UPDATE: In the preamble to the message (which didn't make it in here), it says hikes will resume Wed., Oct. 28.
Richard Nyerges (nyerges@sbcglobal.net)is leading hikes up Henninger Flats again along the newly-opened Mt. Wilson Toll Road, and sounds real happy about it:
Come and enjoy a mid-week evening hike up to Henninger Flats starting @ 7:00pm. This hike is 5.4 miles round trip. We will be following the Old Mt. Wilson Toll Road out of Altadena. Take an easy or quick pace. You decide. You can't get lost, there's only one road to follow. The view of the city from the overlook is truly breathtaking at night.
The hike generally takes between 50 - 60 minutes to get up to Henninger Flats. We stay up top for about 15 - 20 minutes then head back down. Rattlesnakes have been seen on the road so always be alert. When its dark they do stand out on the dirt road, so keep your eyes open.
There is a visitors center on top but it is generally closed by the time we get up there. If there is enough interest in this hike bi-monthly, I can call up ahead and arrange to hopefully have the center opened at least once a month if not each time we hike up. They also have a little theater where they can show vintage footage of the Mt Echo Railway during its days of operation. To have a movie shown will require a few weeks notice but it's really worth the time there too.
Bring water and a snack to enjoy on top. Wear good hiking boots or walking shoes. Layered clothing. Dogs are o.k. but they MUST be kept on a leash at all times!!! You can bring a flashlight if you must, but we never use them while walking. The glow from the city lights up the road just fine.
In the event of rain, well bring some rain gear or an umbrella. We are still hiking even in the rain.
A Few Rules...
If you bring a dog, you will be required to clean up behind it!!
No Smoking
No Alcohol
We meet at the start of the Mt. Wilson Toll Road. (Thomas Bros. pg. 536, D-5)
Directions:
Driving into Pasadena on the 210 freeway exit @ Altadena Drive. Coming from the east, turn right, coming from the west, turn left towards the mountains. Follow Altadena Drive about 2 miles to New York Drive. ( There is an ARCO Gas Station on the S.W. Corner) Continue up Altadena Dr. for about another 1.5 miles to Crescent. Turn Right! (This will be the first street on your right after about 1.5 miles.) You will notice the street because there are many BOTS dots on the street to keep you from making a sharp right turn onto Crescent. Go about 200 yards to Pinecrest, turn right and go about 200 yards to the Mt. Wilson Toll Road. It will be on your right. Park where you can. Be sure to read the posted street signs! There is a large gate and fence there with many signs on it.
Try to be about 5-10 minutes early, we will get started @ 7:05pm. TRY NOT BE LATE!!! The gate might be locked!!
