Lompico Creek Headwaters Amble & Scramble

Looking for an off-the-beaten-path hiking fix? Look no further, we've got you covered! http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/8/e/6/4/event_213996452.jpegThis is our far-off-the beaten path, amble here, scramble there, challenge your balancing act up and down steep redwood forest terrain, adventure.

Join avid outdoorsman, ecology expert, professional conservationist and Sempervirens docent, Kevin, on an utterly unique, challenging hike in the forest. Kevin was among the original group of citizens to advocate for the protection of Lompico Headwaters property, which Sempervirens (and leaders like Kevin) was able to ultimately purchase (2006) and protect.

This hike is up a deep, steep-sided canyon through riparian redwood dominated forest. The location is a great opportunity to view geological processes in action.There are very diverse plants and wildlife.

The hike is difficult because there is no constructed trail for the longer upper section. All parcipants need cleated hiking boots, preferably waterproof and walking sticks are recommended. The path crosses the creek several times. This hike moves slowly due to the difficult terrain and also stops to view evidence of geomorphic change and wildlife. This is not an aerobic hike. This is a hike that will test your balance and flexibility, however.

The elevation gain is less than 400 ft. yet, since this hike is off trail, the distance and effort required are far more than simple statistics can represent.

Distance: 2 miles

Duration: 3 hours

Approximate Pace: scramble, crawl, slide, hike and climb (get the picture?)

Elevation Gain: 400 feet

ALL PARTICIPANTS NEED EXPERIENCE AND STRENGTH FOR STEEP AND LEAF LITTER OBSCURED, SLIPPERY TERRAIN.

Bring your own snack and water.

This hike is NOT APPROPRIATE for Children under 10 years of age.

MEETING LOCATION: This is in the approximate vicinity of 1400 Lompico Road. Look for docent Kevin at the Silver Gate, located at the end of Lompico Road where the single-lane paved road becomes a gravel road. Docent Kevin will be at this Gate at 9:50 AM so if you arrive early, sit tight and wait at the gate. Please take notes about this meeting location because there is NO cell phone, nor mobile device RECEPTION along Lompico Road. Thank you!

Wondering how to find Lompico Road?

Turn lleft off of East Zayante Road onto Lompico Road. If you reach a small market on Zayante Road you have passed Lompico Rd and you need to turn around and go back a few hundred yards to the Lompico Road intersection. After about 3 miles Lompico Road drops from 2 to 1 lane paved with pull-outs for the last ≈ 3/4 mile. The publicly maintained part of Lompico Road ends at a Road Gate. This is a heavy steel gate with a group of mail boxes where Lompico Road converts from asphalt to gravel. Kevin will meet the hiking participants at this gate.