Mt. Wilson via Toll Road: 05-03-2008

Post by **HikeUp** » Sat May 03, 2008 8:40 pm

No nonsense training hike: 4700', 18 miles, 6.5 hours round trip.

Henninger Flats is still officially closed. Grass is growing like crazy at the flats which would make it somewhat difficult to illegally pitch a tent.

Weird thing in a tree - any ideas what it is?

Post by **Taco** » Sun May 04, 2008 10:58 am

Looks like a Wookie cocoon.

Wierd. Not a nest?

Post by **Hikin_Jim** » Mon May 05, 2008 10:57 am

I think it's some type of genetic abberation. Like a burl on a redwood or something.

Is Henninger Flats really closed? I thought the road to Henninger was the thing that was closed. If you approach Henninger Flats from above, no problem, right? (either via the toll road or from Idlehour)

I understand that Henninger Flats Road from below is passable on foot, but just a tad dicey. Haven't tried it myself. Such a popular hiking area that I imagine there's a well worn path if it's at all doable.

If the road is closed, Idlehour Trail Camp must be really isolated right now. Hmm.

HJ

Post by **HikeUp** » Mon May 05, 2008 11:45 am

Hikin_Jim wrote:Is Henninger Flats really closed?

There is a sign posted near the south entrance to the flats that says the flats are closed. There is a sign posted at the bottom of the "horse trail" (which gets you from Eaton Canyon wash up to the Toll Road) that says the Toll Road is closed. I do not know if there is a sign posted at the entrance to the Toll Road on Pinecrest Dr. or where the Toll Road heads up from the bridge across the wash.

A year or 2 ago there was a sign at the flats that stated there was no potable water available and that the bathrooms were closed. I did not see that sign this past weekend, but then again I didn't look for it.

Hiking up the Toll Road from the top of the horse trail, you'll have to cross a couple of slide areas on very well established use trails which are easy to negotiate. I do not know if it is easy or not to cross the huge land slide that blocks the road just above the bridge. The Toll Road above the flats is completely clear and is how the rangers access the flats.

Given all of that useless data...I called the Flats at (626) 794-0675

- the flats are closed to camping
- you cannot use the fire setup thingies they have (no fire for you!)
- pit toilets only
- potable water is available
- use the toll road at your own risk
- on Saturdays and Sundays you might be able to talk a ranger into letting you into the museum at the flats

friendowl · Post by **friendowl** » Mon May 05, 2008 11:49 am

mt.wilson toll road was the first trail i ever did solo.
i started on a hot hot summer morning with a 35lb pack [training]

that trail kicked my ass bad.
on the way back i think i suffered some heat exhaustion
i was throwing up and my legs were cramping bad
i was sweting but my skin was cold
i fell asleep on a picnic table at henniger for some time
then i stumbled back to my car.i was a mess

then the damn gate was locked ..yeah the huge barbed wire one.
i wanted to cry.i had no idea how to get out and i was tired
so i jumped it.i dont know how i made it but i did.

i got home and my lady was bitching about some party we had to go to
i couldnt move and i was dizzy and i fell asleep at the party

this trail is awesome for training

Post by **Hikin_Jim** » Mon May 05, 2008 12:14 pm

friendowl wrote:mt.wilson toll road was the first trail i ever did solo.
i started on a hot hot summer morning with a 35lb pack [training]

that trail kicked my ass bad.
on the way back i think i suffered some heat exhaustion
i was throwing up and my legs were cramping bad
i was sweting but my skin was cold
i fell asleep on a picnic table at henniger for some time
then i stumbled back to my car.i was a mess

then the damn gate was locked ..yeah the huge barbed wire one.
i wanted to cry.i had no idea how to get out and i was tired
so i jumped it.i dont know how i made it but i did.

i got home and my lady was bitching about some party we had to go to
i couldnt move and i was dizzy and i fell asleep at the party

this trail is awesome for training

Yes, it trained you not do THAT again!

Post by **Sean** » Sun May 01, 2016 9:07 am

Well, the wait is finally over. May is: Old Trip Report Month.

So let's celebrate by revisiting HikeUp's short but sweetly intriguing post from May 2008! This eight-year old report on the Mt. Wilson Toll Road presents an unresolved question. And what is more annoying to a curious mind than an unresolved question?

HikeUp wrote: Weird thing in a tree - any ideas what it is?

I think it's a witch's broom deformity.

Post by **HikeUp** » Mon May 02, 2016 7:51 am

Jeez, digging up the past is dangerous - careful.

Good guess on bitch's wroom.