Santa Susana Mountains--views 4/30/2010

These are a transverse range...going from about the Newhall pass, thru Simi Valley and possibly into the sea. Highest point is Oat mountain at about 3700 feet. These tend to have rolling ridges with black oak and very nice wavy golden brown fescue. On this day, Los Angeles had significant winds. It was clear in all directions so one could see for many miles in many areas. Flowers in bloom in many spots. Primarily up here was the lupine, growing in batches for miles at a time. One can start in Granada hills and get to Newhall to the north or they could go to Simi Valley at Tapo Canyon.

Flowers Verdugo Mountains Santa Susana Mountains

Various pics taken on recent hikes...

Mt Lukens 2 4/8

Mt Lukens hike 4/8/2010

This is the peak on a nice cooler spring day. The fire road eroded badly in many parts. Station fire devastated much of the NW to W range as these pics show. This is probably larger than the 1975 fire which also went in this direction. Still a lot of signs of life and the chaparral coming back really quick. Some yuccas coming to bloom as well as red paint brush. Lupine and blues, whites and yellow flowers coming out. This peak can also be accessed from Stone Canyon, La Canada fire station, Deukmajian east trail, and the saddle trail from Haines Canyon. Many trails are probably in fair to poor condition due to the erosion after the recent rains. Several hang gliders seen today on the way up.

Henninger Flats

Some pics...Fugi Camp and the meadows.

Henninger Flats Lower Eaton Canyon

Here are some pictures from a 3/12 hike. The day pleasantly warm to the mid 70s. Lots of water coming off the falls. Flowers hinting at coming out...a lot of new greenery in the alders in the canyon. Many birds in mating patterns. The fire road to Henninger Flats now repaved after the 2005 rains. The forest on top still charming in it's own sylvan way. There's still a replanting nursery coupled with flora/fauna museum. Great hike day.

3/5/ 2010 pics of Haines Canyon Mt. Lukens area

There's quite a bit of erosion after the Station Fire. Small plants coming back amazingly quick. A lot of mud and muck washing down the side canyons. Trails have been eroded in some places. A good percent of the trees in the canyon still survived...glimpsing a brighter hope around the corner.