New Hiking Trail Will Open Saturday

A new Mt. Islip hiking trail, built by 200 volunteers from throughout Los Angeles County, will open Saturday.

Starting with a breakfast at 8:30 a.m. at the Deer Flats Group Campground, the celebration will include a seven-mile round trip hike on the new Big Cienega Trail, which goes to the peak of 8,250-foot Mt. Islip. The trail, with an 1,850-foot elevation gain, traverses deep ravines and forests of pine, spruce and incense cedar.

To get to Deer Flats, take Highway 39 north from the Foothill Freeway, go to the Crystal Lake Recreation Area and follow the yellow center line past the ranger station to the hikers’ parking area. From there, follow signs to Deer Flats.

Breakfast reservations can be made by calling Shirley Collins at (213) 450-7046 or Charles Jones at (818) 352-9611. Ceremonies will be at 9:45 a.m. The hike will start at 10:30 a.m.