Santa Rosa Island Geo-hike: hiking, camping, and some geology

MANY OF THE HIKES ARE LONG AND DIFFICULT, YOU NEED TO BE IN GOOD HIKING SHAPE

YOU MUST GO ON A WAITLIST FIRST, PRIORITY IS GIVEN TO GEO-HIKES FREQUENT PARTICIPANTS, GEO-HIKES EVENTS ARE PURPOSELY SMALL

EVENT SUMMARY:
Six days and five nights camping and hiking on Santa Rosa Island (SRI) and discussing the geology, but this is not a class.

Please read the below carefully:
If you are in good hiking shape and able to do the long hikes, agree to hikes with the group, willing to split the campsite costs (~ $10/each), you will be placed on the waitlist. I will collect money (cash) at he beginning of the event.

Sorry, no guests.

If you are accepted on the event, you'll need to book and pay for your boat transportation to and from Santa Rosa Island ASAP. It's best to call Island Packers to make your reservation (805) 642-1393, Info@IslandPackers.com. Make sure you book the correct departure and return: Ventura to SRI, 8:00AM 9/28/2026 Monday, and SRI to Ventura 3:00PM 10/03/2026 Saturday. Also there's only one boat to the island every couple of days and they often get overbooked in the fall (book once you know you are accepted on the event).

Please read the Island Packers regulations regarding what can go on their boats (described on your ticket).
Please read the National Park information on visiting Santa Rosa Island:
https://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/santa-rosa-island.htm

I have reserved campsite #12 at the Water Canyon Campground for Monday through Friday nights (we depart on Saturday). The campground is a ~1.5 mile hike from the pier so be prepared to carry your camping gear. Drinking water and bathrooms are available at the campground. You'll need to bring and prepare all your meals. Some of the days we will be having lunch along the trails. More information on the campground and sites at https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232497

There are no stores on the island, cell phone coverage is poor and only possible on the higher hills.

TENTATIVE ITINERARY: There was a recent wildfire over the southern and eastern portions of the island and some of the trails may remain closed. Other parts of the island are open. I will be discussing with the National Park Service what trails we can use and update the itinerary. For now, we will be hiking Lobo Canyon-Cow Canyon, Cherry Canyon, and Black Mountain.
I'm writing a geologic guidebook for the island and will spend a few days gathering photos and notes; you will be on your own for those days.

Geologic Resources: Geologic map of Santa Rosa Island, Santa Barbara County, California, Author(s): Dibblee, T.W., Wooley, J.J., and Ehrenspeck, H.E., Publishing Organization: Book store, Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History,
Series and Number: Dibblee Foundation Map DF-68
Publication Date: 1998
Map Scale: 1:24,000
https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/Prodesc/proddesc_71695.htm

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.