Santa Cruz Island Geo-hikes 4 days & 3 nights stay at the Christy Field Station

This is a unique experience to learn about the natural sciences of the Northern Channel Islands and to make hikes to beautiful beaches and geologically interesting locations on the remote western portion of Santa Cruz Island. In addition, early fall is the most favorable weather period to visit the islands and the ocean-water temperatures peak at this time.

This will be a small group event. Many of the geo-hikes are to and along pristine and lovely coastlines that provide a glimpse of what southern California beaches looked like hundreds of years ago. YOU'LL NEED TO BE IN GOOD HIKING SHAPE FOR THIS EVENT. The geology, history (including the prehistoric record), and flora and fauna of the island will be discussed. Thom Davis, the trip leader, is lead author on The Geological Society of America's 2020 Field Guide (#59) to Santa Cruz Island and the contents of the guidebook will be used extensively during the trip:
https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/books/book/2279/chapter/126263829/Santa-Cruz-Island-field-trip-Geology-history-and

IF YOU ARE ADDED TO THE TRIP (FROM WAITLIST TO ATTENDEE LIST), SEND YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS AND FULL NAME ASAP TO GEOLOGICMAPSFOUNDATION@GMAIL.COM. YOU'LL NEED TO PROVIDE YOUR FULL NAME, NAME OF THE TRIP YOU ARE ON, & YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS (DON'T ASSUME WE HAVE OR KNOW YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS). IF WE DON'T RECEIVE YOUR EMAIL QUICKLY YOU'LL BE REMOVED FROM THE TRIP. FURTHER INFORMATION: BOAT RESERVATIONS, WAIVERS, WHAT TO BRING, ETC. ARE SENT TO YOU BY EMAIL.

DO NOT MAKE YOUR BOAT RESERVATION UNTIL YOU ARE CONFIRMED ON THE TRIP AND WE HAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS AND FULL NAME.

Trip is designed for geologists and non-geologists. Key earth science concepts will be explained in a manner for all to understand. The cost is $390/person and covers the cost of our stay at Christy Ranch, vehicle rental, and vehicle fuel (cost does not include boat transportation). Payment will be by check to the Geologic Maps Foundation and payment instructions will be provided later by email.

Participants are responsible for their Island Packer's boat trip reservations and fare to the island and return that are $93.00/adult-roundtrip and $88.00/senior and military-roundtrip (call Island Packers, 805-642-1393). We will be taking the 9:30 AM 9/05/2025 boat from Ventura to Prisoners Harbor & returning on the 4:30 PM 9/08/2025 boat to Ventura (Do not make your boat reservation until you are confirmed to go on the trip, i.e., from waitlist to attendee list). Island Packers will want to know what campsite you are staying at when making your boat reservation. It's better to call Island Packers (805-642-1393) and tell them you are staying at the UC Research Station and on the geology field trip. We are a special case and making the reservation online might not work well. You should make your boat reservation soon after you are confirmed on the trip because late summer and fall can be a busy time for boats to the islands. Make sure you know their cancellation policy. I believe it is 5 days in advance of trip for a full refund. If I must cancel the trip, I will inform you 5 days before.

We stay at the historic Christy Ranch on the western end of the island that has bathrooms with showers, a kitchen equipped with cooking and eating utensils, cups and glasses, stovetop, refrigerator, and a dining room with wifi. There is no microwave, toaster, or electric coffee maker. Outside there is a patio with tables and chairs and a large built-in BBQ. I will bring plenty of charcoal for all to use and BBQing has been very popular with past trips.

We cannot sleep inside Christy Ranch as the building is not seismically retrofitted. You will need to bring a sleeping bag (nightly lows are usually in the mid-50s degree F range), a tent, sleeping pad, and a backpacking-size ground tarp. You are responsible for bringing all your meals and drinks (potable water is available at the Ranch), preparing your meals, and clean-up. More information on what to bring will be provided later by email. There are no stores on SCI, and cell coverage is poor. Christy Ranch and the SCI Main Station.

PLEASE DON'T SIGN UP FOR TRIPS THAT REQUIRE OVERNIGHT ORGANIZATION AND EXPENDITURE THEN CANCEL-OUT RIGHT BEFORE THE TRIP. THIS CREATES EXTRA WORK FOR US AND THE UNIVERSITY RESERVE SYSTEM, PLUS IT DEPRIVES OTHERS FROM THE OPPORTUNITY.

Please watch the bio-security video provided by TNC, https://youtu.be/d8SLYWPOF2U?feature=shared

Here's a link to a March 27, 2025 geologic tour of Santa Cruz Island (including some of Santa Rosa Island too):
https://youtu.be/nvOv0DG0gec
This is a fund raiser for the nonprofit Geologic Maps Foundation (GMF), www.geologicmapsfoundation.org. GMF is a 501 (c) (3) organization and donations are tax deductible.

Itinerary:
First day, land at Prisoners Harbor, pick-up vehicles, orientation, driving tour of the Canada del Puerto to the UC SCI Main Field Station, check-in, lunch, followed by a drive to Christy Ranch along the Southern Ridge Rd. On the drive we will be stopping for landscape panoramas, discussions of geology, rock types, and flora and fauna. For example, at one point there is a very good view of gully offsets along active SCI fault that bisects the island, https://youtu.be/n5jfomHlgyA. At Christy Ranch we will set up our camp, possibly take a short beach hike, and prepare our dinners.

Second Day: We will drive out to Frazer Point and make a several hikes to view and discuss the geology, view the rich-assortment of bird life around the point, and discuss the marine terraces and sea-level changes during the late Quaternary.[ https://youtu.be/CbqIqdwGnbw](https://youtu.be/CbqIqdwGnbw)

Third Day: We will make two geology hikes: 1) outcrops along southern stretch of Christy Beach, and 2) a sea-cliff exposure of the SCI fault along the northern stretch of Cristy Beach. If time allows we will visit the "Poway clast" outcrop and deepwater deposits at Sauces Beach and Kinton Point.

Fourth Day: We will pack up, tidy up the Ranch portions we used and head back to the Main Research Station and Prisoner's Harbor via the Central Valley Road. If time allows and half-way back to the Main Station, we may make a detour to hike to the top of Diablo Peak (elevation=2450 ft) that provides a great panorama of the Northern Channel Islands, Santa Barbara Channel, and the Santa Barbara-Ventura coastline and mountains. The top of Diablo is also a great place to see and discuss the Santa Cruz Island Volcanic Complex that underlies most of the northern portion of SCI. When we return to Prisoners Harbor to catch the boat for the return to Ventura, and if time allows, we'll do an optional hike towards Pelican Bay.

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-hiking 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-hiking Meetup event, you are releasing the Geo-hiking 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.