Take a Hike--but Use Caution

Although freeway-close to urban areas, Southern California’s mountain ranges are nonetheless rugged; even experienced hikers must use caution.

The U.S. Forest Service and other state and local agencies with jurisdiction over these areas are often unable to maintain trails and in many cases depend on local volunteers. This means that, especially after the March rains, some trails are eroded or partly blocked by rocks or debris.

Here are some hints for safe hiking:

* Watch where you are going. Trails are not paved paths through city parks. They are often narrow and uneven.

* Stay on trails and never cut across switchbacks. This can be dangerous and can speed erosion.

* Carry water, even on short hikes.

* Carry a map. These are readily available from district ranger stations.

* Hikers are not the only ones who use the mountains. Hikers must yield to equestrians, and bike riders ought to yield to hikers and equestrians.

* Do not remove any vegetation, rocks or anything else from the mountains.

To get to Millard Canyon Falls, go north on Chaney Trail Drive from Loma Alta Drive in Altadena. Continue over a ridge and down to the parking area for Millard Campground at the bottom of the canyon. Walk along Millard Stream past a locked gate (to keep vehicles--not hikers--out) 100 yards and follow the sign to the falls, which are half a mile upstream.

To get to El Prieto Canyon, take the Arroyo Boulevard exit from the 210 Freeway and go north on Arroyo, which becomes Windsor Avenue. At the intersection with Ventura Street is a parking lot on the left. There are two gated roads. Take the one on the right and walk north into the gorge of the Arroyo Seco until you come to a fork.

Take the fork on the right, staying on the fire road until it begins to switch back. On your right, you will see the narrow entrance to El Prieto Canyon marked with a sign. You can walk up the canyon and back or connect with other trails for a different, albeit far longer and more rigorous, return trip.

For more information on hiking or camping in the Santa Monica and Santa Susana Mountains, as well as other areas ringing the San Fernando Valley, call the Mountain Parks Information Service at (800) 533-PARK. For information on hiking in the part of the San Gabriel Mountains included in the Angeles National Forest, call (818) 574-5200.