photography by Eric Harnish

When was the last time you changed your plans to take advantage of the weather? If you can't remember, consider this your reminder to do it soon.
Home alone on a recent Saturday, I looked forward to spending the day tackling projects. After finishing the most urgent one, the spectacular weather caught my attention. Recent rains had given way to radiant skies, gentle breezes and pleasant temperatures. Together they called me to ditch my day in the garage to instead appreciate spring in our nearby mountains.
After researching which forest service roads were likely to be open, I packed a lunch and headed north into the hills between Castaic and Lake Hughes. My goal was to reach the top of a peak and enjoy superlative views made possible by the early spring weather.
Forest Service roads can be hit or miss in spring. Routes are closed to prevent trail damage or they become impassable after heavy rain or snow.
Unfortunately, my intended route was a miss. The large white gate was closed, sending me in search of Plan B. I continued east on Pine Canyon Road towards Lake Hughes, and found the gate open to Lake Hughes Truck Trail, Forest Route 7N05. I planned to follow it south to Leona Divide Fire Road (7N01), and then exit on Ruby Clearwater Truck Trail (6N24).
This road was in great shape. Still damp, but not muddy, which meant no dust. And, surprisingly, there were almost no people out. I had the road to myself for the first several miles, pausing only once to let a group of trail runners pass.
I found a pullout that offered sweeping views of the mountains and, further south, the Santa Clarita Valley. It was the perfect lunch stop. I popped open the tailgate and sat enjoying the view and the serenity. Birds chittered from the brush but it was quiet otherwise.
Continuing on after lunch, I came across a fire break that provided a steep but clear path to the top of an unnamed peak. I parked and followed it to the top. Mountains rolled out below me to the horizon, from the San Gabriels on my left to the peaks of the Los Padres National Forest on my right. It wasn't the peak I intended to visit, but I had accomplished my goal for the day.
The road descends rapidly to meet up with 6N24, aka Ruby Clearwater Truck Trail. Knowing that Lake Hughes Road to the west was still closed from the Hughes fire, I opted to head east for San Francisquito Canyon Road.
It wasn't long before I regretted my choice. The trail was much rougher, and the tracks in the dirt were from motorcycles, not trucks. That made me question whether it would be passable to San Francisquito. Near the end, where the road criss-crosses the creek, I found my answer.
I came to a section that gave me pause. It was a steep, off-camber descent into the creek bed. The clearance looked iffy. Also unknown was whether the gate to access San Francisquito Canyon Road was open. I didn't want to risk running the obstacle by myself only to find the gate closed.
I knew exactly where I was - so close, but yet so far. I turned around to head back the way I came. It would mean a significant amount of extra time driving off road, but it was the sure way to avoid getting stuck when I was driving alone in an area with no cell reception.
Inconvenient? Yes. Regrettable? No. It meant experiencing more of what I had come for. A day in the mountains enjoying spectacular weather. So, I rolled down the windows and opened the sunroof to soak it all in as I retraced my steps.
Eric Harnish lives in Castaic.