Hike History in the Rim! March 26, Elsmere Canyon & Beale’s Cut.

Distance: ~ 8.5 miles

Gain: ~1,000 ft.

Rating: Moderate +++++ /Somewhat difficult (for total mileage and gain)

Description: This hike can be done in a number of ways but this time we are going to try a new one!

We will go up the center of the canyon and go see the waterfall. Then it is back on to the main trail and a zig-zag back through the center of Elsmere, past an interesting “peek a boo” rock, Then it is down and across under the 14 Hwy to Beale’s cut where we will meet Alan and learn the history of Beale’s Cut. Then we will leave Beale’s Cut and head back to the trail where it is up up up into New Elsmere, down to overlook the I-5 and SR-14 interchange, then back to the beautiful higher meadowed regions of New Elsmere, the laneways at the back of New Elsmere, and eventually to Old Elsmere and the parking lot.

Along the way Alan Pollack, CHC Board member and local historian, will share interesting anecdotes and tales of the area, including the importance of the early Oil industry to area around Elsmere and how Beale’s cut was created and got its name.

This is a new way to do Elsmere Canyon. You will see the entire Canyon, the new Elsmere purchase, Beale’s Cut, and the new waterfall trail. (There will not be any water in the waterfall unless we’ve had rain). Elsmere is usually rated easy, but this particular route has some added hills, and is much longer, so plan time accordingly!

Directions: From Valencia, take the I-5 south to the SR-14 North. Exit the first exit, which is Newhall Avenue. The exit splits left and right. Take the right lane and when you get to the stop sign, turn right. That will take you to the Park and Ride where you will park. Parking is free but get there early because this area is often used by high school running teams, and they can take all the parking. If this happens, there is an adjacent parking lot down the hill.

Meet: At the Park and Ride at the end of Newhall Avenue, just east of the SR-14 freeway at 8:00AM for an 8:15AM SHARP departure. Please be prompt.

Bring: A minimum of 2 liters water, preferably 3, lunch/snacks, hiking poles if you have them, hat and Sunscreen and wear good boots with lots of tread.

Adventure Pass: Not needed

Dogs: OK, if on a leash and well behaved around other dogs and people with poles.

Historian: Alan Pollack

Hike Leader: Dianne