Community Hiking Club (CHC)

DESCRIPTION:
Hike leader volunteers: Paul H.
Meet: Wind Wolves Preserve at The Crossing Parking Lot at 8:15am, departure at 8:30am sharp.
Distance: 8.3 miles
Elevation gain: Approx 1020 ft
Time: ~ Approx 4 hours hiking including one snack break

The Wind Wolves Preserve is a hidden gem. We'll start from "The Crossing" Parking Lot and will hike along the creek trail via San Emigdio Canyon, then clockwise up the back of the mountain on the Tule Elk Trail. We'll stop for a break and snack and enjoy the breathtaking vista, then head back. The wildlife here is abundant during the winter months as the Tule Elk herds migrate to lower elevations, as well as the Mule Deer. Plan on dressing in layers as it will be chilly here.

Note: Go to the end of this road, past the "The Crossing Campground".

There are clean flushing toilets, sinks, paper towels at the Crossing and further up the canyon. Entrance & parking is free.

Conditioning: you need to be in generally good physical condition
Dogs: Must be on leash.
Restrooms - Near trailhead and another one before our ascent.
Adventure Pass: Not Required

WARNINGS:

• There are a number of shallow stream crossings. You should be able to cross without getting wet.

ESSENTIAL GEAR:

• Hiking shoes/boots/poles.
• Layers recommended. Bring warm jacket.
• Snacks and 2+ liters of water and electrolytes or salt tablets; camera, hat and sunscreen.

Historical Hike above and through the ruins of the St. Francis Dam:

This hike will go up above the powerhouse, where people will have a chance to stand on a metal bridge above the pennstocks, and if water is propelling through the pennstocks, they will feel a pretty good hearty shake coming from the pennstocks....sometimes they may even hear a rock bouncing through the pipes.

The hike will then begin, up above the dam site, giving hikers an aerial view. Once we cross the river, we will be able to walk on the foundation of the dam and the area that was blown up after the dam failure. Then we will enjoy the tour of the actual dam site up close, and see a natural BOG. Shoes should be the best gripping hiking boots that you have. Mileage is approx. 7.5 miles. Hiking sticks are highly recommended. You will be making your way up wooden stairs that were damaged by the flood. There is exposed metal and broken stairs left behind by nearly 200' of water overhead. Hiking Poles will be extremely helpful.

Please listen to your leader who will point out areas that are not safe. She will point to eroded areas, places on the bridge that we will cross that are not safe, and potential hazards along the way.

1. clothing to wear: old loose clothing, hiking boots or shoes with gripping soles, hat/hiking sticks are mandatory.
2. Please bring lunch. We will have a lunch break.

Saturday, January 3, 2024 -Out and Back Hike - Red Cliff to Nightmare Gulch, Red Rock Canyon, Cantil CA - a FUN DESERT ADVENTURE (Weather Permitting)

Hike leader volunteers: Paul H, and Gary S.

Hiking Distance: ~ 6 to 7 ish miles
**Hike Ranking: (*Level 2/Beginner/Intermediate)(see chart below):*)

Time: ~ Approx 4-5 hours hiking including one snack break
Conditioning: you need to be in generally good physical condition, OK with possible mud and rocks as well a possible water puddles.

Dogs : Dogs allowed only in picnic area, campground, and primitive roads. Dogs not allowed on trails.

Restrooms: At the Trail head
Adventure Pass: There is a 6 dollar fee per car, but last time I was the the Iron Ranger Ticket booth was out of order.

DESCRIPTION: The Club has traditionally kicked off the year with a hike in this area. In the past, this has typically been a 10-mile loop, but this year we’re trying a new 7-mile out-and-back option that hikers of all experience levels can enjoy.

Our route is not entirely on a designated trail and will include traveling up a recently active stream-bed. We’ll begin at the Red Cliffs Trailhead and make our way to Nightmare Gulch, where we’ll experience spectacular sandstone formations. The terrain is mostly flat, but with numerous offshoots, so it will be important for the group to stay together.
On the way to and from the gulch, we’ll cross an open desert area that has already been brought to life by recent rains and warm temperatures. With a bit of luck, we’ll be greeted by early wildflowers, colorful scenery, and capped off with unique rock formations along the way.

WEAR: Expect cold windy weather in the Desert; hike will start early and may be chilly to start. Dress in layers, bring extra outerwear just in case. We recommend winter hat/ scarf, GLOVES!!, a WINDPROOF outer layer, sunglasses, sunscreen, hiking shoes/boots with thread and hiking poles. Also bring Snacks and 2 - 3 liters of water and electrolytes or salt tablets; camera, hat and sunscreen. A WEATHER FORECAST UPDATE WILL BE FORWARDED CLOSER TO HIKE DAY.

WARNINGS:

• We will be hiking up a stream bed that may still have some mud and muck, as well as a lot of unevenly placed rocks.

ESSENTIAL GEAR:

• Hiking shoes/boots/poles.
• Layers recommended. Bring warm jacket.
• Snacks and 2+ liters of water and electrolytes or salt tablets; camera, hat and sunscreen.

DESCRIPTION:
This scenic out-and-back trail in the Los Padres National Forest offers a perfect blend of accessibility and wilderness character. The well-maintained fire road climbs steadily through Sisar Canyon, gaining about 2,300 feet over roughly 5 miles to reach White Ledge Camp. The wide path makes for easy navigation while still providing that satisfying sense of getting into the backcountry. Along the way, you'll pass through diverse vegetation zones—from chaparral-covered slopes to shaded oak groves—with occasional glimpses of the surrounding ridges. The steady grade makes this an excellent conditioning hike, though it can feel exposed and hot in summer months.

White Ledge Camp itself is a backcountry campsite, tucked into a peaceful canyon setting with a few shaded campsites and a seasonal creek (which is likely dry this time of year). The camp makes a great turnaround point for day hikers or serves as a quiet overnight spot for those wanting to extend the adventure. While the fire road surface might not offer the rugged single-track experience some prefer, the trade-off is a reliable, well-graded trail that's perfect for building endurance or introducing friends to backcountry hiking. It's a solid choice when you want good elevation gain without technical challenges, and the relatively quiet nature of this trail compared to more popular Ventura County hikes is definitely a bonus. Parking is limited so car pool and get there early if you can.

DETAILS:

• Hike leader volunteer(s): Tim R.
• Meet: 12540 Ojai Rd, Ojai at 7:45 am, departure at 8:00 am sharp (Jan 17).
• Distance: Approximately 10.6 miles.
• Elevation gain: Approximately 2,283 feet.
• Time: Approximately 5.0 hours hiking including a snack break.
• Conditioning: You need to be in generally good physical condition.
• Dogs: Dogs are allowed.
• Restrooms: There are no bathrooms at the trailhead.
• Adventure Pass: Not Required.