Howard Canyon to Nordhoff Ridge hike, north of Ojai

NO CELL COVERAGE AT THE TRAILHEAD.

THIS TIME THE HOWARD CYN EVENT MAY BE A TAD DIFFERENT THAN THE PAST GEO-HIKES. I'm doing some geologic mapping along the Nordhoff Ridge crest and will be at the trailhead along the Rose Valley Road at 4:00 PM to start the geo-hike. I may camp at the small campground the night of the 4th. If it's clear to the south, the campground may be a great place to view fireworks. If I do camp you are welcome to join me but please let me know before hand so I can bring plently of water. I suspect most folks will want to just do the in-and-out early-evening hike and return to their cars by 7:00 PM that is decribed below.

On the Howard Canyon trail it seems remote, but not really so. It's one of my favorite local hikes plus Hwy 33 is now open (there are a couple of one-way traffic delays along 33, so give yourself plenty of time to get to the trailhead).

From the Howard Canyon Trailhead to the Nordhoff Ridge Road and back is on the same trail. Hike is ~6 miles roundtrip, a tad over 1,200 feet elevation gain (gradual for the most part), at a moderate pace (~2.0, miles/hr). Turn around point is the small campground at the Nordhoff Ridge Road. This is an in and out trail, there will be no sweep. Keep your eyes out for rattlesnakes: look before you reach or sit down.

Bring water and you may want a headlamp or flashlight for the return part of hike.

DOGS OK BUT MUST BE ON A LEASH FOR ENTIRE HIKE.

Although easily accessible the Howard Canyon Trail is along the north flank of the Nordhoff Ridge and seems remote, with deep sandstone-and shale-walled canyons, and with the possible sighting of deer, coyote, bobcat, and a black bear or two. This is very interesting country and not that well known. There will be a short break at our turn around point and the hike returns to the trailhead along the same trail. Bring plenty of water and consider head netting in case the bugs are out. I will bring a geologic map and say a few words along the route about the geology-if there is interest. We will be walking over Eocene- and upper Cretaceous-age sandstone and shale that were deposited in deep-marine settings, and we will cross over the north limb of a large anticline and the major Santa Ynez fault.

Geologic map:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/175RH0LFq6uAw9mxGAtr0f6XM9sd2C76D/view

Video from top of Howard Canyon Trail at Nordhoff Ridge.
https://youtu.be/KhwPwo4z4k0

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.