Vasquez Rocks Lollipop

About this event

DESCRIPTION: This 11.7-mile lollipop route, which includes a section of the Pacific Crest Trail, offers a compelling journey through one of Southern California’s most distinctive geological landscapes. The moderately challenging route takes an average of 6 hours to complete, taking hikers through lush desert canyons, dramatic rock formations, and seasonal creek crossings before culminating at the iconic Vasquez Rocks—those striking sandstone slabs tilted at impossible angles that you’ve undoubtedly seen in countless films and TV shows.

The trail’s highlight is its passage through Escondido Canyon, where the PCT descends into a beautiful riparian corridor with possible water crossings during wet seasons. Around the 2.7-mile mark, you’ll encounter one of the hike’s most unusual features: a tall, unlit tunnel that carries the trail beneath Highway 14. Just north of this tunnel, hikers often find excellent spots for rest breaks, and midway through the hike on the southern side, there’s a small cave or overhang perfect for lunch. The route rewards you with panoramic views from ridgelines and the opportunity to spot wildlife ranging from crows to rattlesnakes, with spring bringing spectacular wildflower displays, particularly California poppies carpeting the south-facing slopes.

DETAILS:

· Hike organizer(s): Tim R.

· Meet: Vasquez Rocks Natural Area, rear parking area, at 8am (when Park opens), departure at 8:15 am sharp (Nov 14).

· Distance: Approximately 11.7 miles (lollipop loop).

· Elevation gain: Approximately 2,402 feet.

· Time: Approximately 6.0 hours hiking, including a snack break.

· Conditioning: You need to be in generally good physical condition.

· Dogs: Not allowed.

· Restrooms: Restrooms at the trailhead.

· Adventure Pass: Not required.

· Turnaround: If you want a shorter outing, the Highway 14 tunnel at about 2.7 miles makes a natural turnaround point for an out-and-back of roughly 5.4 miles.

IMPORTANT NOTES: We’ll hike at a moderate pace (~2.5 mph) and ask everyone to stay with the group for a friendly and safe outing. Much of the route is exposed with little shade, so heat is the bigger concern on warm days. Rattlesnakes are active in warmer months—watch where you step and where you put your hands on the rocks. As always, people may slip and fall, encounter poison oak, wildlife, or face unexpected conditions on this hike. Finally, this event may be cancelled due to inclement weather. Check the weather report and plan accordingly.

ESSENTIAL GEAR: Hiking boots and trekking poles (helpful on the climbs and the loose descents). Clothing layers—mornings can be cool in the canyons and afternoons warm on the ridges. Hat, sunscreen, and sun-protective clothing; shade is limited. Snacks. Refillable water bottle with 3+ liters of water, plus electrolytes or salt tablets.

The Ten Essentials of Hiking (link)

THIS HIKE RATING: Level 4, Intermediate/Advanced (see chart below).

Please only sign up to attend hikes that are consistent with your ability. Based on your hiking during the last 90 days, how would you score on the Santa Clarita Valley Hikers (SCVHikers) hike rating scale of one to five, assuming a moderate pace (~2.5 mph)?

SCVH HIKE RATING SCALE:

1. Beginner: 1–3 miles, less than 500 feet elevation gain.

2. Beginner/Intermediate: 1–7 miles, less than 700 feet elevation gain.

3. Intermediate: 5–10 miles, 1000–2000 feet elevation gain.

4. Intermediate/Advanced: 7–12 miles, up to 3000 feet elevation gain.

5. Advanced: 10–17 miles, 3000 feet or more elevation gain.

TRAILHEAD LOCATION:

Vasquez Rocks Natural Area, rear parking area: 10700 W. Escondido Canyon Rd., Agua Dulce, CA 91350

Driving Directions (link)

NAVIGATION: We highly recommend the AllTrails app be installed on your cell phones and/or you print a copy of the trail map so you can personally navigate the trail if you need to. Cell service may be spotty in the canyons—download your AllTrails maps for offline access before you leave home. The route links the Pacific Crest Trail with several park trails, and there are multiple junctions along the way, so check your map at each one.

GPS Trail Map (link)

If You Need Help on the Trail

In AllTrails, swipe up on the Navigate drawer and tap “GPS details” to see your coordinates. Screenshot them, then call 911 and read off the numbers. As a backup, the What3Words app names any location with three words that are easy to read aloud to a dispatcher. Your GPS works even without cell service—you just need signal to make the call.

We rely on donations to continue sponsoring hikes like this. Please contribute via cash or Venmo at each hike.

DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY — PLEASE READ IN ITS ENTIRETY

When you sign up for this event, you are releasing Santa Clarita Valley Hikers (SCVHikers) and its volunteer organizers from any liability or responsibility in connection with your participation in this activity. Hiking is inherently risky. By signing up, you are taking full responsibility for your own safety and well-being.

SCVHikers and its organizers are not trained, certified, or compensated guides, and the club does not confirm the qualifications of any member to lead or participate in its events. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions and judgment.

By signing up for any SCVHikers event, you are releasing SCVHikers and its organizers from all liability for possible injury or death, as stated in paragraph 6.2 of the Meetup Terms of Service (available at the bottom of the Meetup website). Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience. If you sign up for this hike, you are confirming that the hike is within your current abilities.

At the trailhead, we will ask every participant to read and sign the SCVHikers Release of Liability and Express Assumption of Risk before the hike begins. If you are unwilling to sign, you will not be able to join the group that day. Signing up on Meetup does not substitute for the trailhead sign-in.

The outing begins and ends at the trailhead. SCVHikers does not organize, advertise, or coordinate carpools. Transportation to and from the trailhead is your own responsibility, and all risks of that travel are yours alone.

This event may be cancelled or modified due to weather, trail conditions, or other safety considerations.

From Santa Clarita Community Hiking Club