Moon promises to delight

A total lunar eclipse beginning around 3:16 AM over the Los Angeles region is one of two local lunar enthusiast events happening within the next twenty four hours. The second one will occur Saturday at Chilao Visitors Center in the Angeles National forest, where a moonlight hike will combine learning about the moon - its formation and its relationship to our home planet - and enjoying the very different look and feel of the forest at night.

Chilao Visitors’ Center is located directly off of Highway 2 (Angeles Crest Highway) 27 miles above La Canada Flintridge from the 210 freeway, in mile 50, just before Newcombs Ranch.
Chilao School is located in the heart of the Angeles National Forest, and two miles from the famous Newcombs Ranch Bar and Restaurant.
To reach Chilao School, DO NOT USE GOOGLE. Follow written directions, and look for signs on the road. From Sunland Tujunga take Oro Vista which become Big Tujunga Canyon to Upper Big Tujunga Canyon, turn right and proceed nine miles to Angeles Crest Highway, where you will turn left and proceed about eight more miles to Chilao.

From the Antelope Valley/14 freeway, exit Angeles Forest Highway. Proceed over the top of the mountain and down into a valley past Mill Creek campground. Turn left onto Upper Big Tujunga Canyon (look for Redbird signs). Take Upper Big Tujunga Canyon for 9 miles to Angeles Crest Highway. Turn left. Proceed 6 more miles to Chilao Road/Chilao Campground. Follow signs through campground to Chilao Visitors Center.

From the Los Angeles/San Fernando Valley area, take the 210 freeway to Angeles Crest Highway/Highway 2 exit. Turn north, up hill, away from the city, toward the mountains. If you immediately come to Foothill Boulevard you turned the wrong way. Go up the highway 26 miles to Chilao Visitors’ Center, on your left in mile 50.  Mile markers along the highway will help you know how close you are.