About us
Geo-hikes is open to hikers, geologists and geology students. Newsletter https://tdavisgeo.substack.com/
It's for anyone interested in learning a little geology while hiking and backpacking.
Visit Events\Calendar\Past on the Meetup page for the last few years for a quick appreciation, with photos, of Geo-hikes events, the TDAVISGEO's Newsletter at substack.com, and Youtube videos:
Crooked Creek, White Mtns: https://www.meetup.com/Geo-hikes/events/261057991/
Santa Cruz Island: https://www.meetup.com/Geo-hikes/events/260807872/
Deep Canyon and Santa Rosa Mtns: https://www.meetup.com/Geo-hikes/events/258848834/
https://tdavisgeo.substack.com/p/newsletter-8-geo-hike-guadalupe-with
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjifZym-WW4vtzrYarr8JOinSv2TD2Uir
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjifZym-WW4sTtDU4ciyWWIzO23YQLmeZ
Hikers, do you want to learn a bit of field geology and map reading skills while hiking, and sometimes camping in the western USA? Interested in participating in Geo-hikes and trips to scenic, and sometimes remote, locations? Want to learn about the fascinating history of the earth at these locations while on the move? If yes, then events hosted and led by the Geologic Maps Foundation might be of interest to you. Plus, the participants meet others with similar interests while getting great exercise. You do not have to be a geologist to attend but an eagerness to learn some basic geology and map reading skills are a must.
Professional geologists can share their knowledge and experiences (as co-leaders) with geology students and non-geologists while exercising and returning to, for many, why they got into geology in the first place.
Geology students (at any level) will gain field experience, an opportunity to interact and make contacts with professional geologists that could be helpful in the future, and with lots of outdoors exercise in interesting geologic settings.
There are a number of geo-hikes scheduled for the 2023 season and more will be added. "Spreading the word" about these events is most appreciated. Interaction of professional geologists and geology students with hikers, that are not geologists, informs the public about geology and its importance.
Most of the Geo-hikes events and courses are free while a few are fund-raisers and require a donation to cover expenses and operating costs for the longer trips. The Foundation is a tax-exempt nonprofit ,IRS 501 (3) (C), with a scientific educational and research focus. Donations are tax deductible and go towards the expenses of the event and the operating cost of the Foundation.
Geo-hikes also organize and lead customized geologic field trips for professional organizations and companies to various areas in the western US and Baja California. Trips are great educational and team building experiences. Please email us at: geologicmapsfoundation@gmail.com for more information about the customized trips.
For more info on the Geologic Maps Foundation: http://geologicmapsfo...
Upcoming events
8
Geo-hike to top of San Emigdio Mountain
Apache Saddle, Hudson Ranch Road, Pine Mountain Club, CA, USLet's do a Geo-hike from Apache Saddle to the top of San Emigdio Mountain (elev=7487) and back. The mountain is just northwest of Pine Mountain Club and Alltrails.com has the roundtrip hike at 6.7mi and 1414 ft elevation gain: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/san-emigdio-mountain-trail
Trail is an OHV dirt road. Here's what I know about the geology: lower part of trail crosses the San Andreas fault zone, and we will see some tectonic landforms from past earthquakes, including the M=7.8 earthquake that occurred in 1857. Road (trail) climbs up a small canyon) and reaches ridge line with granitic rocks and some meta-sedimentary rocks intruded by the granite.
We will take the road (trail) east along the ridge and reach the summit. From there we may hike a bit further east for better views to the north of the San Emigdio Mountains Fold & Thrust Belt (the Wind Wolves Preserve) and southern end of the San Joaquin Valley. To the south there will be views of the Mil Potrero Valley (Pine Mountain Club) and the Mount Pinos Massif. I'll bring some geologic maps, plus we can discuss the flora and fauna, There might be a few wildflowers still around. We will turn around at ridge line viewpoint and head back to the parking area via the same route we came in on.This weekend is start of archery season for deer. We will be hiking along a wide dirt road, in a group, most of the hunting is done much further to the west, open season is only for archery, and not rifles. Never-the-less, I am wearing an orange shirt. You might consider bright clothing or a bright vest.
Bring: At least 3 liters of water (it could get up to the high 70s on the way down), there's no water on this trail, lunch, hiking stuff, good boots, or trail runners. There'll be lots of sunshine, a hat and sun block. At higher elevation, the weather can change quickly, so bring something warm just in case. Check the weather forecast before going.
For those of you with interest in the local geologic mapping look at these: We will be hiking across the North American and Pacific Plate boundary (San Andreas fault). I will discuss our 1998 interpretation of the western Transverse Ranges and San Andreas Fault System if you want to hear it, more info here:
https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1I5HCYJBLuj5bQu32swyzmVHc1u52qniKGeologic Map of the Sawmill Mountain Quadrangle, Kern and Ventura Counties, California
By Karl S. Kellogg and Daniel P. Miggins
U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 02-406
https://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2002/ofr-02-406/ofr-02-406.pdfOther geologic maps: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MWBE8O-CkgthopFbJJTcW2U2n-vjiWQN/view
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ADiH8UeeMahUaizq9cs_Qqn3r-kJ8gzr/view
DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY
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 Geologic Maps Foundation 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 Geologic Maps Foundation Meetup event**, you are releasing the Geologic Maps Foundation Meetup Group and its organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience.
** Anyone 17 yrs. or younger must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.3 attendees- $590.00
Desert Peaks, White & Inyo Mtns, stay at UC Crooked Creek Research Station
Crooked Creek Field Station, White Mountain Rd, Bishop, CA, USTHIS 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.
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.
2025 White Mtns video: https://youtu.be/2ewHOoEqtoc?si=zK6mOcbcQpFw54Yg
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.
11 attendees 
Shelf Road with the Fox Canyon/Luci Trail Loop included Geo-hike
Valley View Preserve - Shelf Rd Trailhead (at Gridley Rd), Gridley Rd, Ojai, CA, USA tad less than a 5.0 mile round trip hike along Shelf Road with the Fox Canyon/Luci Trail Loop added in. Pace is moderate pace (~2.0 MPH). We'll make a few short stops to discuss the geology and vegetation.
Hike starts at the trailhead parking area along Gridley Road and is "in-and-out" along the same dirt road. We'll hike out to the trail head at end of North Signal Street, turn around, and return the way we came in. On the return, if there is enough interest and daylight, we will do the Fox Canyon/Luci Trail Loop that adds about 800 ft elevation gain to the hike. Hike is along a well-hiked dirt road that's free of auto traffic. Be on the look out for rattlesnakes while hiking- watch where you step, and don't reach out or sit down without looking first. Snakes are commonly out in the evening, and if it's mild or warm, just about any time of year. There is no sweep.
Geologic map viewer for the geo-hike: https://geologicmapsfdn.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/sidebar/index.html?appid=fc480aa504d04ff88db65cc549ba2930
Summary photo:
Looking east from Shelf Road near Gridley Road Parking. East Santa Ynez Range with Topa Topa Ridge on extreme left and eastern Ojai Valley on right. The giant Santa Ynez anticlinorium is shown by the tilted strata.More on the geology:
https://open.substack.com/pub/tdavisgeo/p/shelf-road-geo-hike?r=jme6r&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=truehttps://youtu.be/16J-FfmhI3c?feature=shared
The geology of Ojai Valley will be discussed along the way. Shelf Road is in uppermost portion of the Eocene-age Coldwater Formation* and in a few places along the contact with the overlying Oligocene-age Sespe Formation**, and their sandstone dominated outcrops will be observed and discussed. Shelf Road is within a map-scale structure called the Matilija overturn that is due to folding above the San Cayetano thrust fault*** that lies just below the earth's surface. The overturn is a band of rock layers where the stratigraphic order has been reversed and older strata lie above younger strata. This is due to large amounts of crustal convergence (shortening) during the last several million years.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coldwater_Sandstone
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sespe_Formation
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Cayetano_Fault
DOGS ARE OK BUT PLEASE KEEP THEM ON A LEASH DURING HIKE
NO GUESTS, HAVE THEM JOIN
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.
5 attendees
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