A hot day bushwhacking.
Faultline Trail in Chino Hills State Park
I was determined to do more than hike #19 in Chino Hills State Park, so I returned the next day (Sunday, June 21st) to do another. I brought along some gear that would make hiking a bit more enjoyable. On Saturday, I had been attacked on two fronts by the weeds growing out of control in the park: at head level, I was constantly whacked by the tall black mustard plants along the trail and renegade burrs attached to my boots and socks. This time, I came prepared with a pair of sunglasses and nice tall gaiters.
At first, I thought I was a fool for wearing long pants with gaiters. The heat was tough even for hikers in shorts. I passed a family that looked like they were melting and were grateful when I suggested the shaded areas found on the Lower Aliso Canyon Trail (which I was on yesterday). But I trekked onwards and upwards along the Upper Aliso Canyon Trail, which was basically a fire road. Eventually, the road reached the Faultline Trail, which at first was another fire road but eventually became a narrow path cut into black mustard plants. The sunglasses and gaiters became my best friend.
The Faultline Trail runs up into the golden hills of the park and meets the Ranger Ridge Trail, a fire road that follows the power-lined ridge back to Rolling M Ranch and the parking lot. For both of these trails, I passed no one. I was probably the only one crazy enough to explore the mostly-unshaded park on a hot day, but it wasn’t so bad. It was quite peaceful on the trails and I could become lost in my thoughts.
Thoughts about the hike:
- I saw two deer pronking. Yes, that’s right: I said pronking.
- Did you know that I have seen a darkling beetle on every single hike for this project? The Eleodes beetle is becoming a good luck charm and I don’t feel right ending a hike without seeing at least one.
- The story of the Freeway Complex Fire is a sad one: 95% of the park’s 14,000 acres went up in flames..
Hike #20 Trip GPS Stats:
- Date of hike: June 21st, 2009
- Location: Chino Hills State Park – Chino Hills, California
- Length: 3.7 miles
- Duration: 2 hours, 15 minutes
- Average speed: ±1.6 mph
- Altitude at start: 797 feet
- Altitude min.max: 759/1,350 feet
This map was made with the data my GPS captured on the hike.
For a more detailed trip report map, check this out.
Photos:
One of the historic windmills the park is known for.
Sidewinder Trailhead off of Upper Aliso Canyon. Just out of this shot is a closed sign. It has been closed since the bridge had burned in the fire last year.
Raptor Ridge Trailhead - notice the burn scars on the bottom of the post.
Peek-a-boo!
I'm invincible with my gaitors on! Take that, weeds!
The Ranger Ridge Trail passes right under scenic metal trees.
There's one of these beautiful flowers for every one million black mustard plant (background).
This is the end of my hike looking back up Ranger Ridge Trail. I think the trail is easier if approached from the west (via Faultline Trail) rather from here to the east. I'm glad I came down this hill at the end of the hike rather than started be climbing up it.
#1 by Henry W. Robison on July 13, 2009 - 9:46 pm
I like the gaiters myself! have worn them previously when I was hiking in similar conditions or trying to evade chiggers here in the Ozarks!
I am enjoying the blog on your hiking episodes! keep up your great travels!
Rob
#2 by Henry W. Robison on July 14, 2009 - 4:46 am
I like the gaiters myself! have worn them previously when I was hiking in similar conditions or trying to evade chiggers here in the Ozarks!
I am enjoying the blog on your hiking episodes! keep up your great travels!
Rob