Take a whole bunch of friendly, intelligent, telescope-toting amateur astronomers; anxious to share their hobby. Put them in a large open meadow at the top of a mountain with excellent views to all horizons, and invite the public.

Before starting out be sure and check the sky conditions. If the sky is overcast, or the forecast indicates rain, consider waiting for the next scheduled party (most are Monthly Saturday night events). If there are just a few scattered clouds with clear sky between, come on up. You can call the VCAS Starline at 805-520-9666, the VCAS Website or click the link below.

1. Take Interstate 5 north about 34 miles past the Castaic Junction (Magic Mountain).

2. Exit at Frazier Park Road.

3. Turn left from the off ramp and drive about 7 or 8 miles. You will go trough a stop sign in the community of Frazier Park and mile or two later, a sign that says "Ranger Station/ Lockwood Valley" with an arrow pointing left. Don't turn here, keep going straight another 3-4 miles.

4. You will eventually come to a "Y" intersection with a sign with directions to Pine Mountain Club (right) and Mount Pinos (straight), you want to keep going straight. The road to the summit has no markings so if you get past this point and there is a double-yellow line in the road, you're heading towards Pine Mountain Club, not Mount Pinos.

5. Follow this windy road about 8 miles past two yellow, snow gates. One gate is at about 1 mile in or so, the other about 5-6 miles in.

6. Near the end there will be a road sign with the words "pavement ends" on it. The parking lot is just around the corner so slow down a bit.

7. When you see a whole bunch of scopes and RV's, you're there.

1. Plan to arrive well before dark. I usually arrive latest around 1:00 or 2:00 to make sure I get a good spot in the middle and I like to eat and visit with others before dark. After dusk, there's no time to talk.

2. Don't forget plenty of warm clothing, and warm liquids to drink throughout the evening.

3. BACK your car into it's parking spot. Even reverse lights are extremely bright when your eyes are fully dark adapted. Also, turn the dome light in your car to the OFF position.

4. Use a RED-FILTERED flashlight at night.

5. If you leave during nighttime, turn only your parking lights on and use the brakes as little as possible.

6. No green lasers after an hour and a half after dark. People are trying to do astro-photography, and these mess up their pictures.

7. There are porta-potties there, don't worry.

8. If you get there early, you can hike easily up to the peak of Mount Pinos. It's about 1.4 miles total walking distance (one way). If it's a good clear day, you can get a very nice view of the San Juaquin Valley and surrounding mountains. It's an easy trail, even tennis shoes will do fine. Bring water, wear decent shoes/boots.

Adventure parking passes are required. They can be obtained at the ranger station in Lockwood Valley, Sports Chalet, or any BIG 5 Sporting Goods store; $5 for a day pass, $30 for a year pass.

We do appreciate any donations to help VCAS continue our special outreach programs and help us fight to conserve the natural resource that is a Dark Sky.