Mountain Trail Fun Runs - 2009
Enjoy the beauty of the Angeles National Forest
2009 marks the 23rd year for the Mountain Trail Fun Run Series. Established by Bob Kimmerly and John Swallow in 1987, the monthly series has continued with only minor changes over the years. This year's series is organized by the High Desert Runners club with assistance from members of the Santa Clarita Runners. Betsy Swallow (661-296-6689) is series coordinator again this year.
This year's schedule includes runs 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 feel they are not up to doing the full course. Joggers and walkers are encouraged to participate, as these are fun runs, not races. There will be minimal course markings, generally only at critical intersections and water will be provided on-course on the longer runs. You must carry water with you! 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 trail runs. However, they are still required in some high-impact areas of the forest, such as Mill Creek Summit (May & July runs).
DATES, LOCATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Sunday, Feb. 15 -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 8 -San Fransisquito to Lake Hughes on the PCT (15.5 miles). Route all on the Pacific Crest Trail. Meet at PCT trailhead on San Fransisquito Canyon Road, about two miles south of Elizabeth Lakes Road. Out-&-back course to Lake Hughes Road over Leona Divide. Clay Patten, host, 661-943-5302.
Sunday, April 5 -Pacific Crest Trail, Soledad Canyon / Indian Canyon (about 17 miles maximum, shorter distances OK). 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 Indian Canyon forest road turnoff. David Weary, host, 661-714-9440.
Saturday, May 2 -Mill Creek to the Cedars on the PCT (16 miles). Route entirely on the PCT. Meet at the Mill Creek Summit picnic area just off the Angeles Forest Highway, 11 miles south of Sierra Highway/ AV freeway. USFS Adventure Pass required for parking! Tony Teske, host, 661-948-0369.
Wednesday, June 17, 6:30pm start - Billy Goat Hill Climb (1 mile up, 4 down). Meet at turnout along Bouquet Canyon Rd., one mile northeast of the dam. Climb 1,120 feet in one mile. Winner is whoever comes closest to their predicted time - no watches allowed! Joe and Kathy Diorio, hosts, 661-256-9373.
Sunday, June 21 -Father's Day on the Burkhart Trail (10 miles). Meet at the Devil's Punchbowl County Park near Juniper Hills above Pearblossom. Fairly steep trails, but doable. Mark Hershey, host, 661-951-9075.
Sunday, July 12 - Pacific Crest Trail, Mill Creek Summit to Mt. Pacifico (12 miles). Meet at same place as May run. Out-and-back course goes east, instead of west, uphill going out, down hill coming back. U.S. Forest Service Adventure Pass required for parking! Alan Brown, host, 661-949-8197.
Saturday, Aug. 1, 7 a.m. start -Camp Fenner to Mt. Baden-Powell (14 miles). Out-&-back on road from Camp Fenner Canyon to Vincent Gap, then up the Pacific Crest Trail to the summit of Mt. Baden-Powell at 9,400 ft. and back. Take Highway 138 to Pearblossom, Longview Road, Avenue W, Valyermo Road and Big Rock Creek Road to end of pavement. Adventure Pass required. Scott Zierman, host, 661-951-9454.
Sunday, Sept. 6 - Lake Hughes Rd. to Sawmill Mountain (14 miles). Route entirely on the PCT. Duplicates 14 miles of Leona Divide 50, first two miles steep uphill, next five rolling. Meet at PCT trailhead turnout about two miles south of Elizabeth Lakes Road. Melanie Cotterell, host, 661-296-6776.
Sunday, Oct. 4 -Grass Mountain Ascent on the PCT -6 miles. Meet at same spot as March run. We will run up Grass Mountain and return on the Pacific Crest Trail. Those wanting a longer run can continue on the PCT and turn around accordingly. John & Betsy Swallow, hosts, 661-296-6689.
Sunday, Nov. 15 - Bouquet Canyon to Sierra Pelona Ridge on the PCT (8 miles). Meet at PCT trailhead on Bouquet Canyon Rd., about 8 miles south of Leona Valley. Runners desiring longer distance can continue on forest road atop ridge. Jesse Williams, host, 661-945-4716.
Friday, Jan. 1, 2010, 8:30 a.m. - New Year's Day "Hangover Run," Vasquez Rocks County Park, Agua Dulce (about 6 or 7 miles). Meet at lower parking area inside park, located on Escondido Canyon Road near Agua Dulce Canyon Road. Ed Burke, host, 661-251-5670.
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