Mountain Trail Fun Runs - 2010
Enjoy the trails of the Angeles National Forest
2010 marks the 24th year for the Mountain Trail Fun Run Series established by Bob Kimmerly and John Swallow in 1987. This year's series is organized by the High Desert Runners club with assistance from members of the Santa Clarita Runners. Bob Haugen (661-256-9190) assisted by Alan Brown (661-949-8197) is series coordinator this year.
The runs are of moderate to strenuous difficulty, and of varying distances on forest trails and dirt roads. Most are out-and-back affairs, so shorter distances can be run by those who are not up to doing the full course. Joggers and walkers are encouraged to participate, as these are fun runs, not races. Minimal course markings will generally be only at critical intersections; water will be provided on-course on the longer runs. You must carry water! All runs start promptly at 8 a.m. except as noted. Newcomers are strongly encouraged to run with someone who is familiar with the course, as we don't want anyone to get lost (as has happened in the past).
There is no charge for these fun runs, no awards, no T-shirts, but we do encourage runners to bring healthful munchies to share for the post-run tailgate party.
The U.S. Forest Service no longer requires display of an Adventure Pass for parking in the lesser-impacted areas of the Angeles Forest such as we use for most of the MTFR runs. However, they are still required in some high-impact areas of the forest, such as Mill Creek Summit (May & July runs). Due to damage from Station Fire, dates and routes are subject to change!
Friday, Jan. 1, 8:30 a.m. - New Year's Day "Hangover Run," Vasquez Rocks County Park, Agua Dulce (7.4 miles). Meet at lower parking area inside park, located on Escondido Canyon Road near Agua Dulce Canyon Road. Ed Burke, host, 661-251-5670.
Sunday, Feb. 14 -Sierra Pelona Ridge, Pacific Crest & Five Deers Trails (12.5 miles) Fairly steep route, but doable. Trailhead is on Bouquet Canyon Road, about four miles southwest of Elizabeth Lakes Road west of Palmdale. Bruce Smith (661-263-9828) and Phil Howard, (661-263-2876) are hosts.
Sunday, March 7 -San Fransisquito to Lake Hughes on the PCT (15.5 miles). Out & back route on the Pacific Crest Trail from the PCT trailhead on San Fransisquito Canyon Road about two miles south of Elizabeth Lakes Road to Lake Hughes Road over the Leona Divide. Clay Patten, host, 661-943-5302.
Sunday, April 11 -Pacific Crest Trail, Soledad Canyon / Indian Canyon (about 8 miles). Moderately steep uphill outbound, downhill on return. Trailhead has a restroom, picnic shelter and paved parking. Take Soledad Canyon Road about 15 miles from Canyon Country, 10 miles from Palmdale to trailhead at Indian Canyon forest road turnoff. David Weary, host, 661-714-9440. May be moved due to fire damage!
NOTE - The schedule for the Mountain Trail Fun Runs from May through November is still being developed as of the date of this posting. Be aware that several of these runs, including those scheduled for April, May and July and August, may have to be moved to other venues due to trail and road damage from the Station Fire last year.
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