The route to Hines Peak that interests me the most is via Santa Paula Canyon. The Tom Harrison map shows the Last Chance Trail going through to the ridge, but when I visited it a year or two ago the trail appeared to vanish after Jackson Hole, leading to a potentially severe bushwhack. An attempt by the HPS in 1994 was unsuccessful. Has anyone done this?
Yes, earlier this year, but the hike was a loop / shuttle - going up Sisar Canyon / Red Reef Trail / Last Chance Trail past Hines Peak - one woman summitted while the bulk of the group continued down the Last Chance - down Santa Paula Canyon to the trail head and a car shuttle back up to Sisar Canyon trail head.
There were about 10 of us - I was the newcomer - and fortunately most of the rest had been down this trail at least once in the past.
It is not marked, although the trail tread can be seen and followed in many places.
Poodle dog - a fire-follower plant we'll be seeing when they open up the Angeles again - was quite prevalent, being 2 1/2 years after the Day Fire in this area.
Without having the experienced folks to seek out the trail - often one group would head right only to be called back the other way - it would be a real adventure to find your way down and out.
The best time of year - when the days are long - would also be the hottest - and there was no water in the upper reaches.
Some bushwacking involved, but nothing major at that time.
It was an adventure!
IMHO - do it top to bottom.
And the trail head sign from the Sheriff's Dept? - Believe it. The knuckleheads up this way live too close to the trail heads and know we'll be gone a while. _________________ If you want to catch beasts you don't see everyday,
You have to out of the way,
You have to go places no others can get to,
You have to get cold, and you have to get wet, too.
Dr. Seuss
after visiting your website for the first time - wow - very cool - i can see why you'd like the quote. it's you!
the majority of my hiking takes place in the los padres and we see tracks of bear and cougar frequently - as recently as three days ago on the chorro grande trail - see norma r's report and pix of 4" tracks superimposed over our uphill tracks. but i have yet to see one live. _________________ If you want to catch beasts you don't see everyday,
You have to out of the way,
You have to go places no others can get to,
You have to get cold, and you have to get wet, too.
Dr. Seuss
I hiked Sawmill and Pinos last week. Driving up to the trailhead, a bear cub raced across the road directly in front of us. Didn't see Momma bear, but that was an amazing sight! And it happened so quickly, didn't get a chance to get a picture. _________________ The best climber is the one having the most fun.
- Alex Lowe
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