Antelope
Valley
Conservancy
P.O. Box 3133, Quartz Hill, CA 93586--3133
Serving the greater Antelope Valley region
TRAILS, PLACES TO GO, AND GROUPS
City of Palmdale Approved Trail Map
Proposed Trail System, City of Lancaster General Plan, Adopted 1992
Antelope Valley Trails Plan, Los Angeles County Amendment March 14, 1996
LA County Antelope Valley Areawide Trails (LA County web site, no street names)
The Devil’s Postpile
Lake Perris State Recreation Area
Last Chance Canyon, Red Rock State Park
Joshua Ranch Trail, Palmdale (Currently Closed)
EXTERNAL LINKS:
Back Country Horsemen--Dedicated to Gentle Use of California Trails
Trails information at www.localhikes.com
California Mountain Biking Trails Information (socalmtb.com)
Antelope Valley Radio Emergency Associated Communication Team (REACT)
Sierra Club Fitness Hikes -- open to the public
Desert Tortoise Preserve Committee
Devil's Punchbowl, Pearblossom
Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park
Red Rock Canyon State Park, Cantil
City of Lancaster More About Lancaster
City of Palmdale More About Palmdale
Images of Antelope Valley Magazine
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Manzanita Trail by Suellen Hall (2003)
After ten years working with the National Forest Service about the (five mile) Manzanita Trail located in the Valyermo area, we finally have succeeded. Thanks to a government grant, about two and one half miles of the trail is repaired from the South Fork Campground through the 500 foot slide area. Camp Fenner needs to be congratulated for their trail work. This trail is now safe for horses. (The Unsafe for Horses- signs have not yet been removed).
The trail still needs to be cleared from Vincent Gap to where the crew stopped repairing the trail, which is about two miles from the top to the old slide area.
Dick Hall said that the Fenner crew cleared the trail with a trail cat (a trail making machine about four feet across), and secured several large retaining walls along the slide area. Dick stated "They made a super Highway".
External link to site with more information about Manzanita Trail
Griffith Park, Los Angeles by Romelle Kemp
You probably already know Griffith Park as home to the Los Angeles Zoo, Griffith Observatory, Greek Theatre, Gene Autry Western Heritage Museum, merry-go-round, locomotive and pony rides. These attractions merely ring the heart of the park, which is several thousand hilly acres of chaparral, where coyotes, deer, raccoons, opossums, rabbits, skunks, owls and hawks roam free. The park’s 53 miles of trails offer a spectacular combination of open space, city views and time to unwind. The panorama from Mount Hollywood, the park’s highest point, gives a 360-degree view that allows you to see Pasadena, Glendale, the Valley, Long Beach and Santa Monica from the same spot. City lights spill endlessly to the south. The Valley’s suburban grid sprawls to the northwest. The San Gabriels, stoically dark, loom to the northeast.
Part of the Spanish Land Grant, Rancho Los Feliz, the park was named for its former owner, Colonel Griffith J. Griffith. Born in South Wales, Griffith emigrated to the United States in 1865, and made his fortune in gold mine speculation. In 1882, Griffith settled in Los Angeles, and purchased a 4,071 acre portion of Rancho Los Feliz, which stretched northward from the northern boundaries of the Pueblo de Los Angeles. When Colonel J. Griffith donated 3,015 acres of park to the city in 1896, as a Christmas gift to Los Angeles residents, locals weren’t particularly impressed. Undeveloped chaparral-covered hills were hardly scarce in turn-of-the-century Los Angeles. In fact, during the park’s early years, trees were often cut up and carted off as fire wood, but times have changed. Undeveloped chaparral-covered hills are scarce in today’s Los Angeles. In Colonel Griffith’s time, the park’s value was tied to its development.
Today, the upper park is a valuable public resource because of its non-development.
But if anything absolutely defines Griffith Park today, it is its equestrian trails. The trails crisscross every section of the park and most of the park’s attractions can all be approached on horseback. The trails seem endless. You can go out daily and pick routes always new, some as wide as a two lane road and others resembling goat paths.
Hiking into the rugged hills and sparsely developed areas is perhaps one of the most popular forms of recreation here. Hikers are allowed to use the entire 53-mile network of trails, fire roads and bridle paths. One of the most rewarding hikes in the park is the trail leading from the Observatory parking lot to the summit of Mount Hollywood, the highest peak of the park, which affords spectacular views of the entire Los Angeles Basin.
Riverside Drive is the center of horse activity and it is the main equestrian gateway into the park. The equestrian center is here with boarding stables, lesson stables, horse rental stables, a restaurant and the excellent Dominion Saddlery. Horseback riders have many specially marked trails, plus fire and patrol roads within the park. Riders may walk, trot, or canter horses, but must remain on marked trails at all times.
Griffith Park is open daily from 6:00 A.M to 10:00 P.M. The hiking paths, bridle trails and mountain roads close at dusk. The park lies just west of the Golden State Freeway (I-5). Freeway off-ramps leading to the park from I-5 are Los Feliz Boulevard, Griffith Park (the direct entrance), and Zoo Drive. Approaching the park on the 134 Freeway eastbound, take the Forest Lawn Drive or Victory Boulevard exits. From the 134 westbound, take Zoo Drive or Forest Lawn Drive. After leaving the freeways, follow the signs into the park. Maps of trails and current information on trail closures and special restrictions are available at the Ranger Station (213) 665-5188. Open fires and smoking are not allowed.
The Devil’s Postpile
The next time you’re in Mammoth Lakes, jump on the shuttle bus and visit The Devil’s Postpile National Monument. It’s a small park by most standards; it covers just 800 acres. On the western slope of the Sierra Nevadas, at an elevation of 7,600 feet, the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River cuts a north-south course through the park. From the shuttle stop, a short hike to the south will take you to the beautiful Rainbow Falls where the San Joaquin dramatically drops over a hundred feet.
The Postpile, which is located in the opposite direction from Rainbow Falls, is the world’s finest example of columnar basalt. Its formation began when basalt lava erupted in the Middle Fork Valley. As lava flowed from the vent, it filled the valley to a depth of 400 feet. Surface cracks formed when tensions caused by shrinkage of the cooling lava were greater than the lava’s strength. Each crack branched when it reached a critical length. Ideal conditions allowed surface cracks to deepen and form long post-like columns. The “Postpile” area itself is very small. There are plenty of benches where one can sit, relax and contemplate the nature’s wonder or, for the hungry hiker, there are picnic tables located on the banks of the rushing San Joaquin River. Be sure to take the trail to the top of the postpile where you can see the glacier-polished tops of the individual posts which form a four to seven sided honeycomb pattern. It’s nature’s perfect patio!
The mandatory shuttle bus runs every 30 minutes, or more frequently during periods of high use. The first bus each morning leaves Mammoth Mountain Main Lodge Gondola Building at 7:00 a.m. The last bus of the day leaves the Gondola Building at 7:00 p.m. Wilderness permits DO NOT entitle backpackers to drive their own vehicles to trailheads or to the valley. Shuttle buses are equipped with racks to accommodate packs.
Robie Equestrian Park - Lake Tahoe Rim Trail by Elaine Macdonald
The Tahoe Rim Trail was recently completed, so we took the horses and bicycles to discover this new trail. Through email, I found Jim Larimer, director of Robie Equestrian Park located near Truckee. Jim told us that from the park, we could access the north side of Tahoe Rim Trail. He also said that the Tevis Cup Endurance Ride would take place at the park the same time we planned our stay.
Robie Park sits in the middle of the Tahoe National Forest. What a beautiful spot!
The first two days it was like a mini city, bustling with activity. There must have been about 500 people there including riders, crews, and vendors selling horse equipment and riding clothes. There was also a masseuse for hire, to massage the rider or the horse.
There was a special arena just for the vets to check out the horses for soundness. It was very exciting to see all the activity. Tevis Cup Ride Endurance Ride is the most famous competitive equine event in western United States. There is a trail named after this event just outside of Robie Park.
Well we got to see the start of the 48th annual Tevis Cup- 100 mile ride (in one day) ending in Alburn. How exciting! The majority of the horses were Arabs, some cross Arabs, and one mule. The ride started at a trot at 5:15 AM. Out of 216 that started, 93 finished. The winner was Potato Richardson from Greenwood CA who finished in 15.23 hours.
Two hours after the start of the ride, Robie Park was deserted. Everyone left to support the riders. We had the solitude of the park to ourselves.
We discovered good trails, (about four days of riding) around Robie Park. There are scenic logging roads that lead into single track trails. All were in good condition. We also enjoyed riding our horses and bicycles to Watson Lake.
The Tahoe Rim Trail is about 140 miles around Lake Tahoe. From here you can enjoy gorgeous views of the lake and surrounding mountains. This trail is shared by mountain bicyclists as well as equestrians and hikers. I would recommend using this trail during the week if you are riding horses.
Jim said that there is plenty of opportunity for mountain bike riders here but the park is a real gem for equestrians. Jim said that they need more hoof prints in the Tahoe Forests, and invites you to come and ride at Robie Park. The park is run by the Robie Foundation which is a non profit organization. The park is 160 acres and is set up to handle large rigs pulling trailers. There are clean pit toilets, and water for horses. They request a donation of $5 per horse for camping. For more information and a map, contact:
Wendell & Inez Robie Foundation P.O. Box 714 Foresthill, CA 95631 or robiepk@foothill.net or (530) 367-4332.
Signal Hill Trail, Long Beach, California
by Romelle Kemp In 1921, oil was discovered under Signal Hill in Long Beach. Soon the hill was covered with derricks producing 243,000 barrels a day. It is a quieter place now, though a number of wells are still pumping. Signal Hill is anything but a natural environment, but because it is the only hill for miles around, it has great harbor and city views. Often more than one hundred people turn out for evening walks here.There isn't a single path around the hill, but through a combination of dirt and paved roads, you can circle it and get a birds eye view of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, Catalina Island, and the Long Beach Harbor. After circling the hill, the trail ends at the corner of Hill and Temple st Here you will find a plaque commemorating the success of the Los Angeles oil pioneers and their contribution to the welfare of mankind.
Directions: From the San Diego Freeway (405) in Long Beach, take the Cherry Avenue Signal Hill exit. Head south on Cherry one-half mile to Willow. Turn left on Willow and proceed for one mile; make a right on Redondo, then another right on Hill Street. Proceed to the base of Signal Hill. Depending on how much time you have, you can park at the base of the hill or closer to the top. Round-trip distance of the loop is four miles, but infinite variations are possible. The climb is 300 feet.
Lake Perris State Recreation Area By Romelle KempLake Perris is an Inland Empire recreational Mecca with a multitude of facilities available for campers, hikers, nature lovers and water enthusiasts. This 8,8000-acre park, with its regional Indian Museum, is 11 miles south of Riverside via Hwy 60 or I-215.
The jewel of the park is glistening Lake Perris with a rocky desert island set in its center. It is around the lake that all activities center. The swimming area is separated from other parts of the lake by safety buoys. Immaculately manicured beaches welcome sunbathers while smartly designed shelters provide a haven for those who wish to relax in the coolness of the shade. When children tire of the water, they can romp in the nearby playground. The lake is large enough to support a wide variety of boating activities. The fishermen have their favorite spots, which do not interfere with the sportsmen who enjoy speedboating, jet skiing or windsurfing. Support facilities, such as a boat ramp and moorings, food service, and supplies, are available for the convenience of the visitor. Coordinated through the Visitorís Center, there are exhibits, programs, and guided tours.
While visiting the park, the members of our horse club left the equestrian campground late one Saturday morning on a five-hour trek around the lake. Sturdy signposts clearly designated which trails were for us and which were for the hikers. From the high elevation of the horsecamp, we could see boats racing across the water and fishermen reeling in their catch. We saw birdwatchers hiking the back-country trails and cyclists pedaling along the paved bikeway. At noon, we stopped for a lunch. The horse rest stops had a shade trees, picnic tables, trash cans, restrooms, hitching posts and water for the horses. Some of us opted to leave the horses in favor of the tables on the
beach where we ate enjoying the scenery and the laughter of kids trying to make their rented kayaks 'go ' Too soon the 10 minute call rang out and we were on the trail again. After we passed a group of friendly rock climbers, we came to the dam, where, all the paths became one, that via a series of steep switchbacks, reached to the summit. There was a buzz of activity here, but everyone took care not to bother the horses; joggers slowed down and the bicyclists walked their bikes. When the path cleared, we climbed to the top of the dam and returned to camp.
The horse camp is just one of a variety camping facilities, others include family camps, (with or without RV hook ups) and several group camps. Prices range from $8.00 to $80.00 depending on the time of the year and the size of the group. There are fees for just about everything; dogs are $1.00/night; buses that carry 25 or more have to pay $40.00, while those with 10 to 24 passengers are charged half that price; seniors pay $5.00, the disabled pay $3.50 and those on welfare are issued free passes. The fee list is so extensive that it requires an 8 1/2 x 11" sheet of paper and despite its attention to detail, I don't know how much it would cost to camp with my cat or enter with only 9 people on my bus. To get exact pricing and to make camping reservations call (800) 444-7275; information regarding reservations for groups can be obtained by writing or calling: Lake Perris SRA, 17801 Lake Perris Drive, Perris California 92571; (909) 940-5608. These reservations can be made in person or by mail only; they do not make group reservations over the phone.
We stayed in the park over a gorgeous January weekend and it was great. However, I understand that it becomes very crowded during the summer; only a certain number of people are allowed in and those who are turned away become quite angry at times. Another item that needs to be mentioned is that occasionally the lake becomes polluted and swimming is not allowed.
Joshua Tree National Park, California By Romelle Kemp
During the winter months, when the temperature is mild and the sky is blue, Joshua Tree National Park is one of my favorite places to ride my horse. There are short loop trails that work their way through impossible jumbles of boulders and there are cross-country trails that take days to transverse. On my last outing, I saw three big-horn sheep scaling a mountain more grace and ease than I could climb a simple flight of stairs.
As a “roughin’ it” tradition, a group of my friends make an annual ride from Black Rock Camp to Ryan Rock. Leaving our rigs in Black Rock on a Saturday in October, we make a six and a half hour trek to Ryan Rock. We set up camp just in time for the hired caterers to serve dinner. Then, after enjoying a night under the stars, the caterers return with a hardy breakfast (and box lunch) to send us off on our return trip to Black Rock.
Joshua Tree National Park was established to preserve a unique portion of the California Desert. Changes in elevation and the influence of the coastal mountain ranges cause a wide variety of vegetation within the two desert regions that make up the park. Few areas more vividly illustrate the contrast between high and low desert. Below 3,000 feet the Colorado Desert, occupying the eastern half of the park, is dominated by the abundant creosote bush. The higher, moister, and slightly cooler Mojave Desert is the special habitat of the Joshua Tree. The park encompasses some the most interesting geologic displays found in California deserts, including washes, playas, alluvial fans, pediments, desert varnish, granites, and gneiss.
It is open year-round. Each season adds its signature qualities to the desert’s character. The visitor centers, ranger stations, entrance stations, and outdoor exhibits are located along the main road leading into and through the park. These provide information on what the park has to offer.
Joshua Tree National Park is about 140 miles east of downtown Los Angeles via I-10. The west and north entrances to the park are off Cal 62, at the towns of Joshua Tree and Twentynine Palms. The south entrance is at Cottonwood Spring, about 25 miles east of Indio off I-10. For more information write Superintendent, Joshua Tree National Park, 74485 National Park Drive, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277-3597 or call 760-367-5500.
by Elaine Macdonald
If you want an outrageous back- in-time western experience, you will have to visit Pioneer-Town located in Yucca Valley.
Pioneer Town was originally founded in 1942 as a back drop for filming western movies.
After the western movies stopped being filmed in Pioneer Town, people continued to live here and maintain the town’s western flavor. Pioneertown is in the high desert near Joshua Tree surrounded by beautiful rock formations, dry washes, and mysterious canyons. Spring is the best time to visit when the cactus flowers are in bloom. The wide- dirt "Mane Street," (the only street) is about 1/2 mile long. Along Mane Street you will find the OK Corral, the town church (seating for about 20 people) a bowling alley, several small western houses, a tiny post office, a buffalo and the main attraction, the Pioneer Palace.
For 50 years, Pioneer Town has been a favorite riding area for equestrians. Over the last ten years small ranch homes have propped up around pioneer town. Some property owners have put up fences blocking off trails that have years of historic use. For the most part, the area is fence free.At times, you will find equestrian groups camping in the middle of town. If you're into hiking and enjoy the desert’s beauty, you will find the terrain challenging (rocky to sandy surface). The two-lane paved street around Pioneer Town offers bicyclists out of the way places to explore with very little traffic. Keep your eyes open while on the trail, you may find one of the many natural springs in the rocky area. One unfortunate drawback is that there is no map of the trails in the area. As you start out toward the north, you will find well used trails, so spend a fun day exploring.
Pappy & Harriet’s Palace & Motel: The small rustic one-story western motel with wooden side- walk, located across from the Place, is equipped with kitchenette and fire place, no phone or pool. It’s not unusual to find horses tied in front of the motel or anywhere in town.
Pioneer Palace owner, Harriet Allen, has joined with other trail advocates in the area to combine their efforts to keep the trails open. Hitching posts are everywhere. Pioneer Town is very popular with equestrian groups. The Pioneer Palace offers home- style cooking at reasonable prices. A popular dish is the Santa Maria BBQ. All of their meats are barbecued outside on a pit.
The Palace is open on Wednesday (western dance lessons) through Sunday where you can dance on a wooden floor underneath the stars. For more information about the Palace and group camping call (760) 365-5956 for the motel (760) 365-4879. The Pioneer Palace is always crowded on the weekends so be safe and make reservations for dinner. Remember to wear your boots and hat and bring your horse.
Pipes Canyon Conservation Area:
This area is an open space sanctuary for humans and wildlife owned and maintained by the "Wildlands Conservancy." This 15,000 acre natural wilderness preserve is located next to Pioneertown. The Wildlands Conservancy, a southern California-based nonprofit corporation was founded in 1995.Pipes Canyon is a major connection of a wildlife corridor network that connects Joshua Tree National Park with the San Bernardino National forest, and dispersed U.S. Bureau of Land Management properties.
Pipes Canyon is noted as one of the handful of southern California locales having a year-round stream that has not been altered for water impoundment or flood control purposes. The absence of development in the streambed allows for a diverse riparian (freshwater) woodland to flourish, from aquatic plants to a gallery of cottonwoods and willows.
Wildlife present, but rarely encountered, includes mountain lions, black bears, bighorn sheep and bobcats. Mule deer, coyote, gray fox, raccoon, ringtail cat and skunks are seen more frequently. Rabbits, weasels, rodents, reptiles, and nearly 100 resident birds are active up-canyon.
Local native Americans used the canyon as a transit link (about 40 miles) from desert floor to mountain valleys.
There is no overnight camping or mountain bicycling allowed here. Dogs are OK on a leash. On entering the area there is a kiosk where more information is available.
There is a scenic, but rugged trail which connects Pipes Canyon to Pioneer Town. The trail can be more easily found starting at the Pipes Canyon Conservation Area. The trail follows the stream bead for a couple of miles. It then proceeds up the mountain called the "Sawtooth" (through beautiful pines and scenic views of the San Gorgonio Mountain ) to Pioneer Town. The trail is used by both hikers and equestrians and the best season would be spring or fall. A complete round trip can be made by fast-walking horses in about five hours including a half- hour for lunch.
As of last April there were no maps or trails signs to guide this area, one of the best for high trail users. Before setting out, acquaint yourself with the area, carry a compass and plenty of water. At 4,450 feet in elevation, it offers desert riding and hiking in southern California.
Directions to Pipes Canyon and Pioneer Town:
To get to Pipes Canyon and Pioneer Town, take Highway 247 or 18 to Lucern Valley; continue 37 miles on Highway 247 to Pipes Canyon Road. Turn right; seven miles to intersection with Pioneertown Road; continue on dirt road 0.6 miles to the wash, turn right 0.4 miles to the conservancy gate. There is plenty of room for large vehicles to turn around. If you're going to Pioneer Town, follow the signs as you turn on to Pioneer Town Road.The conservancy welcomes volunteers. If you are interested in assisting with disturbed areas revegetation, trail maintenance and mapping, litter and trash removal and other future projects, you can contact them by writing to:
Pipes Canyon Ranger, Pipes Canyon Conservation Area, P.O. Box 395,
Pioneertown, CA 92268.by Romelle Kemp
Only a few steps from the busy city streets of Contra Costa County is an entirely different world, a network of beautiful regional trails for hiking, bicycling and horseback riding. The backbone of this network is the Contra Costa Canal Trail, one of the most popular trails within the urban heart of the Diablo Valley. As a multiuse paved pathway, it provides a safe off-road corridor for walkers, joggers, bicyclists, and wheelchair users with room along side for equestrians. The 12.82 mile-long trail follows the Contra Costa Canal connecting the cities of Concord, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, Pacheco, and Martinez. Although the trail passes through an urban area, it allows the user a leisurely, rural pace, a chance for fresh air and exercise in landscaped surroundings with sweeping views of the nearby mountain. It intercepts some local parks and makes connections to regional trails including the California State Riding and Hiking Trail, the Briones-to-Mount Diablo Trail, the Ygnacio Trail, and the Iron Horse Trail. These trails are more rural and scenic as they progress out to the open space areas.
This path is great for workers who want to get in a run during the lunch hour. It is one of the few trails that is also enjoyable by bike. The paved road is eight feet wide, and the junction posts are wide enough to ride through. Because the trail follows a canal, it is relatively flat, so it is a good way to have an easy bike ride without traffic.
Because of its central Contra Costa County location, it is near many commercial areas. The Pleasant Hill Bart station is a mile north of the trail’s junction with Oak Grove Road and the Concord Bart Station is less than a mile from where the trail meets Cowell Road. Most crossings are on residential streets that only require feathering your brakes to look for traffic.
Tips: Get a trail map to find out the most convenient street for you to access the path. There are brochures at the Concord gate, near Clayton Road. Or call (510) 635-0135 and have one sent to you. Ask for the Contra Costa Regional Trails and C.C. Canal Trails maps.Directions:
The trail begins at Muir Road in Martinez, and ends in Concord at Willow Pass Road east of Sixth Street.by Romelle Kemp
The Ojai Valley Trail is an urban trail. It begins in the heart of Ojai, a quaint town situated in a valley about two hours north of Los Angeles, and 45 minutes southeast of Santa Barbara, near Lake Casitas. To the east, the town is surrounded by orange groves and, to the north, by mountains laced with hundreds of spectacular trails. These trails connect with backcountry that covers an area of two million acres, most of which is made up of Los Padres National Forest.
Ojai citizens brag that their urban trail is one of the best civic projects completed in recent memory. There must be some truth to their bravado because, in 1989, the trail, which exemplifies the rails-to-trails concept, received the Cal-Trans Award for Excellence in Transportation Facilities. It also has received accolades from reviewers of such prestigious periodicals as the L.A. Times and Sunset Magazine. According to The Ventura County Star Free Press, it has quickly earned a treasured place in any listing of the wonders of the county.
Posted rules remind users to travel to the right and pass to the left; cyclists are asked to call out when passing. There are trail makers and mileage markers galore and there is a center fence with pavement on one side and soft sand on the other to separate bikes and horses respectively. From the Soule Park Golf Course, the trail runs west through the downtown business district, past the Ojai Valley Inn Golf Course. At the intersection of Highways 150 and 33, it turns south, following a strip of land that is wedged between Highway 33 and the Ventura River. In places it is tucked behind a ridgeline, giving travelers a sense of being alone in the magnificent Ventura River Valley. After the turnoff to Lake Casitas, the trail circles back to the east, still paralleling the river and ending in Casitas Springs.
While traveling the nearly nine mile-long trail, one can visit art galleries, go to the library, shop, find lodging, or get a bite to eat at any of a wide variety of eateries. It passes rolling hills, quiet neighborhoods, and Christmas tree farms.
If you look closely, you may spot red-tailed hawks gliding just above hundreds of oak trees on the surrounding hills. There is ample shade, plenty of resting spots, and supreme tranquility. One trail user summed it up nicely, "I have enjoyed trails from coast-to-coast, and this is one of the best!"
Last Chance Canyon: The Back Side of Red Rock State Park -- A Pleasant Surprise
by Romell Kemp
You've all stopped at the Red Cliffs while traveling to some destination in Northern California. You've enjoyed the nature walk from the campground. But, how many of you have explored the secrets of eastern half the of Red Rock State Park? On Presidents Day weekend the Kemps and Macdonalds decided to do just that! We discovered a delightful, yet rugged, adventure for hikers, hardy mountain bikers, and equestrians. An adventure that can be experienced in a single day or savored by campers over a long weekend.
Head north on Hwy 14, go through Mojave, past the Cal City turn-off, to the park. If you haven't been out there for a while, stop off at the Visitors Center, it's being refurbished -- very nice, very informative. You might want to pick up a map to help you with your exploring. The one we have is Hileman's Gem, Mineral, & 4-Wheel Drive Map No. 1 of Last Chance Canyon, Mesquite Canyon and Iron Canyon.
Now continue past the Visitor Center and drive out of the park for a couple of miles. At Redrock-Inyokern Rd, start taking odometer readings. After 5.2 miles turn off the freeway onto a dirt road (there is a small sign “Burro Schmidt's Tunnel”. Head back toward the park in a south easterly direction on a dirt road that will accommodate most cars and motorhomes. However, 2.6 miles marks the limit for vehicles with average clearance, because the terrain gets rough and starts climbing. There's a nice flat area large enough for group camping, or if you continue on there's plenty of places to camp. The property is owned by the BLM, so it's OK to park you motorhome or camper wherever you wish.
We wanted to find a way to Burro Schmidt's Tunnel that was accessible by horseback. It was so easy. Looking south from our campsite, we spied a mine on the mountainside that, according to the map, was likely to be Burro Schmidt's. It looked like a steep climb, but we were determined to find a way, so we set out across country keeping the mine in sight. The climb was much more gradual than we expected (of course, the horses were doing the work) and we reached our destination just an hour and a half! Schmidt, because of his poor health, came to the desert in the 1920's to recuperate. He started tunneling and 30 years later he exited the far side of his mountain after boring through a half mile of solid rock. The place is swarming with friendly, pleasant motorcyclists. Out-buildings, worthy of exploration, litter the area. But most interesting of all, is the elderly caretaker, who willingly supplies historical information about the mine.
The second day's excursion was even more beautiful than the first's. Heading west from our campsite, we rode a couple of miles. A sharp left turn put us into Last Chance Canyon. Impressive! We rode for miles down its sandy wash looking up at its colorful walls -- an artists palette splashed with reds, pinks, yellows and grays. With another left turn, we looped back to our campsite through Pleasant Valley, declaring more than once, that the valley, indeed, lived up to its name. We are looking forward to a return adventure to the Back Side of Redrock. There are many more paths to explore and many more sights to enjoy.
•For a new map of this area call the State Department of Parks and Rec. 942-0662
Mount Lowe Trail by Romelle Kemp
In the 1890's, Professor Thaddeus Lowe, a Civil War-era balloonist, built a resort in the small city of Echo Mountain in the San Gabriel Mountains high above Pasadena. The resort complex included two hotels, a casino, observatory, residences, gardens, a small zoo, a power plant, and a railway which provided trolley and cable service for Los Angeles residents. Another hotel complex was built further into the mountains at the Ye Alpine Tavern and was connected to Echo Mountain by a 3.5 mile railway. It was a popular destination until the 1930's; since that time it has fallen into ruin and all that remains of it today are foundations and walls. The railway right-of-way has become part of a road and hiking trail system. A signed, self-guided interpretive trail connects Echo Mountain with the Ye Alpine Tavern site. Brochures describing the points of interest within the Mount Lowe Railway complex are available at the Arroyo Seco District Office and at the Forest Supervisor's Office at Arcadia.
The historical hike visits the ruins of the Echo Mountain Resort area and concludes with fine views of Los Angeles from Inspiration Point. Follow the paved Sunset Ridge Fire Road, which ascends two miles to meet the Echo Mountain Trail. The paved fire road soon becomes dirt, and an interpretive sign at the Cape of Good Hope tells you that you've joined the Mount Lowe Railway Tour. Then you will pass the tourist attractions that impressed earlier generations: Horseshoe Curve, the site of the Great Circular Bridge and, farther on, Granite Gate. Mount Lowe Trail Camp welcomes hikers with its shade, picnic tables and rest rooms. At Inspiration Point, you can look through several telescope like tubes aimed at Santa Monica, Hollywood and the Rose Bowl.
Directions: Exit the Foothill Freeway (210) at Lake Avenue and follow it north all the way to the end. Here, at the intersection of Lake Avenue and Alta Loma Drive, is the Cobb Estate/Sam Merrill Trailhead. For a longer, more challenging hike, park here and proceed east along the Lower Sam Merrill Trail for two miles to the top of Echo Mountain and the beginning of the Mount Lowe Railway interpretive trail (note: the Merrill trail is not recommended for mountain bikes). Another option is to continue driving with a left turn on Loma Alta Drive. Go one mile to Chaney Trail Road and turn right. At the fork in the road, bear to the right until you reach the Sunset Ridge Parking area.
Joshua Ranch Trail, City of Palmdale
Joshua Ranch Trail is generally an east-west trail located on the west side of the City of Palmdale and bounded by Rancho Vista Boulevard to the north, Elizabeth Lake Road to the south, Godde Hill Road to the west and Highland Street (25th St. West) to the east. The east entrance to Joshua Ranch Trail is located approximately ¾-miles west of Highland Street (25th St. West) along the alignment of Avenue P-12 (south of Highland High School). The trail extends approximately 3.2-miles to the west until it meets with the east boundary of Warnack Nature Park (50th St. West alignment). Warnack Nature Park is an existing 132-acre open space nature park owned by the City of Palmdale.
The middle portion of Joshua Ranch Trail is split into two legs – one climbing the ridge and the other following the valley. Eventually the two legs of the trail meet and continue westerly. The trail is approximately 8 to 12 feet wide. Trail amenities include several footbridges crossing existing drainage channels, some fencing, signage, shade structures and benches. The City of Palmdale constructed the trail with the help of a competitive grant that funded 4,200 hours of labor by 30 local students at Highland High School. The students participated in the design and construction of the trail itself as well as the trail amenities including benches, shelters and signage. The trail was completed in August 1998.
For Information about Honeybee Relocation, phone Greg Price at (661) 942-2822.