Hike to Brittle Leaf
Friday, October 14, 2011 at 11:04AM The hike to the Brittle Leaf Trail takes you to a nice bench among the Manzanitas, and a beautiful view of an Oak filled open space.
Location: Bort Meadow Staging Area
Mileage and Elevation: 2.6 miles round trip, 804' elevation ascent/descent
From the Bort Meadow staging area, take the MacDonald Trail, off to your right as you face the valley. Before you start, look up over the valley and you'll probably see hawks circling, looking for their next meal. The valley below contains the Bort Meadow/Big Trees group camp, which is used by groups for picnics and overnight camping.
Go through the gate and start your hike.
The MacDonald trail is a wide, fire road trail, popular with mountain bikers and trail runners. It's got some ruts and minor channels from past rain runoff, so be careful with your steps.
As you hike, you'll notice some nice clusters of Oaks on your right.
At about 1.23 miles, you'll reach the Brittle Leaf Trail, on your right.
You'll have a very short little hike down a narrow path to the end of the Brittle Leaf Trail. No bikes are allowed on this trail (it's very narrow and a bit overgrown).
At the end of the trail is a bench, with beautiful views across and oak studded valley.
You'll be sitting in a Manzanita grove, so take some time to look at these unique and beautiful shrubs.
When you're ready, head back up the Brittle Leaf Trail to the MacDonald Trail, and take a left.
Follow the MacDonald Trail downhill back to the staging area. About half way back, you can sit on this bench and watch the hawks over the valley.
Going to Brittle Leaf Trail is uphill, and the return trip is all down hill. This hike won't take you long, especially if you run it. But it's a perfect Sunday morning stroll, especially if you get there early. Enjoy!
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