Vulture Peak , Matilija Wilderness, Ojai, 20+ miles, 5,100'+

Hike is full. If interested in future 15-20 milers, please email me details of 2 recent 15+ mile hikes (date, group, and leader).

They made me do it!
Okay, so here’s where it all started: I posted 15-milers and at the end they’re saying, “What—was that it?! … Can’t we go just a little farther … please? … You made me drive all the way here for a little walk in the park? … I thought I was going to get a workout here … Wasn’t this supposed to be a strenuous hike?!”

The tribe has spoken, so here we go with our first 20-miler—Vulture Peak in the Matilija Wilderness.

Apart from the mileage and elevation, this is an easy one (ha!)—wide open fireroad the whole way. The reward is stunning views of the Los Padres National Forest and The Channel Islands. We’ll have lunch at the base of the peak, and for those adventurous souls, we’ll attempt to summit from the rocky west side—bouldering, bushwacking, exploratory for less than a mile. Did you think I could post a hike without this?! The exploratory section is optional; you’ll just have a longer lunch break if you prefer to pass.

Miles: 20+
Elevation Gain: 5,100'+
Terrain: Fireroad to base of peak. Optional bouldering/brush to attempt summit.
Sunset: 7:17PM
Twilight: 7:42PM

# Participants: When leading, I prefer small groups for many reasons. If you'd like to lead with more participants, email me and I'll be happy to send you the description so you can post it as an Event Host.

Time & Place: 6:30AM. Directions will be emailed to participants.
I'll change hike to a beach area if severe weather conditions like wind/fire/rain or temps above 79 degrees forecast here (https://www.wunderground.com/US/CA/Ojai.html).
Level: Advanced because of mileage, elevation and brisk pace.
Bring: the ten essentials (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ten_Essentials). Trekking poles a plus. Headlamp, lunch, snacks, 4+ liters water.
Wear: Layers, hiking shoes/boots with lug soles, gloves for rock scrambling/brush protection if you'll join us for the summit.
Dogs: Sorry, no dogs for this one.