From: MNeary.es
Date: 10-Mar-85 22:00:11 PST
Subject: TRIP ANNOUCEMENT: Chiquito Trail
To: MNeary

WHEN:  March 16, 1985 Saturday.  Meet at 9 a.m.

TRAILHEAD:  Take the Ortega Highway, Rte. 74, from the San Diego Freeway 
(Interstate Highway 5) at San Juan Capistrano and drive east 19 1/2 miles 
to the trailhead parking area across from the Ortega Oaks store.  (Same 
meeting spot as last year's hike in this area, but we'll be staying on the 
parking lot side of the highway this time).  The trailhead is at the east 
end of the parking area and is signed as the San Juan Loop Trail.
The parking area can also be reached by taking Rte. 74 west from Lake 
Elsinore.  Driving time from El Segundo Xerox is l l/2 hours. Please drive 
carefully on the Oretga Highway -- it doesn't look treacherous but 50% of 
the times we've driven it we've had to wait for mop-up operations ...

DESCRIPTION (edited from John McKinney's write-up in "Day Hiker's Guide to 
Southern California"):  Oretga Hwy to Lion Canyon 11.6 miles roundtrip 
(maybe not quite that long); ll00 foot gain.  From the signed trailhead, 
we embark on the San Juan Loop Trail in a counterclockwise direction.  The 
loop trail circles the base of a small peak, follwing a creek much of the 
way.  In a quarter mile or less the trial passes along and above San Juan 
Falls. The trail then drops down into a narrow, oak-lined canyon.  There's 
a bit of up and down here, but nothing severe.
About a mile from the trailhead, near the junction of two creeks, there's 
a pleasant flat area and the signed intersection with the Chiquito Trail.  
We cross San Juan Creek (all stream crossings are easy) then follow 
another creek.  Just before the trail leaves this peaceful creek there is 
a shaded area for resting prior to beginning the switchbaking up the west 
side of the canyon.  The climb is up dry slopes but is unbelievably 
moderate because steep sections are short and alternate nicely with more 
level terrain.  There are several lovely shaded oak groves along the way.
Five miles from the trailhead, the trail rounds a ridge and bears north 
toward Lion Canyon.  Three quarters of a mile after rounding the ridge, we 
arrive at a meadow watered by Lion Canyon Creek.  There are a number of 
large oak groves here as well as another little surprise (seasonal, we 
suspect) to reward us.  Excellent picniking can be enjoyed here before 
beginning the return trip.

BRING:  The ten essentials with special emphasis to sun gear (shades, hat, 
sun screen, extra water) and very comfortable shoes (running shoes with 
good tread should be okay).

GENERAL CONDITIONS:  Trail is very well maintained and adequately signed, 
except for the 4 mile and 3 mile signs which should  be ignored.  The 
trail surface is mostly sandy with some rocks and occasional small amounts 
of gravel.  Be prepared for dust and sun.

OTHER DETAILS:  Rain and/or 90 degree temperatures cancel.  Your leader is 
April Bogert-Neary (surprise! - it was supposed to be Mike but his foot is 
putting him on the injured reserve list).  Please come.  We no longer 
promise wildflowers in abundance, but there should be some.  Call April at 
553-9980 (days); 374-4595 (evenings); 536-5322 (leave message) for 
questions, confirmations, ride (can take 2 - 3 passengers leaving at 7:30 
am), etc.  Hope to see you there!