1st Saturday Hike - Wills Canyon to Oso Ridge Loop

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/1/2/4/a/event_81424682.jpegLeisurely to moderate paced hike in Ojai. Approximately 7 mile loop starting at Rancho El Nido, Rice Canyon Trail and returning along Oso Ridge Trail. Beautiful views along the way. No Dogs, please; I love dogs, I have two, unfortunately not everyone does. Please leave Fido at home.

Statistics: The hike is about 7 miles round trip with about 1000 feet of climbing. Expected duration is about 3 to 4 hours.

Pace: I believe that the journey is as important as the destination! Expect to stop periodically to take photos, check for ticks, admire wildflowers, let people catch up, or just take in the magnificent views. If your primary goal is to get back to your car as quickly as possible, my hikes aren’t for you.

Level: Strong beginner to intermediatehttp://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/1/2/d/6/event_81424822.jpeg

Time: Arrive at the parking area of the Rancho El Nido Preserve early enough to start promptly at 9:00 AM. Check the weather. Rain and severe weather conditions like wind or fire cancels. After significant rain, we will need several dry days for the trails to dry out sufficiently.

Where: Meet at the parking area of the Rancho El Nido Preserve. Briefly,

Take the 33 north from the 101 towards Ojai. At the intersection with Hwy 150 (Baldwin Rd), about 11 miles from the 101, turn left, then turn right after three blocks onto Rice Road. Watch carefully for Hwy 150 - it's not well marked. Once on Rice Road, drive north about 1.5 miles to the Riverview trailhead on the left, across the street from a large horse corral.

Wear / Bring:

Sturdy hiking boots with lugs and good tread Water Snacks to eat along the way. If there is enough interest, we may regroup after the hike and have lunch at a local establishment. Camera This event is cross-posted to the BobCarolTedAlice-Hiking Meetup (https://www.meetup.com/BobCarolTedAlice-Hiking/events/45677282/) group.