Prez Weekend "Voyage to Mars"+Trip Through Dutra Valley (~10.5 miles, ~4,000')

This is a Waitlisted Event, target size of ~15.Please RSVP to the Waitlist

This hike is rated "DIFFICULT+" due to steep climbs and some bushwhacking

Before RSVPing, please check distance to hike location, it's a long drive from Monterey area

ADVISORY

"Don't Be A No Show" - It's not hard for you to remove your name. Take it off if you can't make it!

"NO GUESTS OR PLUS ONES!!" - For liability reasons I only allow MBAHG members who have signed up for the event to join my hikes.

"Be On Time" - It's not OK to be late and expect the others to wait for you.

"Know Your Own Capabilities" -Please do not attend a hike that is beyond the limits of your health & conditioning. This is not fair to others who expect to enjoy the hike at the level it was described, OR to me and the other participants who may have to wait or look for you if you get behind or get lost.

"Bring Enough Water!!!!!!!!" - This should be self explanatory! Err on the side of bringing too much, not too little!!!

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Mount Mars, el. 2,674', is the high point on the southernmost coastal ridgeline of the Santa Lucia Mountains, and was the destination of the first hike I led with the MBAHG on March 8, 2014 and of two hikes since then (including on New Year's Day 2017). The above picture is the view from just below the summit of the Mt. Mars western ridge, which we'll be going up, not down, on this hike. I'm hoping that we'll see plenty of wildflowers in the numerous meadows we'll be passing through.

We'll follow the route we've taken on the last 2 Mt. Mars trips (see COMMENTS for a link to a map of the route):

-Starting at the Salmon Creek Trailhead, we'll pay a quick visit to Salmon Creek Falls and then we'll continue up the Salmon Creek Trail to the hidden turnoff to the track that goes over to Kozy Kove Meadow, which we'll follow to the base of the very steep western ridge of Mt. Mars

-hike straight up that ridge until we get to the summit (~1,400' in ~1.1 miles!), from which we'll enjoy some awesome and unique ocean views

-take the northeastern ridge route (an old and overgrown firebreak; warning-this will involve a little bushwhacking) down to the saddle between the Spruce and Dutra drainages and the intersection with the San Carpoforo Trail

-follow that trail over to Dutra Flat Camp for a water and lunch stop

-continue down the San Carpoforo Trail to the turnoff to the cross-country/use trail route which drops to Dutra Creek and then climbs 1,000' back up to the main coastal ridge at ~2,300'

-head back down to the Ragged Point Inn either on Baldwin Ranch Road or the "North Route" on the now public Williams Ranch

RSVP: This is a waitlisted event, so RSVP to the waitlist. This will be a strenuous hike considering the steep, often cross-country terrain and mild bushwhacking. In order for you to join on this hike I must personally know you to be a strong and adventuresome hiker, and if I don't know you personally then someone whom I know will need to vouch for your ability. I plan to limit attendance to ~15 people. This is a group hike--we start together, stay together as a group through the entire hike, and come out together.

MEETING TIME: 8:45am

MEETING PLACE: Ragged Point Inn on Highway 1. From there we will set up the car shuttle to our start point at the Salmon Creek trailhead 4 miles north.

RAIN will reschedule.

WHAT TO BRING:

• Sturdy hiking shoes or boots with good tread

• Layered clothing for protection against wind and cool temperatures

• Long-sleeved shirt and long pants (for poison oak and brush protection)

• I always wear gaiters (for PO protection and to keep thistles/brush/rocks/ticks out of my boots)

• Sun protection (hat/sunscreen)

• Water (2-3 liters minimum recommended)

• Lunch (and other food/snacks for extra fuel)

• Trekking poles are always advised

RAIN will reschedule.

RESPONSIBILITY

Please be aware that we expect you to take responsibility for your safety while we are out on the trails. Joining hikes with the Monterey Bay Area Hiking Group is entirely voluntary and participants assume the full risks associated with the activities. It is each hiker's responsibility to ensure that he/she is in sufficient fitness and health to participate in the hiking activity, and to bring appropriate water, food, clothing, first aid, and navigation equipment for the conditions. The Monterey Bay Area Hiking Group and the individual hike organizers make no representation or warranties about the quality, safety, or supervision of these activities. By making a "Yes" RSVP to this event you acknowledge and agree to the foregoing as well as the terms set forth under the "PAGES (https://www.meetup.com/The-Monterey-Bay-Area-Hiking-Group/about/)" tab on the Monterey Bay Area Hiking Group home page.