Vasquez Rocks 10/17

VASQUEZ ROCKS - October 17, 2012

We’ll meet there at 2:30pm (this is a Wednesday minimum day at school).

Bear Den Leader, Russ, will cover Geology & Leave No Trace Guidelines. Last year we missed the Geology Trail due to a commercial filming in the area, so we'll be hiking that trail this year.

Directions:

Take 138 West through Littlerock and Pearblossom. Make the slight left onto Pearblossom Hwy. This will turn into Sierra Hwy. Take this to the 14 freeway. Enter the 14S and continue about 11 miles and exit on Escondido Canyon Rd. You’ll make a left off the ramp and a right onto Escondido Canyon Rd. The entrance is at 10700 Escondido Canyon Rd. It’s on the left and there should be a sign for Vasquez Rocks. Once you get into the park, make a left onto the main dirt road and follow it to the large open parking area.

Parking:

We're going to meet at the larger parking lot in the center of the park because parking areas at the entrance are pretty small. Parking is Free and doesn't require any kind of pass. There are chemical toilets in the parking area.

Uniform/What to Bring:

Please wear your Class B Scout Shirt (green t-shirt) or Uniform Shirt, water, a jacket, and snack. The hike itself is only a mile or so but the boys will definitely want to climb the rocks so don't wear any nice jeans. You will experience some rough terrain and small hills on the hike so wear good shoes or hiking boots. We will be there approximately 2 hours.

Achievements:

This will count as a Hike with your Pack or Den, Buddy System Requirements or Electives, Practicing Leave No Trace Guidelines, and some Geology Requirements.

About the Park:

This 932-acre park located in the high desert near Agua Dulce Springs and features spectacular rock formations, Tataviam Indian sites, and a seasonal stream. The rocks’ history began in prehistoric times when the sandstone rocks were uplifted at a picturesque angle, showing their jagged red features. In 1874 Tiburcio Vasquez, one of California’s most notorious bandits, used these rocks to elude capture by law enforcement. His name has since been associated with this geologic feature. The park is a popular hiking, picnicking, and equestrian area. Vasquez has been a popular filming location used as the setting for scenes in many movies, television shows and commercials. Among the many films and television show to feature Vasquez Rocks are the “The Lone Ranger”, “Zorro”, “Little Miss Sunshine”, “Bonanza”, “Blazing Saddles”, “Star Trek”, “24”, “The Six Million Dollar Man”, “MacGyver”, “Austin Powers”, Star Trek 11, Numbers and “The Flintstones”.

Park Website (copy and paste): http://lacountyparks.org/Parkinfo.asp?URL=cms1_033383.asp&Title=Vasquez%20%20Rocks%20Natural%20Area%20and%20Center

Questions?: Becky Johnson, rdukes412@hotmail.com