About us
Meet other hiking enthusiasts who are dedicated to hiking excursions near and far. We hike every Saturday. Our hikes vary from easy to difficult, depending on the hike location, terrain and length. We are committed to leaving no trace wherever we go.
We host camping trips a few times a year, backpack, snowshoe and organize field trips focused on topics such as geology and wildflower viewing. We work on wilderness legislation, along with participating in stewardship events that keep our city clean. We occasionally host graffiti cleanups at various locations and glass cleanups to help save the condors.
We're all about fun and a sense of community, and most of our events are completely free. All ages and fitness levels are invited to join us.
Check us out at communityhikingclub.org
See below for our Facebook and Instagram accounts!
Upcoming events
1
Aqua Blanca to the Devil's Gateway
Location not specified yetThis is Dave’s write up from last year. A sign marks the trailhead. Plenty of room to park with restroom. The first 2 miles is a road walk where you can enjoy views of the lake and surrounding mountains. After we pass a ranch the road stops and the trail begins. Trail is only 18 inches wide and marked with ribbons at water crossings. Take your time crossing Aqua Blanca creek. Sometimes we will be next to the creek and other times we will be 100 ft or more above. It is important to remember the trail is only 18 inches wide. We'll stop for lunch at Devil's Gateway then return the way we came.
Hike Leader Notes: This is a beautiful hike, but the trail is brushy and narrow, therefore ticks could be a concern. Poison Oak is an issue, so I suggest you wear pants. Bring plenty of water. On my pre-hike I brought 2 liters of water and 1 liter of electrolyte, ran out on the road back. I suggest you leave spare shoes and dry socks in your car. A recovery drink would be a good idea. I saw a few deer and bear tracks on the hike. Sometimes the trail is hard to find. Please remember I have hiked this part of the trail many times.
DETAILS:
- Hike leader volunteer(s): Tim R.
- Meet: Pothole Trailhead in the Los Padres National Forest, at 7:15 am, departure at 7:30 am sharp (Apr 11).
- Distance: Approximately 12.5 miles.
- Elevation gain: Approximately 1,066 feet.
- Time: Approximately 6.5 hours hiking including a snack break.
- Conditioning: You need to be in generally good physical condition.
- Dogs: Dogs are not allowed.
- Restrooms: There are bathrooms at the trailhead.
- Adventure Pass: Required.
IMPORTANT NOTES: We’ll hike at a brisk pace and ask everyone to stay with the group for a friendly and safe outing. There may be stream crossings, exposures, bugs or other warnings. As always, people may slip and fall, encounter poison oak, snakes, etc. on this hike. This event may be cancelled due to inclement weather before or at the start of the hike. Check the weather report and plan accordingly.
ESSENTIAL GEAR: Hiking boots and poles. Clothing layers are recommended. Snacks and 2+ liters of water and electrolytes or salt tablets. Hat and sunscreen.
The Ten Essentials of Hiking (link)
THIS HIKE RANKING: Level 4, Intermediate/Advanced (see chart below).
Please only sign up to attend hikes that are consistent with your ability. Based on your hiking during the last 90 days, how would you score on the CHC Hike rating scale of one to five assuming a brisk pace?CHC HIKE RANKING SCALE:
1. Beginner: 1-3 miles, less than 500 feet elevation gain.
2. Beginner/Intermediate: 1-7 miles, less than 700 feet elevation gain.
3. Intermediate: 5-10 miles, 1000-2000 feet elevation gain.
4. Intermediate/Advanced: 7-12 miles, up to 3000 feet elevation gain.
5. Advanced: 10-17 miles, 3000 feet or more elevation gain.TRAILHEAD LOCATION:
Enter Lake Piru Recreational Area (gate opens at 7:00 AM). Since our hike is in the LPNF there will be no charge. At the entry they will ask for some information and give you a map of the recreation area. On the back page on the top left you will see the road to our trailhead. The road in LPNF has potholes but it isn't difficult to drive. Remember we will be heading into the sun, take it easy.NAVIGATION: We highly recommend the AllTrails app be installed on your cell phones and/or you print a copy of the trail map so you can personally navigate the trail if you need to.
The Community Hiking Club is a Non-Profit 501C3 organization. We rely on donations to continue sponsoring hikes like this. Please contribute by donating via: Cash contribution (at each hike), or via Zelle at 6617135610; or via Venmo at: @Heidi-Webber-5
DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY - IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY:
When you sign up for this event, you are releasing Community Hiking Club from any liability or responsibility with your participation in this group activity. While safety is a priority for everyone in the group, hiking can be inherently risky. By participating in any posted event, you are assuming responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The Community Hiking Club (CHC) Meetup Group and its organizers and hike leaders are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in our events. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions. If you choose to sign up for any Community Hiking Club Meetup events, you are releasing the Community Hiking Club Meetup Group and Hike Leaders from all liability in case of possible injuries or death as stated in paragraph 6.2 of the Meetup “Terms of Service” located on the bottom of the Meetup website. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience. If you sign up for this hike, you are verifying that this hike is within your abilities.24 attendees
Past events
1095
Group links
Organizers
Members
1,155
