Joshua’s Birthday Hike

Piedra Blanca and Elephant Rock. A truly Memorial Day for hiking in Ojai!

Pine Mt. Hike – May 31

Searching for the illusive snow flower, which is really a type of parasitic fungus that lives off the roots of dead pine trees and is only found in higher elevations. Because of the lack of snow fall we were only able to find a dozen of these! But the views were breathtaking and the big cone pine trees majestic.

Sespe Swimming Hole

Even though rain has been scarce there’s still secret swimming holes to be discovered with a easy day hike in the Ojai mountains.

Ojai, California is home to some of the best trails I have ever hiked, and most of them are just minutes away from us. Paul and I have hiked here and there on the weekends, but most of my trail time happens on Monday mornings with a group led by Robert Evans via the Ojai Valley Athletic Club.

Click here to read the full article over at Caretaking Couple.

  Sunday, August 31 st

 For this hike we are offering two options:

 

 

Option #1; Hiking along the creek up to our favorite swimming hole called “moon pool” where you can swim, sun on the beautiful rocks, explore the creek area near by, and have lunch. We will hang out here for an hour or so then head back home. This hike round trip is approximately 5 miles and usually takes about 1 1/2 hours or less to get there. So for those of you that don’t have a lot of time or don’t feel up to doing the whole hike to the falls this will be the perfect hike. Price for this hike is $20 per person.

Option #2: We will continue on past the first stop after taking a plunge in the swimming hole to cool off.  From here the trail becomes a bit more challenging as we make our way to the series of falls. The first falls are almost dry due to the lack of rain but are worth seeing. After this stop we will head to the next falls where we can swim and climb up into a cave beneath the water fall. We will eat lunch, relax and enjoy natures beauty and then head back. This hike is approximately 10 miles round trip and usually takes about 7 hours to complete. Price for this hike is $30 per person.

Things you will need for this hike:

1.  Hat and sunscreen.
2. Dress in comfortable hiking cloths/dress in layers.
3. Hiking shoes.
4. At least 3 liters of water/snack/and lunch.

This time of year the rocks and sand really heat up and can burn dogs feet so please “No Dogs Allowed”.

Meeting Location:

We will meet at Nordhoff High School parking (over by the track) at 7:30 am. From here we will carpool to the trail head. Any questions or concerns call Robert @ (805)798-2810 or Susan @ (805)701-0221.

Saturday September 14th
Two Springs Hike
Located on top of Pine Mountain are two seldom if ever visited and uniquely different Fresh Water Springs. On the Cuyama side of the mountain we have the McGuire Springs which was a Basque shepherd camp from the late 1800’s. This fresh water spring is located beneath ancient majestic pines with stunning views of the Cuyama Badlands.
On the other side of the mountain lies Chorro Spring. On a clear day you can see beyond the Channel Islands. This site was an important part on the Chumash Indian Trail. The spring actually begins beneath a giant boulder. There are also many ancient carvings in this area.
This hike is approximately 5 miles total and begins at 7,000 ft. elevation. This is not a very technical trail, only a few steep hills, but is filled with breathtaking 360° views and the smell of fresh pines and wild flowers.
We will meet at Nordhoff High School parking lot @ 8am and then carpool to the Pine Mountain trail, (approx. 35 mile drive to trail). Total time for the day approx. 6 hrs.
Things you will need for this hike:
• Water, sack lunch, snacks.
• Hat, sunscreen, bug spray, comfortable hiking shoes.
• Camera, spirit of adventure.

•  Cost is $25 per person / group discounts available!

Contact Robert or Susan Evans for additional information. (805) 798-2810 *  robert@goojai.com  *  susan@goojai.com