Hiking Trail Guide: Barley Flats

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Barley Flats

Distance
6 miles

Elevation
1100 feet gain

Difficulty
4/10

City
La Canada Flintridge ,CA (91011) 16.29 miles from you Weather Map

Trailhead
I parked in a parking area on the south side of Upper Big Tujunga Road a hundred yards east of Alder Creek. A signpost stands at the end of the parking area marking the beginning of the trail (0, 0, 3440'). The obvious trail goes toward the creek. In a hundred yards the trail comes to an open area. On the right a four inch pipe sticking up bearing the inscription, 'Barley Flats Trail 3.5 miles', marks the trail. The trail crosses the creek and soon climbs up from the bottom of the canyon to contour along the west side.

Description

The start of the trail is a set of switchbacks going up the ridgeline above the Upper Tujunga. Then it goes through a series of overgrown tunnels of scrub oaks and other tall chaparral like ceanothus, unique to this area. As you approach the highest saddle and some of best view the trails and becomes somewhat more difficult to follow. The trail steepen slightly upon nearing Barley Flats. At Barley Flats there are a lot of abandoned buildings and tall fences around the old Nike missile sight. Take a left on the main paved road and follow it downhill to Highway 2.

Map / Directions: