Event #1572

Hiking Chino Hills

Chino Hills State Park, 4721 Sapphire Rd, Chino Hills, CA

Registered Boxes: All Traditional HH/Cootie/Flea Postal LTC Event Box Traveler Other

Starts	Sat March 20, 2010 9:00am
Ends	Sat March 20, 2010 5:00pm
Owner	Kelsung
Admins	Kelsung
Signups	34/∞
Location	Chino Hills State Park, 4721 Sapphire Rd, Chino Hills, CA View Map
Add to Calendar	Google calendar ICS file (e.g. Outlook, iCal, etc.)

Description

Okay, everything is prepared. Now all we need is the park rangers to be confident that things have recovered from the rain so that the park will be open. I'm really worried we may have to postpone the event to a later date, which sucks.

Exit the 71 freeway at Soquel Canyon Parkway and go southwest. Go left at the fourth intersection, which is Cypress Point Dr/Elinvar Dr. It will end at Sapphire Rd, so turn left, then immediately right into the park entrance, which is a dirt road. Take this back about a mile to where you will pay the $8 fee, then continue another 1.7 miles, at which point you cross a bridge and the dirt will become paved.

Right there are two picnic tables and five parking spaces, and I'll be here with the event stamp and handing out clues. If you continue a short distance further, there another picnic table on the right and then three more picnic tables and more parking on the left where we'll probably have lunch. Between these areas we should have ample room. Beyond this it reaches the ranch, and although the facilities there are nice, they do require reservations and fees. I believe that will be the starting point to Mr. Ospital's series.

What I've created is five loops that all start and end in the same area, and also intersect one another, so they can be combined into a couple medium hikes, or all strung together into one long hike. That way, any level hiker can be satisfied. But be warned, even the "short" hikes aren't easy. Chino Hills is beautiful grassy hills, but that means little to no shade, and lots of good inclines. And some of the trails, although clearly marked, are little more than an unmaintained narrow footpath. Bring good hiking shoes, sunscreen and plenty of water.

I figure we meet in the morning for the event stamp and exchanges, I hand everyone a packet of clues, and we break up into groups who each take a different short loop. Then at the end, we meet back up for lunch where you bring your own sandwich and drinks, and something potluck to share: chips/cookies/fruit/etc. After lunch, anyone still up for it can go off on another short/medium/long hike. But keep in mind the park closes at 5pm.

Kelsung

Mar 9, 2010: Postponed
As some of you know, the weather has been against us. I've had high hopes that things would be okay by the time of the event. But I now have it on a strong authority (a park ranger) that Chino Hills State Park will most likely be closed this weekend. Therefore, I think we need to postpone the gathering for the following Saturday, the 20th.

They had a bulldozer level roads a few weeks ago and opened one weekend, but it apparently was decided that they want to make sure all of them are clear before opening again. Although they may get that done this week, the goal is to have it done for next week. The weather forecast has no more rain in it, so everything will be fine for the 20th.

I realize this is pretty last minute, but they were hoping as much as me. The rangers don't like having the park closed anymore than the rest of us. I know some of you may not be able to make it on the 20th instead, and I'm truly sorry. But I don't want to have 40+ folks showing up to a locked gate this weekend.

My bigger worry is that not everyone planning to come will get the message, so please help spread the news. I think we can still have a successful event on the 20th.

Kelsung

UPDATE - March 18th:
The latest word from our resident letterboxer/park ranger: "The amazing Joe (truly, the Chino maintenance man is superhuman) assures me that the entrance road is good and the park will be open tomorrow."

Signups

Total signups:34