test of Rare Earth News email service...

From the editor:
I'm wondering whether the automatic "Google--Feedburner" email system for my subscribers is working. I just changed some settings, so hopefully it is working again. Please reply to me at rexfrankel@yahoo.com if you got this email.

Thanks, Rex Frankel

Trails reopened in Angeles National Forest

Many are open, some still closed...

5/16/11
An update on Angeles Forest Re-opening :
According to the Forest Service map of the station fire closure area at http://maps.fs.fed.us/stationfire/ the list below shows the status, effective May 16 2011, of some of the more popular trails that were affected by the Station Fire. Keep in mind that even though these trails are in the newly opened areas of the forest, the individual trails may be signed closed. Please respect any trail closure signs and stay off those trails for your own safety and the recovery of the forest.

Many of the trails will not be in good shape, so be prepared for surprises like downed trees, slides, washouts, ruts, and other hazards.

Many trails have been drastically changed from before the Station Fire.

Many fire roads have not yet been graded and may be much narrower and in very poor condition with ruts and washouts. All the usual caveats about trail safety apply so use the trails safely and responsibly, and be especially careful the first time you travel on one of the newly opened trails.

Opened Trails (As of May 16, 2011)

* Brown Mountain (to the saddle)
* Gabrielino (JPL to Paul Little)
* Gabrielino (Switzers to Redbox to Chantry)
* Bear Canyon Trail
* Sam Merrill Trail
* Castle Canyon Trail
* Sunset Ridge Trail
* Mt. Lowe West Trail
* Idlehour Trail
* Kenyon Devore Trail
* Rim Trail
* Sturtevant Trail
* Santa Clara Divide Truck Trail (Dillon Divide to Mt. Gleason to Three Points)
* Chilao Loop/Mt. Hillyer
* Vetter Road
* Silver Mocassin
* Shortcut
* Valley forge
* Mt. Lukens road (once the highway opens)
* Earl Canyon
* Haines Canyon
* Doc Larsen

Keep in mind that even though these trails are in the opened area, the individual trails may be signed closed (And those signs should still be respected). Many of the trails will not be in good shape, so be prepared for surprises like downed trees, massive ruts or slides, washouts, and other hazards.


Closed Trails (Until Further Notice)
* Strawberry Peak,
* Tom Sloan
* Dawn Mine
* Upper Brown Mountain (Saddle to the Summit/Ken Burton)
* Ken Burton
* Gabrielino from Switzers to Paul Little
* Grizzly Flat
* Hoyt
* Stone Canyon
* Condor Peak Trail
* Trail Canyon
* Alder Creek
* Colby Canyon
* Josephine
* Mueller Tunnel

Lee Zebold, Los Angeles Hiking Meetup Group, http://www.meetup.com/hiking-196/
Forest Service Volunteer
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A SWITZER FALLS UPDATE

5/28/11,
Folks,

In case you were thinking of seeing Switzer falls soon, here is an update:

I have posted pictures from the Switzer trail to the upper and lower falls. Since the trails have been closed for 1 1/2 years, they need a lot of work, but I was able to get there. The trail to the top of the main falls is passable but littered with debris. The trail to the base of the falls has slid away in some places and has fallen trees blocking two sections. However, I was able to get around them.

I have posted pictures from today here: http://www.meetup.com/hiking-196/photos/1658071/
and two videos of the upper and lower falls on youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZXGVla2qmw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NZYMZSArgY

--Rex, hike organizer