LUCAS VALLEY WATERFALLS

Lucas Valley Waterfalls

Leader: Peter McCluskey

Leader Email: Peter.C.McCluskey@gmail.com

Leader Phone: 408 315-8120

Meeting Date and Day: Sunday, Mar 03 2019

Meeting Time: 9:00 AM

Departure Time:  9:15 AM

Meeting Place:Under the Safeway sign on Market & Dolores

Rating : Level-4

Mileage: 9

Elevation Gain: 3000'

Description: The Big Rock Ridge area has numerous waterfalls. This hike in Lucas Valley Open Space Preserve will visit at least 5 of my favorites, possibly more depending on how much rain has fallen this week and on how much we feel like hiking off-trail. The biggest waterfall is about 75 feet high. It will include several very steep climbs and descents. We'll go partway up Luiz Fire Road, then do about 3 miles of hiking off-trail or on deer trails, bringing us to Big Rock trail, Redwood Canyon Fire Rd, Big Rock Ridge Fire Rd, and then a steep descent down Luiz Fire Rd. The wildflowers tend to bloom early in the sunnier parts of this route, so I expect to see some iris and footsteps to spring, and maybe even mule's ears. We will be in woods for about two miles, and the rest will be quite exposed. We'll have views of Skywalker Ranch and the big rock, and if the ridge-top isn't in clouds, we'll see much of the north bay. Well-behaved dogs are welcome.

Bring/Wear: sturdy hiking boots, lunch, and water

Rain Policy: Rain may alter or shorten hike 

Driving Distance:52 miles total, there and back.

Total Bridge Tolls and Entry Fees: 7.00

Passenger Carpooling Fee:  8.00

Alternative Meeting Place #1: the trailhead: Luiz Fire Road. Directions: take 101 north to exit 456, take Lucas Valley Rd west for 3.6 miles, right onto Bridegate Drive, then left onto Creekside Drive, and stop near a neighborhood park. Please let me know if you plan on meeting us there.  G-Maps link:  https://goo.gl/maps/GSGTop4GBVo

Alternative Meeting Time: 10:00 AM

Alternative Meeting Departure Time:10:15 AM