Community Hiking Club (CHC)

Hike Leader: Gary S. (Looking for Sweep volunteers)

This hike is part of my ongoing search for lesser-traveled local routes. It’s not flashy, but it delivers: wide-open mountain scenery, big views, a solid conditioning workout, and a good chance of wildlife and February wildflowers. And no people! When Paul and I pre-hiked it in late summer, we didn’t see a single other person.

This is a moderate, steady-paced conditioning hike, not a race. We’ll move efficiently but comfortably, take time to enjoy the views, and keep the group together. A sweep will be present, and so if you do lag behind a bit, we’ll understand! If you’re a speedster, and wish to hike at breakneck speed, please do NOT sign up for this hike. We’ll take a more moderate pace that everyone is comfortable with.

The route starts at Lincoln Crest near the highest point (the crest) of Bouquet Canyon Road. We begin at ~3,560 ft, climbing a gated service road before transitioning to the original McDill single-track. After steady climbing through chaparral and mahogany, we reach the Sierra Pellona Motorway (dirt road) and continue to Mt. McDill (5,135 ft), where we’ll take a break, hopefully find more deer, enjoy the views, and possibly sign the summit register.

Views include Grass Mountain, Mojave and Tehachapi peaks, Leona Valley, Lancaster, Agua Dulce/Acton, and glimpses of Mt. Pacifico, Mt. Gleason, and Baden-Powell.

The return includes a steep, eroded, and slippery downhill section on a non-maintained trail. Trekking poles and boots with good tread are strongly recommended. We’ll take this section slowly and carefully.

This is not a well-known trail, but how often do you find a good local hike nearby that you haven't hiked before? Check it out!

Stats:

• Distance: 6.5 miles
• Elevation gain: ~1,565 ft
• Time: 4 – 4.5 hours including snack time
• Difficulty: Solid **3.5 (**Intermediate: 5-10 miles, 1000-2000 feet elevation gain with some challenging climbs and one tougher downhill section)
• Exposure: Mostly exposed; expect wind and cooler temps, wear layers
• Adventure Pass: Required

Wildlife note: On our pre-hike (on a very warm summer day), we saw multiple rattlesnakes, horned lizards, deer, and other wildlife. Also plenty of interesting rocks and rock formations for fellow rockheads.

Meet: 8:15 AM for a 8:30 AM sharp start
Trailhead (Lincoln Crest area of Bouquet Canyon Road – near the highest point of Bouquet Cyn Road before it descends down towards Lake Elizabeth Road). Park along the road; leave nothing visible in your car.

Ready to earn those mountain views? The Pratt Trail is Ojai's classic "no pain, no gain" adventure—a 9.7-mile out-and-back beast that'll have you climbing 3,103 feet through Los Padres National Forest. When we’re at Nordhoff Ridge, those who want to can hike the extra .75 miles/388 feet gain to the peak (details below). Plan on 5-6 hours of quality time with switchbacks!

Starting just north of downtown Ojai, you'll begin easy enough, paralleling a creek and enjoying some shade. But don't get too comfortable. The first hour or two will lull you into thinking "this isn't that hard," then reality kicks in with a steady climb. Rockslides have left their mark in spots so, be sure to wear actual hiking shoes, not your cute flats!

What makes it worth the sweat? Jaw-dropping views of the Topatopa Mountains and Ojai Valley that just keep getting better with elevation. You'll pass through diverse terrain—chaparral, wildflower meadows, maybe even spot some wildlife. Water flows in cooler months, and there's a eucalyptus grove to break things up.

Dogs are welcome (can be off leash in areas), and the trail is open year-round. Just know this is a solid workout that'll leave you wonderfully tired and Instagram-ready!

DETAILS:

• Hike leader volunteer(s): Tim R.
• Meet: Pratt Trailhead, Ojai, CA at 7:45 am, departure at 8:00 am sharp (Feb 14).
• Distance: Approximately 9.7/11.4 miles.
• Elevation gain: Approximately 3,103/3.491 feet.
• Time: Approximately 5.0/6.0 hours hiking including a snack break.
• Conditioning: You need to be in generally good physical condition.
• Dogs: Dogs are allowed.
• Restrooms: There are bathrooms at the trailhead.
• Adventure Pass: Not 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, ticks, 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 3+ liters of water and electrolytes or salt tablets. Hat and sunscreen.