Welcome to the Caltech Hiking Society's website. Our goal is to get people from the Caltech/JPL community out onto the trails. Below are the most recent posts. Look at the calendar and upcoming hikes to see what has been planned. The mailing list is also used to send out information about hikes. Feel free to look around and contact us with any questions and/or comments.
Joshua Tree Hike: North View-Maze Loop
This was the alternate hike for the day, as the originally scheduled hike to the summit of Mt Baldy was canceled due to weather. With rain likely all over Los Angeles basin, we drove out to dry Joshua Tree National Park, 16 people in 4 cars. It was partly sunny and pleasant conditions for walking in the desert. The hike combined North View Trail, Maze Loop, and a section of Window Loop.
(Continued...)Date/Time (Length): 2011 Nov 20 - 8:30am (10 hrs) |
Leader: Hakno |
Distance (Elev. Gain/Loss): 6 mi (800'/800') |
Difficulty: Beginner (4/10) |
Death Valley NP Trip - 2011
12 people in 3 cars left Pasadena Friday morning, arriving at Furnace Creek in the southern portion of the park mid-afternoon. After visiting the salt flat of Badwater and Devil's Golf course with its salt pillar formations, the group drove through the colorful hills of Artist's Drive. Artist's Palette was especially spectacular in the late afternoon sun. With the day's end, we set up camp at Furnace Creek Campground. Dinner was followed by some games around the campfire until bedtime.
(Continued...)Date/Time (Length): 2011 Nov 25 - 8:00am (64 hrs) |
Leader: Hakno |
Distance (Elev. Gain/Loss): 14 mi (3300'/3300') |
Difficulty: Intermediate (6/10) |
Winter Creek Loop - 2011
A pleasant, short fall hike through one of the most scenic areas in San Gabriel Mountains. 18 of us drove to nearby Chantry Flats, and walked down the short road to the start of Lower Winter Creek Trail. After regrouping, we started the hike up, following the creek. Passing several small dams, some with waterfalls, and through the heavily forested path, we arrived at Hoegee's Campground around noon. There, the group had a leisurely lunch sitting on the picnic tables.
(Continued...)Date/Time (Length): 2011 Oct 23 - 10:00am (4.5 hrs) |
Leader: Hakno |
Distance (Elev. Gain/Loss): 5 mi (800'/800') |
Difficulty: Beginner (2/10) |
Sandstone Peak Hike In Malibu
20 people drove out Santa Monica Mountains on the Malibu coast for the hike (1+ hr drive). Starting on Mishe Mokwa Trail, we walked past Echo Cliffs and stopped to admire the Balanced Rock. At Split Rock picnic area, the group had early lunch while being inundated by ladybugs, which are known to congregate in that spot. Better than ants though. Continuing the hike, we switched over to Backbone Trail. After a brief stoppage at Inspiration Point, the final push to the summit of Sandstone Peak was made.
(Continued...)Date/Time (Length): 2011 Oct 9 - 9:00am (6 hrs) |
Leader: Hakno |
Distance (Elev. Gain/Loss): 6.2 mi (1300'/1300') |
Difficulty: Beginner (3/10) |
Mt. Baden-Powell - Dawson Saddle to Vincent Gap
13 of us in 3 cars took the hour and 15 minute drive up the winding Angeles Crest Highway to Dawson Saddle. The trailhead is 7901 ft in elevation, so it made for a much cooler hike. After reaching the summit ridge, we took a short side trip up Throop Peak, named after the founder of Caltech. We got back on the ridge and headed towards Mt. Baden-Powell, enjoying the view along the way. Thunderstorm clouds began to form to our east, making for a dramatic scenery. By the time we reached the summit a little after noon, thunder and lightning could be heard and seen over the neighboring Mt.
(Continued...)Date/Time (Length): 2011 Jul 30 - 8:00am (8 hrs) |
Leader: Hakno |
Distance (Elev. Gain/Loss): 9 mi (1900'/2800') |
Difficulty: Intermediate (5/10) |