Spring Field Trips

3 Waterfall Hikes: Physical Geography Field Trips, Spring 2008

After a long period of brown hills, everything is looking green! In each place, we’ll explore the weather and microclimates, chaparral, coastal sage scrub, riparian and oak woodland vegetation communities, wildflowers, water bodies and pathways, how water shapes the other spheres (coastal and fluvial geomorphology), rocks, beautiful landforms, and stratigraphy (historical rock layers). Photos of these places are on the LAHC Geography web page, www.lahc.edu/earthscience/geography/ .

** Please wear layered clothing, and be prepared for cooler weather as well as hot sun. Watch or look up the weather report the night before.

** No slippery shoes! Check your soles for enough tread for wet rocks without slipping.

** Remember a hat or cap to avoid eyestrain, sunscreen, and insect repellant.

** Bring 2 large water bottles, food, and plenty of treats for the teacher.

** Bring a walking stick or old ski pole for balance if you want to hop on the rocks with glee.

** Bring colored pencils, camera if desired, and notebook.

Fri., April 18, 10-1 Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa Waterfall Hike, Santa Monica Mountains

From Harbor area, take 110 N to 405 N to 10 W until it ends at PCH going to Malibu. (Alternatively, take PCH north the whole way. Leave about 8:30 a.m.) In Malibu, from PCH turn right on Malibu Canyon Road (just after city center, at top of hill by Pepperdine U): this turns into Las Virgenes Road, and go left (west direction) on 101 N -Ventura Fwy. Take Lynn Rd exit, go left (South) 5.25 miles to Via Goleta. Park entrance is on left: you’ll see the arch over the road, and go to the parking lot at the end. (No fee.) More info is at:

http://www.nps.gov/samo/planyourvisit/rsvsatwiwa.htm

Sunday, April 20, 1-3:30 p.m. Millard Canyon Waterfall Hike, San Gabriel Mountains

Take 110 N all the way until it ends in Pasadena. Please drive especially carefully in the section past downtown L.A., and do not exceed the posted speed limits: the middle lane is the safest, as there are short on ramps and exit ramps on the right, and people speed dangerously in the left lane. Do not. The 110 ends onto Arroyo Parkway going north in Pasadena: follow signs to 210 East. On the 210 Freeway, exit Lake Avenue north (go left) to Loma Alta Drive at the top, and turn left (west). Take Loma Alta to Chaney Trail (a flashing yellow light) and turn right. Drive very carefully and slowly over the hill on Chaney Trail, and down the other side into Millard Canyon. Park in the parking area at the bottom, and display your National Forest Adventure Pass on your rear view mirror. http://www.waterfalls-guide.com/ca_millard_falls.htm has a summary.

Saturday, April 26, 9-1 Eaton Canyon Waterfall Hike, San Gabriel Mountains

Follow directions to Millard, but on the 210, go to Altadena exit. Go North (left) to Eaton Canyon Nature Center. Study exhibits the first 15 minutes. The main field trip will be 9-12, and the waterfall hike will be about 11:30-1.

In each place, I will lead a + 2-hour instructional hike (of easy to moderate difficulty) about microclimates and weather characteristics (atmosphere), chaparral, coastal sage scrub, riparian and oak woodland vegetation communities, wildflowers (a lot in spring!), and local ecosystems (biosphere), water bodies and pathways (hydrosphere), how water shapes the other spheres (coastal and fluvial geomorphology), and beautiful rocks, landforms, soils, and stratigraphy (historical rock layers at Red Rock) (lithosphere).

Santa Monica Mountains sites:

Red Rock Canyon (off Old Topanga Road), with optional climb up Calabasas Peak

Malibu Creek State Park, with optional hike to M.A.S.H. filming site (off Malibu Canyon Road)

San Gabriel Mountains:

Eaton Canyon Natural Area (Altadena Dr., Pasadena), with optional hike to waterfall

Palos Verdes Peninsula:

Forrestal Canyon (this hike will be longer for everyone, but is still considered “moderate difficulty”), Forrestal Drive off Palos Verdes Drive South