Geo-hikes Geologic Maps Foundation

Ventura hillside Geo-hike, cross the south-limb of the Ventura anticline

Wed, May 20 · 5:30 PM PDT

Hillcrest Drive, Hillcrest Dr, Ventura, CA, US

PLEASE READ BEFORE YOU RSVP. YOU MUST RSVP TO HIKE WITH THIS GROUP, IT'S A LIABILITY ISSUE.

NOTICE THAT HIKE STARTS AT 5:30 PM.

A 4.5 miles roundtrip hike to the communication tower above Ventura and return, with a ~900 ft elevation gain, and pace is moderate, at about 2.0 MPH with several short stops. Most of the route is along an old dirt road that is closed to traffic, and the route traverses the south limb of the large Ventura anticline. I'll stop here and there and say a few words about the geology along the route. There is a great 360 degree view from the top. Dogs must be on a leash for the entire hike. Hike has no sweep and it is along the same dirt road in and out. If you are real slow we'll see you on way back down.
No guests, have them join.

Geologic map covering route of this geo-hike: Ventura and Saticoy Sidebar App

DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY*
(IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY):
The hike host is a volunteer and not responsible for the group. Safety should be a priority for everyone in the group. Please treat this meet-up as hiking with a group of friends. If you become fatigued and unable to continue the hike, it is expected you will advise the hike host of this and return to our starting point on your own. If you are able to proceed, it is expected that you will maintain line of sight with other members of the group at all times and help to promote the group’s safety and fitness goals. Outdoor sports and other events we plan can be inherently dangerous and accidents may happen. By participating in any posted event, you are taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The Geo-hikes Meetup Group and its organizers are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions. If you choose to sign up for this or any Geo-hikes Meetup event, you are releasing the Geo-hikes Meetup Group and its organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience.

• Anyone 18 yrs. or younger must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Santa Cruz Island Geo-hikes 5 days & 4 nights stay at the Christy Field Station

Thu, Aug 6 · 8:00 AM PDT

Island Packer Cruises, 1691 Spinnaker Dr #105B, Ventura, CA, US

This is a unique experience to learn about the natural sciences of the Northern Channel Islands and to make hikes to beautiful beaches and geologically interesting locations on the remote western portion of Santa Cruz Island. In addition, fall is the most favorable weather period to visit the islands and the ocean-water temperatures peak at this time.

This will be a small group event. Many of the geo-hikes are to and along pristine and lovely coastlines that provide a glimpse of what southern California beaches looked like hundreds of years ago. YOU'LL NEED TO BE IN GOOD HIKING SHAPE FOR THIS EVENT. The geology, history (including the prehistoric record), and flora and fauna of the island will be discussed. Thom Davis, the trip leader, is lead author on The Geological Society of America's 2020 Field Guide (#59) to Santa Cruz Island and the contents of the guidebook will be used extensively during the trip:
https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/books/book/2279/chapter/126263829/Santa-Cruz-Island-field-trip-Geology-history-and

IF YOU ARE ADDED TO THE TRIP (FROM WAITLIST TO ATTENDEE LIST), SEND YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS AND FULL NAME ASAP TO GEOLOGICMAPSFOUNDATION@GMAIL.COM. YOU'LL NEED TO PROVIDE YOUR FULL NAME, NAME OF THE TRIP YOU ARE ON, & YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS (DON'T ASSUME WE HAVE OR KNOW YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS). IF WE DON'T RECEIVE YOUR EMAIL QUICKLY YOU'LL BE REMOVED FROM THE TRIP. FURTHER INFORMATION: BOAT RESERVATIONS, WAIVERS, WHAT TO BRING, ETC. ARE SENT TO YOU BY EMAIL.

DO NOT MAKE YOUR BOAT RESERVATION UNTIL YOU ARE CONFIRMED ON THE TRIP AND WE HAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS AND FULL NAME.

Trip is designed for geologists and non-geologists. Key earth science concepts will be explained in a manner for all to understand. The cost is $490/person and covers the cost of our stay at Christy Ranch, vehicle rental, and vehicle fuel (cost does not include boat transportation). Payment will be by check to the Geologic Maps Foundation and payment instructions will be provided later by email.

Participants are responsible for their Island Packer's boat trip reservations and fare to the island and return. At present costs are $93.00/adult-roundtrip and $88.00/senior and military-roundtrip (call Island Packers, 805-642-1393). I will inform you of the correct boat time to reserve in early 2026.

We stay at the historic Christy Ranch on the western end of the island that has bathrooms with showers, a kitchen equipped with cooking and eating utensils, cups and glasses, stovetop, refrigerator, and a dining room with wifi. There is no microwave, toaster, or electric coffee maker. Outside there is a patio with tables and chairs and a large built-in BBQ. I will bring plenty of charcoal for all to use and BBQing has been very popular with past trips.

We cannot sleep inside Christy Ranch as the building is not seismically retrofitted. You will need to bring a sleeping bag (nightly lows are usually in the mid-50s degree F range), a tent, sleeping pad, and a backpacking-size ground tarp. You are responsible for bringing all your meals and drinks (potable water is available at the Ranch), preparing your meals, and clean-up. More information on what to bring will be provided later by email. There are no stores on SCI, and cell coverage is poor. Christy Ranch and the SCI Main Station.

PLEASE DON'T SIGN UP FOR TRIPS THAT REQUIRE OVERNIGHT ORGANIZATION AND EXPENDITURE THEN CANCEL-OUT RIGHT BEFORE THE TRIP. THIS CREATES EXTRA WORK FOR US AND THE UNIVERSITY RESERVE SYSTEM, PLUS IT DEPRIVES OTHERS FROM THE OPPORTUNITY.

Please watch the bio-security video provided by TNC, https://youtu.be/d8SLYWPOF2U?feature=shared

Here's a link to a March 27, 2025 geologic tour of Santa Cruz Island (including some of Santa Rosa Island too):
https://youtu.be/nvOv0DG0gec
This is a fund raiser for the nonprofit Geologic Maps Foundation (GMF), www.geologicmapsfoundation.org. GMF is a 501 (c) (3) organization and donations are tax deductible.

Itinerary:
First day, land at Prisoners Harbor, pick-up vehicles, orientation, driving tour of the Canada del Puerto to the UC SCI Main Field Station, check-in, lunch, followed by a drive to Christy Ranch along the Southern Ridge Rd. On the drive we will be stopping for landscape panoramas, discussions of geology, rock types, and flora and fauna. For example, at one point there is a very good view of gully offsets along active SCI fault that bisects the island, https://youtu.be/n5jfomHlgyA. At Christy Ranch we will set up our camp, possibly take a short beach hike, and prepare our dinners.

Second Day: We will drive out to Frazer Point and make a several hikes to view and discuss the geology, view the rich-assortment of bird life around the point, and discuss the marine terraces and sea-level changes during the late Quaternary. https://youtu.be/CbqIqdwGnbw

Third Day: We will make two geology hikes: 1) outcrops along southern stretch of Christy Beach, and 2) a sea-cliff exposure of the SCI fault along the northern stretch of Cristy Beach. If time allows we will visit the "Poway clast" outcrop and deepwater deposits at Sauces Beach and Kinton Point.

Forth Day: hike to Near Point-Pozo Beach or Laguna Beach. More information to be posted later.

Fifth Day: We will pack up, tidy up the Ranch portions we used and head back to the Main Research Station and Prisoner's Harbor via the Central Valley Road. If time allows and half-way back to the Main Station, we may make a detour to hike to the top of Diablo Peak (elevation=2450 ft) that provides a great panorama of the Northern Channel Islands, Santa Barbara Channel, and the Santa Barbara-Ventura coastline and mountains. The top of Diablo is also a great place to see and discuss the Santa Cruz Island Volcanic Complex that underlies most of the northern portion of SCI. When we return to Prisoners Harbor to catch the boat for the return to Ventura, and if time allows, we'll do an optional hike towards Pelican Bay.

DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY*
(IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY):
The hike host is a volunteer and not responsible for the group. Safety should be a priority for everyone in the group. Please treat this meet-up as hiking with a group of friends. If you become fatigued and unable to continue the hike, it is expected you will advise the hike host of this and return to our starting point on your own. If you are able to proceed, it is expected that you will maintain line of sight with other members of the group at all times and help to promote the group’s safety and fitness goals.

Outdoor sports and other events we plan can be inherently dangerous and accidents may happen. By participating in any posted event, you are taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The Geo-hiking Meetup Group and its organizers are not trained leaders, and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions.

If you choose to sign up for this or any Geo-hiking Meetup event, you are releasing the Geo-hiking Meetup Group and its organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience.

• Anyone 18 yrs. or younger must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Desert Peaks, White & Inyo Mtns, stay at UC Crooked Creek Research Station

Thu, Aug 20 · 3:00 PM PDT

Crooked Creek Field Station, White Mountain Rd, Bishop, CA, US

THIS IS PROBABLY OUR MOST POPULAR GEO-HIKE.

PLEASE READ THE BELOW CAREFULLY. MEMBERS THAT HIKE WITH GEO-HIKES FREQUENTLY AND GEOLOGIC ASSOCIATES HAVE PRIORITY TO ATTEND. YOU WILL GO ON A WAITLIST AT THE START.

PLEASE DO NOT SIGN-ON TO GEO-HIKE EVENTS UNLESS YOU INTEND TO GO AND CAN AFFORD TO GO. SIGNING ON AND NOT GOING DEPRIVES OTHERS AND CREATES COMPLICATIONS ON MY END.

YOU NEED TO BE A GOOD HIKER AND ABLE TO SPEND FIVE DAYS & FOUR NIGHTS AT AN ELEVATION GREATER THAN 10,000 FEET. THIS EVENT HAS CROSS-COUNTRY HIKES IN STEEP DESERT TERRAIN. THE HIKES ARE IN REMOTE AREAS AND WE NEED TO HIKE TOGETHER AS AS A GROUP TO AVOID ANYONE GETTING LOST. YOU'LL NEED TO FOLLOW DIRECTIONS AND STAY-UP WITH THE GROUP, THERE ARE NO SWEEPS.

IF YOU ARE ADMITTED TO THIS EVENT (YOUR STATUS GOES FROM WAITLIST TO RSVP), YOU NEED TO SEND YOUR FULL NAME AND EMAIL ADDRESS TO GEOLOGICMAPSFOUNDATION@GMAIL.COM. STATE WHAT EVENT YOU ARE ON. THIS IS A NECESSITY TO BE ON OUR OVERNIGHT EVENTS AND TO RECEIVE UPATES AND ATTACHMENTS. DON'T ASSUME I HAVE OR CAN FIND YOUR EMAIL EASILY.

Geo-hikes has a reservation for 5 days and 4 nights at the UC Reserve's White Mtn, Crooked Creek Station that has lodging and showers. The Station prepares and serves all meals; we have to help with clean-up of meals and our rooms before departing. The Station is above 10,000 ft elevation. The cost is $590/person based on the cost for room & meals. Station costs have nearly doubled since 2019 but it is still a good deal considering its lodging, food, and a beautiful area to visit. You cannot pay now. If you get on the event you will be sent further instructions about what to bring and payment.

We will be hiking desert peaks in the White Mountains (just east of the Sierra Nevada and Owens Valley), and discussing the geology along the routes. The tentative plan is to hike Buck's Peak and/or Blanco Mtn on Friday. We will explore lower Cottonwood Creek and top Station Peak on Saturday, and hike White Mountain Peak (14,246 ft) on Sunday. For those wanting to hike something other than White Mtn Peak, we'll come up with an alternative hike. White Mtn is often described as the easy “fourteener” but some folks struggle with the last 600-700 ft where it's steep and high (it's not a technical climb). Like Blanco and Buck's Peak it’s a long hike to the base. We will be able to park at the Barcroft Research Station that is beyond the locked gate which will shorten our hike by several miles. Hike from Barcroft Station 11.5 miles roundtrip and 2671 ft elevation gain. Hiking itinerary could change as we get closer to the event.

On Monday we’ll have breakfast, pack our bags, and help clean up the facility. We’ll depart about 11:00 AM. In the past some folks have driven directly home and others have visited the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest Visitor Center at Schulman Grove, which is along the drive back. There are some excellent short trails at the Grove too.

You are responsible for your transportation to the Crooked Creek Station and back home. The last 10 miles to the Station is on a good gravel road. We will arrange a vehicle caravan from the Grandview Campground (along a paved road) to the Station on the arrival day. We sometimes are short high-clearance vehicles to make it to the various trailheads. If you have such a vehicle please consider bringing it and be willing to take other to the trailheads. In the past folks have driven Outbacks to the trailheads with no issues.

The White Mountains are unknown to many and the Crooked Creek Station is in a remote location within the mountains. If you want to get away from the hiking crowds of the Sierra Nevada, see something new and unvisited, this is a good start. The ranges are very scenic, pristine, and the geology is very complex and interesting too.

2024 White Mtns video: https://youtu.be/qJ6nqeuWjbg

2022 White Mtns videos: https://youtu.be/85QBoGH5fHs, https://youtu.be/5nsYKsgVqRE, https://youtu.be/TtEis5ILqr0, https://youtu.be/3g3wAHjF768, https://youtu.be/67seBb50T5E, https://youtu.be/oSZZJrsmD-Y

Here's a great book on Desert Peaks including the peaks mentioned above: https://a.co/d/3QlVxWl

This is a fund raiser for the nonprofit GMF (Geologic Maps Foundation), www.geologicmapsfoundation.org. GMF is a 501 (c) (3) organization and donations are tax deductible. Donations pay for event expenses (in this case the facility) and GMF operating costs. Payment ($590.00) will be by check to the Geologic Maps Foundation and payment instructions and further trip details such as detailed directions and what to bring will be provided later.

IF YOU WISH TO CONTACT GEO-HIKES ABOUT THE TRIP PLEASE SEND AN EMAIL TO: GEOLOGICMAPSFOUNDATION@GMAIL.COM, AND DON'T USE MEETUP MESSAGES THAT ARE PROBLEMATIC.