Haunted Hike Photos

The Hearse.  Wrecked on the side of the road. The horse got away and the coffin fell out of the back.

A swarm of flying skeletons to swoop down over your head.

The Zombies.  Careful, they may jump out at you!

These are just a part of one section.  There was so much more to experience.  If you weren't there, see what you missed!

I wish I could have gotten photos from other areas but setting up for the night isn't finished until right before the hikes start.  It just didn't leave enough time to get around to all the areas.

Sold Out

I'm a little late with this but I still wanted to post it.

The hike is sold out and as the helpful people answering the phones at Community Services and the park can attest, there is still a huge demand for more.

Thanks to everyone who was able to get tickets and also to all those that tried to get tickets. We work on this all year long. That's not an exaggeration. The whole time we're hoping that people will show up and, if they do, they'll have a great time.

The demand for tickets and the responses from guests so far this year has been so positive, I can't begin to express how appreciative we are for that. The more fun you have, the more energized we get.

Thanks again.

Fun Fact #2

The setting for the hikes up in the foothills of Monrovia is what really sets us apart from everyone else.  It also causes our biggest challenges.  You may not realize that, aside from the permanent buildings in the park (the interior maze, bathrooms), there is no electricity available for the majority of the Haunted Hike path. 

While you are walking up the road or coming back down the trail and enjoying all the lighting effects on the various scenes and locations along the way, think about this:  it was all done without access to a single electrical outlet. 

Enjoy!

It's Showtime!

The undead are already making their way to the park.

Tonight is opening night.  First hike goes out at 6:30 pm.

A Huge Thank You to the park staff and all the volunteers who put in so many hours it makes a full time job look like a vacation.

An especially HUGE Thank You to all those that bought tickets to this event.  You are why we're here.  None of this would happen without your support.

Remember, when you're out on the hike tonight, have FUN, and don't be afraid to SCREEEAAAMMM!!!

Almost Sold Out

As of about noon today, there were only about 60 tickets left.  The hike will sell out again this year and it looks like it is going to happen soon.

Tips To Have More Fun

1) Carpool, Carpool, Carpool.  The photo above is the parking lot for the hike.  From here you'll board a shuttle bus to be taken to the check in area and start of the hike.  As you can see, there is limited parking.  Carpool, reduce the number of cars, and have a much smoother start and end to your evening.

2) Stick to your given arrival time as closely as possible.  Again, due to the limited parking, this helps everything run smoother.

3) Resist the urge to shine a flashlight on everything.   We understand if you want some light to see the trail, just keep the light on the trail.  You may be given specific rules regarding flashlight use.  Shining the light on actors, props and scenes just ruins the effect for everyone else. 

4) Resist the urge to take flash pictures.  Also very distracting.  By the time everyone's eyes readjust to the dark, you'll miss half the hike.

5) Keep your group close together.  The hike is designed for the group size.  There's no way to get lost, but if you get too spread out, the scares are less effective.

Only 3 Days Left To Buy Tickets

The deadline to buy tickets for the Haunted Hike is this Wednesday the 22nd at Community Services.  Their hours are 8 am to 9 pm these remaining 3 days.  See the right sidebar for address and phone number.

Fun Fact #1

Last year, volunteers put in close to 1,300 hours to make the Haunted Hike happen.  That includes not only working the nights of the hikes but also the planning, designing and building of props and scenes. 

Planning for the following year starts as soon as the current hikes are over...if not sooner.

Due to the dedication and creativity of the volunteers, the Haunted Hike is able to compete with the more well known events at a fraction of the cost.

Thank you to all the past and present Monrovia Canyon Park Haunted Hike volunteers!

1/2 The Tickets Sold, Don't Miss Out!

Half the tickets for this years Haunted Hikes are sold already.  Remember, the tickets are for specific hike times.  Don't wait till the last minute or the hikes you want may be sold out.

A Deal So Good, It's Scary

Let's take a quick look at the options this year:


-Universal Horror Nights:

Starting at $54.00 plus parking plus gas plus driving time.

-Knott's Scary Farm Haunt:

Starting at $35.99 plus $15.00 parking plus gas plus driving time.

-Monrovia Canyon Park Haunted Hike:

Starting at only $10.00, parking is included and it is a local event.

The choice is easy.  Get your tickets now, they're going fast.

Clips From The 2007 Haunted Hike

I know that a lot of people who have never been to one of the Haunted Hikes may be wondering what it's really all about.

I can write about it, I can post still photo's from it, but the best way would be to let you actually see a video from a past hike. So that's what this post is all about.

The following video includes bits and pieces from the 2007 Haunted Hike. Enough to give you a sense of what to expect without giving too much away. Remember, the actual hike covers a half mile and takes 45 minutes or more to complete.

Sorry about the amateurish video editing:

The important thing to take away from all this is the quote from the young lady at the end of the video:

"Beats Knott's, beats Universal."

Don't Be Left Hanging...

...without your Haunted Hike tickets!

So far, tickets have only been available to residents of Monrovia and they've been selling fast.
Tomorrow - October 1st - tickets go on sale to EVERYONE!

If you're scared, well, you should be... but don't let that stop you.  Come join the fun!

Tickets On Sale Today

It's finally here! 

Think about the night and time you want and buy early before they sell out.
Better yet, get all your friends together and buy a whole hike!

Tickets for Monrovia residents go on sale today.
Community Services opens at 8 am.  Address, hours and haunt line phone number
can be found in the right sidebar.

Tickets go on sale to everyone else on Wednesday October 1st.

Tickets are $10.00 for Thursday October 23rd and $13.00 for Friday and Saturday, October 24th and 25th.

Online Ticket Request Form

UPDATE 09/22/2008:

I just received word that the Online Ticket Request Form will not be available after all.  That means that tickets will only be available for purchase at the Monrovia Community Center.  The address, hours and phone number for Community Services is below and in the sidebar to the right.

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The City of Monrovia website has added a new new link to a soon to be available Online Ticket Request Form. 

A goal this year was to make purchasing tickets as easy as possible by making them available for online purchase.  Unfortunately, I don't believe online purchase will be ready in time for the hikes this year but it looks as though you will be able to submit ticket (and time) requests by email. 

I have not seen or heard how this request form will work, but judging by the date next to the link, it looks like it will become available on the 24th of this month.  That is also the date that tickets go on sale to Monrovia residents. (Tickets are available to everyone else beginning October 1st).

The link will also take you to a nice calendar showing hike dates, times and prices for each night.

Tickets will also be available in person at:

Community Services

119 W. Palm Avenue

Monrovia CA 91016

Monday - Thursday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.,

Saturday 8 a.m. to Noon
(626) 256-8246

REMEMBER!  Tickets must be purchased in advance.  They are not available at the park!

Zombies

Don't miss out.  They'll be looking for you!

2008 Monrovia Canyon Park Haunted Hike FAQ

Let's start things off with answers to some of the most commonly asked questions that we get about the event.  You'll also find some info on new things this year, especially the Haunt Line at 626-256-8246:

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Mountain Mayhem Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1. Is this the same event as last year?
A. Yes, same theme, but with several changes and additions this year.

Q2. Is it scary?
A. Mountain Mayhem is where your worst nightmares become real. As you enter the adventure, you enter a dark environment full of suspense and HORROR. The only thing on your mind will be your survival.

Q3. But is it really scary?
A. This event is rated PG 13. Experience has led us to believe that this event is just too scary for the little ones. We provide what we feel is the scariest Haunted Hike in California.

Q4. Will any cast members touch me?
A. All staff has been instructed not to touch anyone for your safety as well as theirs. We expect our patrons to do the same. Bear in mind that this is a work in progress and doesn't always go according to plan! Responses and reactions from people vary and sometimes contact may be made. You may be grabbed by one of the members of your own group who is too terrified to continue without your help.

Q5. Is there a 'Good Fairy' to accompany the scaredy cats?
A. Nope. Once you approach the point of no return, you will have an opportunity to make a choice either to continue or be escorted back to the entrance and miss all the attractions.

Q6. Where do I turn in my tickets and release of liability form?
A. You will need to turn in all tickets and forms at the registration table. The registration table will be located adjacent to the middle parking lot where the restrooms are located.

Q7. Where do I park?
A. Starting from the entrance gate, our parking attendants will direct you to the designated parking area. You will then board a shuttle bus which will take you to the middle parking lot where you will need to register.

Q8. Are there discounts available?
A. No. No profit is generated for this event. All revenue pays for all expenditures associated with this event and to support Canyon Park Nature Center needs.

Q9. What if I lose my ticket?
A. Unfortunately lose your ticket, lose your admission! No one will be admitted without a ticket.

Q10. How about if the waiver is not completed and or signed?
A. Unfortunately it is required for admittance to the event. If it is not complete with signatures you will not be allowed to participate.

Q11. Are you handicapped accessible?
A. Please keep in mind that the trail is uneven and rocky in many areas and thereby making it unsafe for a wheelchair. However, all other attractions with the exception of “Trail of no Return” is accessible.

Q12. How long is the Hike?
A. The Haunted Hike is about ½ mile long and will take approximately 45 to 60 minutes to complete.

Q13. Is it as good as last year?
A. Yes! Believe it or not, we love to scare you. It's fun for us so we spend virtually all year designing and building new settings and effects for your pleasure. If you liked us last year, you'll love us this year!

Q14. What’s the absolute maximum group size per hike?
A. 25 is the limit for each hike. NO EXCEPTIONS!

Q15. Can I bring my cell phone?
A. Sure, but be aware that we will NOT stop to look for lost cell phones or pagers (or most anything else). If we happen to find them, they will be available at the nature center and available for pick up during normal business hours 8:00am to 5:00pm the next day.

Q16. Is photography allowed?
A. Sorry, but no. There are many reasons for this including that a flash or strobe will temporarily blind our actors, it disrupts the other guest's experience, pausing to take pictures slows down the line behind you and infrared will probably show you areas we don't particularly want you to see!

Q17. If I'm too scared can I get a refund?
A. We have a no refund policy. You have paid for us to scare you. If you are so scared that you have to leave the haunt early and not go on then we have done our job. If we have done our job then their is no reason for a refund.

Q18. Can I wear a costume?
A. No. Trust us, this is for the public’s safety. It is too easy for a customer, in a mask, to do something inappropriate and then you, or us, have no way to identify them.

Q19. What time should I arrive?
A. You should give yourself enough time to park your vehicle, be shuttled to the registration table and register. We strongly recommend arriving at least 15 minutes before your hike time. We will not wait for late arrivals.

Q20. How about if it rains?
A. We will cancel if rain does occur. However, fog or light drizzle are NOT grounds for cancellation unless it makes it unsafe for our guests. You can contact the Haunt Line for updates 626-256-8246.

Q21. Can I pay with a credit card?
A. Absolutely! For your convenience we have provided this service to you.

Q22. Can I exchange tickets for other hike times?
A. Yes. We can accommodate you as long as tickets are available. Be aware that we have sold out every year and ticket availability is scarce.

Q23. Can I bring a flashlight?
A. We do not restrict the use of flashlights but do discourage them. Realize that bright lights can take away from the excitement and feel from the environment thereby affecting the outcome of a true scare. Also, the lights will affect others in your group which can lead to a disappointing experience for them. We ask that you be considerate to others.

Q24. Can I buy tickets over the phone?
A. No. We actually need you to come in and pick up the tickets. However, tickets are available on the city website.

Q25. What kind of shoes should I bring?
A. Please be aware that you will be walking on uneven terrain. We suggest wearing comfortable hiking or athletic shoes. Avoid shoes with heals!

Q26. Will you be selling souvenirs?
A. We will be selling T-Shirts and Glow Lights. Water will also be available for your convenience. If you have a question that was not answered here, contact the Haunt Phone Line 626-256-8246.

Q27. If a participant is very disruptive, what will you do?
A. Any participant or group who brings a negative impact, or causes or poses the potential to cause harm to anyone shall be escorted to a designated area and will be dealt with accordingly by the Monrovia Police Department. We have the right to refuse service!

Q28. How can I get more information?
A. If you have a question that was not answered here, contact the Haunt Phone Line 626-256-8246.

Announcing: The 2008 Haunted Hike

The most fun, the most exciting and the most terrifying event in Monrovia is almost here!

Below are the flyers for the 2008 Monrovia Canyon Park Haunted Hike.

Click the images above for larger versions.