of suggestions from a stack of books on the subject. You energetic and athletic types can try hiking up Solstice Canyon from Malibu into the Santa Monica Mountains. You'll get a good workout and see some gorgeous views. But be warned that the park rangers have been cracking down on dog owners who ignore the leash law.
But for those who are looking just to have a short adventure with man's best friend, try meeting up with the Angeles Chapter of the Sierra Club. These friendly tree huggers meet Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights around 7 p.m. at the upper Merry-Go-Round parking lot at Griffith Park. The hike along dirt trails is not strenuous but it stretches out into the night so bring a flashlight and water for you and your dog. The highlight of the hike comes when you reach Bee Rock, a summit that offers a view of exotic, glimmering Glendale after dark. For details, call the chapter headquarters at (213) 387-4287.
(Photo: An unleashed dog hikes toward Bee Rock in Griffith Park. Credit: Los Angeles Times.)

Hiking with the rug rats (Millard Canyon Falls)

noreply@blogger.com (Outsidelosangeles.com) — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 23:04:00 +0000

What's so great about it? The hike up to Millard Canyon Falls is less than a mile long, alongside a trickling creek, under the shade of oaks, eucalyptus, cypress and who knows what other trees. Follow the well-worn single-track trail up the creek bed, crossing the stream about a dozen times, and before you know it you'll be looking up at a 60-foot waterfall.
Kids will love this hike because it's short, involves jumping over an ankle-deep creek and remains cool even on the hottest summer days.
No, there is not enough water for kids to swim in. For that, I recommend Eaton Canyon Falls, a three-mile hike just down the road along Altadena Road. (A post on Eaton Canyon is coming soon.)
What to expect: The falls will be crowded on weekends. Start early to avoid the crowds. Also, to park at the lot at the trail head you need a national forest parking pass. The park rangers don't check often but if they do and you don't have a pass, you'll get nailed.
Directions: From the 210 freeway, take the Lake Avenue exit north until it ends and turn left on Alta Loma Drive. Continue until you see a flashing yellow light overhead. Turn right on Chaney Road. Continue until it ends in a parking lot. From the lot, follow the trail toward Millard Canyon campground. After you pass the campground, the trail will head to the right along the creek bed.
(photo credit: me)

Get hooked on fishing (Castaic Lake)

noreply@blogger.com (Outsidelosangeles.com) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 04:01:00 +0000

What's so great about it? There will be great debate over the best fishing lake in Southern California.... Don't get me started. Lake Casitas near Ojai is great and so is Diamond Valley in Riverside County. But if we are talking about lakes within a short drive of downtown Los Angeles, Castaic is it. Professional anglers believe Castaic has a strong chance of producing a world's record bass. But what makes it great is how accessible it is. From Los Angeles, you can get to the lake in less than an hour (depending on traffic, of course). The entrance fee is only $11, and, as the photo demonstrates, anyone can land a whooper. Of course, it can get crowded on weekends so I suggest calling in sick from work and show up early on a weekday.
Directions: Take I-5 north about 37 miles from downtown Los Angeles. Take the Parker Road exit. Turn right on Ridge Route Road and another right on Castaic Lake Road. For more details to to the lake's website.
(photo credit: Castaic Lake State Recreation Area)

Modern camping with kids (Lake Casitas)

noreply@blogger.com (Outsidelosangeles.com) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 06:17:00 +0000

What's great about it: Lake Casitas has it all for the hard-core angler and camper and for the water-loving kids in the family. At Lake Casitas, you can pitch a tent in a primitive campsite or park an RV on a spot with sewer and electrical services. As for fishing, Lake Casitas is considered one of the best bass fishing lakes in the state. Just check out the photos of the monster fish at the bait shop next to the dock. Keeping the kids entertained will be easy: Let them loose in the water park and lazy river. Both are supervised by lifeguards. My favorite section is the lazy river. Just grab an inner tube and let the current push you around all afternoon.
Camping supplies are available at a store within the park.
Warning: This place gets pretty crowded on weekends. Get there early or call to make reservations. For more details, go to http://www.lakecasitas.info/.
Directions: From Los Angeles, take U.S. 101 north for about 70 miles. Take California 33 east toward Ojai and continue for about 10 miles. Turn left onto California 150 (Baldwin Road), then left again onto Santa Ana Road. The park entrance is on the right.

Run Forrest, Run! (Santa Ynez Canyon Trail)

noreply@blogger.com (Outsidelosangeles.com) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:37:00 +0000

What's great about it: This loop trail takes you through all the wonderful terrain that Southern California has to offer, from scrub land to shady woods. Be ready to jump over streams and duck under fallen branches. But the payoff to this run comes when you reach the summit and get a view of the Pacific Ocean, with Catalina Island in the distance.

What to expect:: This 9.5-mile loop has a 1,400-foot elevation gain in Topanga State Park. It's a moderately difficult run with a rugged climb near the start and a three-mile descent at the end. The loop goes along the Trailer Canyon Fire Road to the Temescal Ridge Fire Road to the Eagle Road Fire Road and ends on the Santa Ynez Canyon Trail.

Directions: From Sunset Boulevard, drive east on Palisades Drive, turn left on Vereda de la Montura and look for the trail head on the right.

For more details go towww.trailrunnersclub.com.

(photo credit: MTB Trail Review)

Get lost in these tide pools (Portugues Bend, Palos Verdes)

noreply@blogger.com (Outsidelosangeles.com) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 06:06:00 +0000

What's great about it? These wonderful tide pools are in the Abalone Cove Ecological Reserve off Portuguese Bend. A great tide pool is an attraction for the whole family and requires almost no skills to enjoy. Just watch your footing when stepping around the tiny critters in the water.
What you'll see: Hermit crabs, anemones, star fish, shells, sea weed and lots of other crawling, darting, swimming creatures.
Address: 5970 Palos Verdes Drive South, Rancho Palos Verdes.
For more details go to the city of Rancho Palos Verdes web site.
Fees: $5 parking fee per car.

Star gazing in the desert (Joshua Tree)

noreply@blogger.com (Outsidelosangeles.com) — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 04:54:00 +0000

What's so great about it: Joshua Tree is about as far from civilization as you can get in Southern California. And that means city lights won't ruin your view of the night sky. But more than that, Joshua Tree is also a wonderland of boulders, cacti and shrubs. No need to worry about trees blocking your view of the heavens. Telescopes and binoculars will bring the stars and planets to life but you can get a great view with the naked eye.

Where to go? Try to be there on a night for a scheduled star party, hosted by the Andromeda Society, the local astronomy group. The group holds their parties at Happy Valley picnic area. The gatherings are free to the public. The amateur astronomers allow visitors to peek through their telescopes. For details on the parties, go to the Joshua Tree web sites.

A note of warning: Joshua Tree can get extremely hot during the summer. Spring and fall are better times to visit.

Directions: Go to the Joshua Tree web site for directions.

Los Angeles, ranked 18th and moving up.

noreply@blogger.com (Outsidelosangeles.com) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 22:07:00 +0000

For those of you who still doubt that Los Angeles has anything to offer society other than police chases, tabloid fodder and movies based on old 1970's TV shows, here is a Forbes article that ranks Los Angeles in the top 20 of outdoor towns.

(Photo: The city skyline of Los Angeles.)

Bird watching in the big city (Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve)

noreply@blogger.com (Outsidelosangeles.com) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 04:29:00 +0000

What's so great about it? This 225-acre reserve, only a few miles from shopping malls and busy freeway interchanges, is home to a menagerie of glorious birds, such as egrets, cormorants, hawks and dozens of song birds. No need to drive miles up a winding mountain road to snap photos of wonderful feathered creatures. Once in the reserve, follow the smooth dirt paths to Wildlife Lake, where you will see an amazing variety of birds. (OK, so this is not the beautiful Bosque Del Apache, but where else can you see so many birds so close to a smoggy, traffic-choked megalopolis?) Bring water, a camera and binoculars.

A note to visitors: Volunteers with the San Fernando Valley Audubon Society lead tours on the first Sunday of every month from 8am-11:30 am, year-round. There is also a Bird Walk on the second Saturday of winter months between October and March starting at 8:30 A.M. and ending around 11:00 A.M.

Address: 6350 Woodley Ave. Van Nuys, CA 91406
For more info go to the reserve website.
(Photo by the Los Angeles Times)

Down by the old swimming hole (Hermit Falls)

noreply@blogger.com (Outsidelosangeles.com) — Sat, 30 May 2009 04:38:00 +0000

What's so great about it? The hike to Hermit Falls in the Angeles National Forest is almost as soothing and picturesque as a dip in the swimming hole above the falls. You hike for less than five miles along a single-track dirt path, through groves of cottonwood, eucalyptus and oak trees, bordering a cute, trickling stream. The swimming hole is deep and bordered by huge granite boulders, perfect for kamikaze cannonball dives. Then dry off on the warm rocks.

A note of warning: Jump at your own risk. There are no medical emergency services nearby. You get injured and you are going to have to limp back out.

Directions: From Interstate 210, take Santa Anita Avenue north to the Chantry Flats. Go past the gate and down the paved road into the canyon. Trail signs direct you to Hermit Falls. A large metal pipe on your left marks the swimming hole.

April showers bring desert flowers (Anza-Borrego Desert State Park)

noreply@blogger.com (Outsidelosangeles.com) — Fri, 29 May 2009 05:24:00 +0000

What's so great about it? From the window of a jet, flying overhead, the desert east of San Diego seems like a vast stretch of wasteland, devoid of life and beauty. But in the spring, Anza-Borrego flourishes with wild flowers that carpet the desert floor with brilliant shades of purple, white, crimson and yellow.

What you'll see: Sand verbena, ocotillo, desert lilies, chuparosa.

Favorite thing to do: Give everyone in your party a camera and challenge them to come up with the best flower photo. I did this with my ten-year-old daughter and we had a great time.

When to go? The flowers start to sprout and bloom in March and begin to fade by the end of April. Call the park for updates and directions to the blooms. (760-767-5311).

Directions: Drive in along Highways S22 and 78. From the coast, these highways descend from the heights of the Peninsular range of mountains with spectacular views of the great bowl of the Colorado Desert. Highway S2 enters the park from the south off of Interstate 8. Look for the Anza-Borrego Visitor Center, 200 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs.

For more details go to the park website.

Mountain biking on the cheese! (Cheeseboro/ Palo Comado Canyons)

noreply@blogger.com (Outsidelosangeles.com) — Fri, 29 May 2009 04:31:00 +0000

What's so great about it? The fire roads and trails at Cheeseboro/Palo Camado Canyons in the Santa Monica Mountains in Agoura Hills cut through grassland hills and oak woods, skirting along babbling creeks and climbing to peaks that look down on the Conejo Valley. These trails are perfect for beginners and intermediate riders. Nothing too technically difficult. The toughest sections you'll encounter are steep drops over "baby-head" rocks.

My favorite feature? The land is home to a menagerie of animals, including some beautiful hawks and majestic deer. Take your time to spot the critters and breathe in the scent of wild flowers.

Where to ride? First time riders should stick to the Cheeseboro Canyon trail from the main entrance off Chesebro Road. It follows a stream bed, past picnic areas and near a sulfur springs where you can smell the odor of rotten eggs. (Maps of the trails are available at the trail head.)

For a more challenging ride continue beyond the "Sheep Corral" near the north end of the park and follow Palo Comado Canyon Trail to the Simi Peak at 2,403 feet above sea level. The view is worth the climb.

A word of warning: There is no drinking water in this park so pack plenty. Shade is also minimal so dress appropriately on hot days.

Directions: From Highway 101, take the Chesebro Road exit near Agoura Hills and head north, following the signs to the main park entrance. Bathrooms are located at the trail head. Click here for a trail map.

This spring is really hot! (Deep Creek)

noreply@blogger.com (Outsidelosangeles.com) — Wed, 27 May 2009 05:34:00 +0000

What's so great about it? Deep Creek has a series of hot spring pools, each one hotter than the other. The hottest spring pool is searing hot and it feels great to soak for a few seconds and then jump into the cool waters of Deep Creek. The hot springs are in the cradle of a bend in Deep Creek, surrounded by massive granite boulders, willows, cotton wood and Joshua trees. The scenery is breathtaking.

A few notes of caution. The hot springs are located in the desert south of Apple Valley, where temperatures can be brutally hot. Plus, you will be soaking in water over 100 degrees, so dehydration is a definite danger. So, bring lots of water. In fact, bring twice as much as you think you will need. One more thing: The springs are clothing optional so if you are uncomfortable with nudity, beware. Lastly, bring sunblock. During my last visit, I spent so much time standing naked in the sun, staring at other naked bathers that I got sun burned in parts that should never get any sun.

No overnight camping.

Directions. From Los Angeles, drive north on Interstate 15 toward Hesperia. Exit east on Bear Valley Road and continue for about 10 miles. Turn right on Central Avenue and go about
three miles, turning left on Ocotillo Way. Go two miles to Bowen Ranch Road. Paved road becomes dirt. Continue on Bowen Ranch Road for about six miles.

When you reach private property known as Bowen Ranch, you will come to a stop sign. The ranch owner charges $5 to park on the land. Slip the money into the supplied envelope, write your license plate number on the outside and drop the envelope into the metal slot. Take a trail map offered at the ranch entrance. Trail posts numbered “3W02” mark the route. Follow it two miles to a bend in Deep Creek, where you will see a rope stretched across the water. Cross there.

For more detailed directions go to ww.deepcreekvolunteers.com.