Dayhikes -March 23rd Edition

Day Hikes Scheduled as of March 23,2009:







Sonoma County

For general information on hikes, contact Jon Breyfogle (707) 795-7713 or Surveyor@sonic.net.

Saturday, April 11, 2009 9:00 am: Bodega Head and Salmon Creek Beach. Join Coastwalk for an easy to moderate 8 mile loop exploration of Bodega Harbor, Head, Dunes and Salmon Creek Beach. This hike has a lot of variety. We will walk along the bay, visit the site of the proposed nuclear power plant (ca 1961- 1963), circle the dramatic head, and walk through the dunes to the remote southern end of Salmon Creek Beach. After a stroll north on the beach we again cross the dunes and return to our cars on the bay. Bring lunch, water and good walking shoes, dress in layers.

Meet at the Coastwalk office in Sebastopol, 825 Gravenstein Highway North at 9:00 am. Leaderless carpooling is encouraged. We’ll return to Sebastopol between 4 to 5 pm. Questions? Contact Richard Nichols at rnichols@sonic.net or at 823-4071

Saturday, May 16, 2009, Salt Point State Park. This easy, 7 mile hike along the California Coastal Trail will begin after a carpool from our meeting place to the north end of Salt Point State Park. As we head south (with the off shore breeze to our backs) we’ll walk the coastal terrace, experience magnificent coastal views, see historic remnants of the Fisk Point dog hole port, pay our respects at the Fisk family cemetery and take our lunch on beach sands. Bring lunch, water and good hiking boots. Dress in layers.

Meet at the main Salt Point parking lot area at 9:45 am. To reach the Salt Point parking area turn off Highway 1 at the “Gerstle Point Campground” sign. Proceed straight past the park entry building and continue past the “Beach and Picnic Area” sign. Descend and turn right into the large parking lot just before you reach the Gerstle Cove day use area. Remember that there is a charge for day use activity at Salt Point.
Questions? Contact hike leader Gregory Fearon at 546-5771 or at gfearon@sonic.net.

Saturday, June 27, 2009 Red Hill Summit. A moderate hike (for elevation change) approximately 5 miles in length. By lunchtime we will have hiked from Shell Beach to the summit of Red Hill, situated in one of the newest acquisitions to the California State Park system. Weather permitting we will enjoy coastal views stretching from Point Reyes to Fort Ross. We’ll be back at the Shell Beach area by mid afternoon and for those who want to we’ll take a stroll up the Kortum Trail section of the California Coastal Trail to the Sunset Rocks rising from the coastal terrace.

Meet at the Coastwalk office in Sebastopol, 825 Gravenstein Highway North at 9:15 am or at the Shell Beach parking lot at 10:15 am. Leaderless carpooling is encouraged.
Questions? Contact Jon Breyfogle at 795-7713 or at surveyor@sonic.net .






Los Angeles County

Saturday, March 21, 9am: Happy Camp Hike – Simi Valley. Six hundred years ago the Chumash economy was booming, and prices in the shell-money economic system were rising. The cost of obsidian, the glassy volcanic substance used for points and edges, was driven up by dependence on importation from the California Sierra. Fortunately, these inventive people found a substitute in the area now known as Happy Camp, west of the Shimiji and Tapo settlements, and just north of modern Moorpark. It was fused shale, the 'poor man's obsidian', a metamorphic mineral with many of the necessary properties. Today, this Chumash industrial zone is a wonderful area for hiking, scenic vistas, wildlife observation, and rare quiet.

Directions: The Happy Camp Trailhead can be reached driving north on SR23 from central Moorpark. SR23 has 3 name changes along the 3.7 mi. route (from New Los Angeles Ave.): Moorpark Ave., Walnut Canyon Rd., and Broadway. Where SR23 curves left (becoming Broadway), continue straight and then make an immediate right (also Broadway) to enter the park. Map at www.lamountains.com/maps/happyCamp.pdf; MapQuest: “Walnut Canyon AND Broadway in Moorpark”.
Moorpark is easily accessed from the 101, 23 and 118 freeways, but check a map. It is 1.2 mi. to Moorpark Ave from the New Los Angeles exit of the 23/118 freeway. Parking is $3 in cash or check made out to the Mountain Conservancy. In March this trail is at its prime, but be prepared for heat, sun or wind along exposed ridges. Bring /extra/ water and lunch. Moderate-plus; fourteen miles; six hours; lots of short stops to catch breath and enjoy the views. Leader Phil Regier; phil_regier@hotmail.com

Saturday, March 28, 10:00 am: Visit springtime in the Forrestal Reserve - Rancho Palos Verdes. This is an "alta vista" of the Palos Verdes coastline and the California Coastal Trail. Docents from the Point Vicente Interpretive Center (PVIC) will lead you on a 2 hour tour of the former basalt quarry. The restored coastal sage scrub habitat is in bloom. The quarry cut has exposed the geologic history of the area. Crystals and fossils may be found. Show them to your walk leader. The trail steepness is "moderate". Wear sturdy shoes and bring binoculars for birding and whale watching. No reservations required. FREE - donations appreciated. Directions: The walk starts by the driveway to the Ladera Linda Community Center, 32201 Forrestal Drive. At the south end of the Harbor Freeway (110), turn left onto Gaffey Strreet. Go 25 blocks and bend tight to the right onto 25th Street. About one mile after you enter the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, turn right onto Forrestal Drive where the Trump National Golf Club is to your left. There is free parking on Forrestal Drive. Sponsored by Los Serenos de Point Vicente (Los Serenos.org) and the City of Rancho Palos Verdes (1-310-377-5370). For more information, contact: Sunshine at 1-310-377-8761 or SunshineRPV@aol.com, Subject: Day Hikes. Rain cancels.

Saturday, April 18, 9:30am: Coastal Slope Trail – Pt. Mugu State Park. The trail provides great views of the ocean and La Jolla Canyon as it follows the western part of the Coastal Slope Trail and loops back through La Jolla Canyon. We will lunch at an overlook with a view to the Channel Islands and Pt Mugu – a clear day permitting. Meet at La Jolla Canyon/Ray Miller Trailhead on Pacific Coast Highway, 2 miles west of Big Sycamore Canyon. Either park on PCH and walk in to the trailhead, or park inside (fee). Bring lunch and 2 qts water. Moderate+; 7 miles – 5 hrs. Leader: Linda Hillman; more info, 310-394-2799.

Sunday, April 26, 9:00am: Upper Sycamore Waterfall – Rancho Sierra Vista, Satiwiwa. Meet at NPS parking lot for a moderately strenuous hike of about 8 miles (5 hours) and elevation gain of 1800 ft. We'll hike down Upper Sycamore Canyon, up the Fossil trail to Old Boney trail and over to the Danielson memorial/Old Cabin site where we'll take a snack break. From there we'll visit a beautiful waterfall before returning to the parking lot.

Directions: Coming from 101 fwy, exit Wendy Dr. in Thousand Oaks, drive south about 2.6 miles to Lynn Rd., turn right and drive west 1 mile to Via Goleta, turn left and drive 1/2 mile to parking area. At Via Goleta there will be a big sign, "Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area". Bring plenty of water and a snack. Leader: Dave Edwards; info, 805-985-3728 or dave.wanda@adelphia.net.

Sunday, April 26, 3:00pm: Ocean Trails Reserve - Rancho Palos Verdes. This is a special spring time walk through the western portion of the reserve. It features the wildflowers in the native habitat restoration project and watching for the gray whales which are migrating at this time of year along with spectacular views of the coastline and Catalina Island. Docents from the Point Vicente Interpretive Center (PVIC) will lead groups on a two hour walk to Founders Park and along the California Coastal Trail. After the docent led portion, trails to cobblestone and sand beaches are available. No reservations required. FREE - donations appreciated. Directions: The walk starts in the public parking lot, One Ocean Trails Drive. At the south end of the Harbor Freeway (110), turn left onto Gaffey Street. Go 25 blocks and bend tight to the right onto 25th Street. About one mile after you enter the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, turn left onto Ocean Trails Drive into the Trump National Golf Club. There is free parking in the lot on your left just before you get to the clubhouse at One Ocean Trails Drive and on Ocean Trails Drive. Sponsored by Los Serenos de Point Vicente (Los Serenos.org) and the City of Rancho Palos Verdes (1-310-377-5370). For more information, contact: Sunshine at 1-310-377-8761 or SunshineRPV@aol.com, Subject: Day Hikes. Rain cancels.

Saturday, May 16 9:00 am: Abalone Cove Shoreline Reserve tide pools - Rancho Palos Verdes. Docents from the Point Vicente Interpretive Center (PVIC) will lead groups on a two hour walk along the California Coastal Trail and into the tide pools at the extreme of the low tide discussing geology, plant and animal life, as well as marine mammals, and the Native Americans who lived here. Wear sturdy shoes as a portion of the walk is along the cobblestone shore. The beach access trail is "moderate". No reservations required. FREE - donations appreciated. Directions: The walk starts in the Abalone Cove parking lot. From the San Diego Fwy. (405), exit at Hawthorne Blvd. going south approx. 15 miles. Turn left onto Palos Verdes Drive West and continue to the park entrance on your right. 5907 Palos Verdes Drive South. If you get to the Wayfarer's Chapel, you just missed it. The parking fee will be waived from 8:15am until 9:30am if you tell the attendant that you are going on the walk. Sponsored by Los Serenos de Point Vicente (Los Serenos.org) and the City of Rancho Palos Verdes (1-310-377-5370). For more information, contact: Sunshine at 1-310-377-8761 or SunshineRPV@aol.com, Subject: Day Hikes. Rain cancels.

Saturday, June 6, 9:00am: Santa Monica Canyon Urban Exploration/Will Rogers State Beach. S.M. Canyon has both environmental and historic importance. At the union of the Rustic and S.M. Canyon drainages, there are great views from the bluffs that border it both into the State Parks that border it and to the sea. Our 4.5 mile, 3 hr walk will explore this rich area, climbing or descending 10 stairways (1400 steps). Meet at Rustic Canyon Park, 601 Latimer Road, Pacific Palisades, CA 90402. Bring snack and water; wear hat and sunscreen. Option for another hike nearby after lunch. Cosponsored with Sierra Club. Leader, Marshall Ratinoff. Info, lataxman@att.net.

Saturday, June 27 10:00 am: Vicente Bluffs Reserve - Rancho Palos Verdes. Visit one mile of the "urban ideal" of the California Coastal Trail. Docents from the Point Vicente Interpretive Center (PVIC) will lead a tour of the coastal public access amenities, the coastal oriented exhibits and all three "strings in the braid" trail corridors. This walk is appropriate for wheelchair users but the equestrian and bicycle corridors are still somewhat isolated. No reservations required. FREE - donations appreciated. Directions: From the 405, San Diego Fwy., exit at Hawthorne Blvd. going south approx. 15 miles. Turn left onto Palos Verdes Drive West. Turn right at the first opportunity and right again when you are facing the lighthouse. PVIC is at the end of the road. Sponsored by Los Serenos de Point Vicente (Los Serenos.org) and the City of Rancho Palos Verdes (1-310-377-5370). For more information, contact: Sunshine at 1-310-377-8761 or SunshineRPV@aol.com, Subject: Day Hikes. Rain cancels.

Sunday, July 26, 3:00 pm: Endangered bird watching at Ocean Trails Reserve - Rancho Palos Verdes. Docents from the Point Vicente Interpretive Center will lead you on a 2 hour "summer season walk" to and along the California Coastal Trail through the east side restored coastal sage scrub habitat to see the fledgling California Gnatcatchers taking hunting and flying lessons from their parents. The walk includes spectacular views of the Palos Verdes coast and Catalina Island. The trail steepness is "easy". Wear sturdy shoes and bring binoculars. No reservations required. FREE - donations appreciated. Directions: The walk starts in the parking lot at the south end of La Rotunda Drive. At the south end of the Harbor Freeway (110), turn left onto Gaffey Street. Go 25 blocks and bend tight to the right onto 25th Street. Just after the road narrows and you enter the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, turn left onto La Rotunda Drive. If you get to the Trump National Golf Club, you just missed it. There is free parking in the parking lot at the end. Sponsored by Los Serenos de Point Vicente (Los Serenos.org) and the City of Rancho Palos Verdes (1-310-377-5370). For more information, contact: Sunshine at 1-310-377-8761 or SunshineRPV@aol.com, Subject: Day Hikes. Rain cancels.

Saturday, August 29, 10:00 am: Vicente Bluffs Reserve - Rancho Palos Verdes. Visit one mile of the "urban ideal" of the California Coastal Trail. Docents from the Point Vicente Interpretive Center (PVIC) will lead a tour of the coastal public access amenities, the coastal oriented exhibits and all three "strings in the braid" trail corridors. This walk is appropriate for wheelchair users but the equestrian and bicycle corridors are still somewhat isolated. No reservations required. FREE - donations appreciated. Directions: From the 405, San Diego Fwy., exit at Hawthorne Blvd. going south approx. 15 miles. Turn left onto Palos Verdes Drive West. Turn right at the first opportunity and right again when you are facing the lighthouse. PVIC is at the end of the road. Sponsored by Los Serenos de Point Vicente (Los Serenos.org) and the City of Rancho Palos Verdes (1-310-377-5370). For more information, contact: Sunshine at 1-310-377-8761 or SunshineRPV@aol.com, Subject: Day Hikes. Rain cancels.

Saturday, September 19, 9:00 am : Abalone Cove, Sacred Cove and Portuguese Bend coastal clean up - Rancho Palos Verdes. This is International Coastal Clean-Up Day. Bring the family to help clean the shoreline. Gloves, trash bags, continental breakfast and educational literature provided. Wear sturdy shoes as a portion of the walk is along the cobblestone beach. The beach access trails are "moderate" to "challenging". There will be a truck to haul the trash out. High School community service credit available if prearranged with your school. No reservations required. FREE - donations appreciated. Directions: Check in at the Abalone Cove parking lot. From the San Diego Fwy. (405), exit at Hawthorne Blvd. going south approx. 15 miles. Turn left onto Palos Verdes Drive West and continue to the park entrance on your right. 5907 Palos Verdes Drive South. If you get to the Wayfarer's Chapel, you just missed it. The parking fee will be waived if you tell the attendant that you are there for the clean up. Sponsored by Los Serenos de Point Vicente (Los Serenos.org) and the City of Rancho Palos Verdes (1-310-377-5370). For more information, contact: Sunshine at 1-310-377-8761 or SunshineRPV@aol.com, Subject: Day Hikes. Rain cancels.

Sunday, October 25, 3:00 pm: Fall colors at the Ocean Trails Reserve - Rancho Palos Verdes. Docents from the Point Vicente Interpretive Center will lead you on a 2 hour "autumn season walk" along the California Coastal Trail and down the Switchback Trail to the beach. Learn about local geology and fall blooming habitat. Stay to watch the sunset from the Founders Park on the Halfway Point bluff top. The walk includes spectacular views of the Palos Verdes coast and Catalina Island. The trail steepness is "moderate". Wear sturdy shoes and bring binoculars. No reservations required. FREE - donations appreciated. Directions: The walk starts in the public parking lot, One Ocean Trails Drive. At the south end of the Harbor Freeway (110), turn left onto Gaffey Street. Go 25 blocks and bend tight to the right onto 25th Street. About one mile after you enter the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, turn left onto Ocean Trails Drive (Trump National Golf Course). There is free parking in the lot on your left just before you get to the golf clubhouse and on Ocean Trails Drive. Sponsored by Los Serenos de Point Vicente (Los Serenos.org)and the City of Rancho Palos Verdes (1-310-377-5370). For more information, contact: Sunshine at 1-310-377-8761 or SunshineRPV@aol.com, Subject: Day Hikes. Rain cancels.

Saturday, November 28, 11:30 pm: Abalone Cove Reserve tide pools - Rancho Palos Verdes. Docents from the Point Vicente Interpretive Center (PVIC) will lead groups on a two hour walk along the California Coastal Trail and a visit into the tide pools at the extreme of the low tide discussing geology, plant and animal life, as well as marine mammals, and the Native Americans who lived here. This is a "no take Reserve" so the tide pools are teeming with fascinating marine life. Wear sturdy shoes as a portion of the walk is along the cobblestone beach. The beach access trail is "moderate". No reservations required. FREE - donations appreciated. Directions: The walk starts in the Abalone Cove parking lot. From the San Diego Fwy.,405, exit at Hawthorne Blvd. going south approx. 15 miles. Turn left onto Palos Verdes Drive West and continue to the park entrance on your right. 5907 Palos Verdes Drive South. If you get to the Wayfarer's Chapel, you just missed it. The parking fee will be waived from 10:45 to 11:30 if you tell the attendant that you are going on the walk. Sponsored by Los Serenos de Point Vicente (Los Serenos.org) and the City of Rancho Palos Verdes (1-310-377-5370). For more information, contact: Sunshine at 1-310-377-8761 or SunshineRPV@aol.com, Subject: Day Hikes. Rain cancels.

Sunday, December 27 11:00 am: Abalone Cove Reserve tide pools - Rancho Palos Verdes. Docents from the Point Vicente Interpretive Center (PVIC) will give a 10 minute talk about the gray whales which can be seen migrating along this coast and then lead groups on a 90 minute walk along the California Coastal Trail and into the tide pools at the extreme of the low tide discussing geology, plant and animal life, as well as marine mammals, and the Native Americans who lived here. Wear sturdy shoes as a portion of the walk is along the cobblestone beach. The beach access trail is "moderate". No reservations required. FREE - donations appreciated. Directions: The walk starts in the Abalone Cove parking lot. From the San Diego Fwy. (405), exit at Hawthorne Blvd. going south approx. 15 miles. Turn left onto Palos Verdes Drive West and continue to the park entrance on your right. 5907 Palos Verdes Drive South. If you get to the Wayfarer's Chapel, you just missed it. The parking fee will be waived from 9:15 until 11:30 if you tell the attendant that you are going on the walk. Sponsored by Los Serenos de Point Vicente (Los Serenos.org) and the City of Rancho Palos Verdes (1-310-377-5370). For more information, contact: Sunshine at 1-310-377-8761 or SunshineRPV@aol.com, Subject: Day Hikes. Rain cancels.