Ventana Chapter Hikes and Outings for Monterey/Carmel and Santa Cruz
July and August 2018
(Please contact leader to reserve a space)

Thursday, June 28
Hike: Nisene Marks State Park
Our 7-8 mile loop with about 800 feet elevation gain at a moderate pace takes us through Redwoods and Oak forest. We will walk up along the old railroad trail past the Hoffman Historic Site, then down to the Bridge Creek for lunch. We return along the creek. Bring water and lunch. Meet at REI near Highway 1 and Imjin Pkwy at 9 am or at 9:30 behind the Epicenter bicycle store. Please RSVP. Leader: Gisela Nobinger, 

Saturday, June 30
Hike: Big Basin State Park
Hike through giant redwoods, along babbling brooks, and around impressive falls. Good trail conditions. Optional 1/2 mile post-hike walk on interpretive trail to see mother and father of the forest and other redwood attractions. 11 Miles 1200+ feet elevation gain. Leisurely - moderate pace. Meet at Redwood traihead across from Visitor Center at 10 AM. $10 parking fee. For full hike details including carpools please register at https://www.meetup.com/Santa-Cruz-Sierra-Club/events. Hike will be listed there 2-3 weeks prior to the event. Leader: Steve Bakaley,   or 831-612-6575.

Sunday, July 1
Hike: Point Lobos
We'll start this 5-6 mile hike around beautiful Point Lobos at the highway, walk down to Whaler's Cove, go north to Ixchenta Point and the bedrock mortars, back to visit the Whalers' Cabin, then on to the top of Whaler's Knoll and return via south coast trails. There will be wildflowers to see and wildlife to watch. Meet at the Rio Road "Park and Ride" just east of Hwy 1 at 9:30 am. There will be a short carpool to start of the outing. Bring snack, water, and binoculars if you like for close-ups of the animal life. The park requests a walk-in fee of 1$/person. Their maps cost $2. Call to reserve a space. Leader: Martha Saylor, 372-9215.

Tuesday, July 3
Senior Hike: Mt Madonna
This Santa Cruz County Park is located high above Watsonville on Hwy.152. Moderate 2.5 mile hike in lovely forest and meadows. We'll return home via Gizdich Farms for pie. Meet before 9:30 AM at Sears on 41st Ave. or by restrooms just beyond the Park's kiosk entrance about 10:00 AM. Bring lunch, water, $4 carpool. Leader: Perry Brohmer 650-793-3987.

Thursday, July 5
Hike: Red Tail Canyon, Toro Park
Our 6-mile hike takes us up the Red Tail Canyon Trail through a wooded ravine and back via the Whale Trail and Cougar Ridge Trail with splendid views. We climb about 1400 feet total. Bring water, lunch, and a few dollars for park fees. Wear sturdy boots. Hiking poles are also useful. Meet in the dirt parking area outside the main gate at Toro Park. From there we will carpool into the park. Arrive before our 9:30 am departure time. Please RSVP. Leader: Dorothy Denning, .

Saturday, July 7
Hike: Pinnacles National Monument
Let's find some shady ways up to the Pinnacles. Hopefully, also some late summer flowers. An easy and slow going pace of maybe 6-8 miles and, of course, some elevation! Meet with good shoes and trecking poles, plenty of water and lunch at the MPC parking lot near the highway at 8 am. Hikers from outside Monterey should meet us at the side near the exit from Highway 69 to River Road in Spreckles at 8:30 or should come to the first parking lot at the Pinnacles west entrance 9:15. Call for more questions. Leader: Anneliese Suter, 624-1467.

Tuesday, July 10
Senior Saunter: Pogonip Spring St
A 3.5 mile walk in Pogonip. We will take the Spring Trail to the lime kilns and back, visiting some unique stone labyrinths along the way. Meet before 9:30 AM at Sears on 41st Ave. or at the top of Spring St. in Santa Cruz before 9.50 AM. No Restrooms. No lunch arrangements. $2 carpool. Leader: Janet Schwind, 831-425-3845.

Thursday, July 12
Hike: Jacks Peak
Our 5-6 mile loop with about 800 feet elevation gain at a moderate pace takes us along the quiet forested trails of the park with some views of Carmel Bay and Monterey Bay. Bring water and lunch. Meet near the Whole Foods store at 9:45 am for carpooling or at the West Parking Lot at Jacks Peak after 10 am. Bring water and lunch. Please RSVP. Leader: Gisela Nobinger, .

Saturday, July 14
Hike: Central Point Reyes Loop
Take a leisurely - moderately paced day hike through varied terrain. Roughly 15 miles and over 2000 feet of elevation gain. Highlights include the top of Mt. Wittenberg, and Kelham Beach. Meet in front of the Bear Valley Visitor Center at 9:30AM. For full hike details including carpools please register at  https://www.meetup.com/Santa-Cruz-Sierra-Club/events/252046036/ .  Leader: Steve Bakaley, or 831-612-6575.

Sunday, July 15
Walk: Moss Landing State Beach
Too hot? Go North! Or maybe it will be foggy and cool. Either way, we'll head up to see huge rafts of sea otters and mosey around to the sea shore for a look at the surf.  Eventually we'll drive back across the highway bridge and walk about the metropolis of Moss Landing, perhaps stopping somewhere for lunch ? This walk is easy (unless you run miles down the beach!), short, and caters to the lazy as well as ambitious walker. Dress in layers, bring water, lunch if you don't want to let somebody else do the cooking, and plan on being away for 3-5 hours, depending. For more information, call leader: Mary Gale, 626-3565.

Sunday, July 15
Hike: Jacks Peak-the trails less travelled
Curious about some of those trails around Jack's Peak that you always wanted to take, but never did? Well, let's see where they go. Expect 6-8 miles, perhaps 1200' of elevation gain, and probable poison oak exposure. Good hiking boots will be beneficial, and bring a lunch. Let's meet at 9:30. Call for meeting site and shuttle info. Leader : Larry Parrish 622-7455

Tuesday, July 17
Senior Saunter: Ano Nuevo
3 mile walk in the park famed for the elephant seals. Longer walk includes walking on sand dunes. Meet before 9:30 AM at Sears on 41st Ave, or near Shen's Antiques (Mission/King) before 9.50 AM. Bring water, lunch, $5 carpool ($3 from Shen's) and share of entrance fee. Leader: Irene Lennox, 831-457-2690.

Thursday, July 19
Hike: Off Watkins Gate, Fort Ord
Our 6-mile loop takes us on oak and chaparral lined trails around the eastern end of Watkins Gate Rd. We climb about 600 feet total over rolling hills. Bring water and lunch. Meet in the parking lot on Inter-Garrison Rd. at the Jerry Smith Corridor near Schoonover Rd. Arrive before our 9:30 am departure time. Please RSVP. Leader: Dorothy Denning, .

Monday, July 23
Hike: Garland mid-level trail loop
Meet at Garland Park visitor center at 9.30 am. We'll hike up the Waterfall trail to the Mesa, then up Sky trail to Sage, descending via shady Maple Canyon. About 5 miles with 800 feet elevation gain, leisurely pace. Bring water and a lunch that we'll enjoy once back down near the native plant garden and arboretum. Leaders: Cath Farrant and Mary Dainton, 372 7427.

Tuesday, July 24
Senior Hike: Lower Nisene Marks
This is an approx. 3.5 mile nature walk among the redwoods, the largest tree in the Park and the twisted trees. Some uphill. To go direct, park at the first kiosk. Primitive restrooms. Meet before 9:30 AM at Sears on 41st Ave. Bring lunch, water, $2 carpool and share of Park fee. Leader: Perry Brohmer 650-793-3987.

Thursday, July 26
Hike: Carmel Beaches
Our 4-5 mile walk out and back with minimal elevation gain at a moderate pace takes us along Carmel Beach, Carmel River Beach to Monastery Beach. Enjoy views of Point Lobos, surf and ocean. Bring water and lunch. Meet at the bottom of Ocean Ave at 9:30 am. Please RSVP. Leader: Gisela Nobinger, .

Sunday, July 29
Walk: New Park for Monterey/Carmel
Let's explore the newly opened City Park "Canada" in lower Carmel Valley, until recently a Golf course. We'll just walk it from one end to the other and criss/cross it. Absolutely no elevation gain or loss. We'll also look at the large elegant Club House and may look at the Rose Garden of the next door church. Meet at 10 am at the entrance to golf course and church ¼ of a mile on Carmel Valley Road at the right hand side. You can't miss it. Leader: Anneliese Suter, 624-1467.

Tuesday, July 31
Senior Saunter: Lover's Point
This is a round trip north, approx. 2 miles, from Lover's Point to the Monterey Bay Hotel Plaza, or 3 miles to the Coast Guard Wharf. Lunch near the wharf. Meet before 9:30 AM at Sears on 41st Ave or take Hwy 1 exit to Fisherman's Wharf, drive south and park on street by Lover's Point. Restrooms. Bring lunch, water, $5 carpool. Leaders: Bev Meschi, 831-359-9961; Brooke Ewoldsen, 831-475-6188.

Thursday, August 2
Hike: Terrace and Redwood Canyon Trails
Our 4-mile hike takes us up the Terrace Trail and back on the Redwood Canyon and Garzas Canyon Trails alongside Garzas Creek. We climb about 900 feet total on trails that are mostly in the shade. Bring water and lunch. Meet on East Garzas Rd. by the meadow just after the left turn from Boronda Rd. at 10:00 am or at 9:30 am at the Rio Rd. park & ride lot for self-organized carpooling. Please RSVP. Leader: Dorothy Denning, .

Sunday, August 5
Walk: Mission Trail
This walk is 2-3 miles long with 300' elevation gain. We start at the bottom of the canyon on Rio Road across and downhill from the Carmel Mission. We will make an elongated loop with some city streets as part of the route. If there is no fog, there is a nice view of the Mission dome. We will make a stop by the historic Flanders Mansion. We will also visit the Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden and pass by the Outdoor Forest Theater. Meet at 9:30 am at the trailhead. Call me to reserve a place. Leader: Martha Saylor, 372-9215.

Monday, August 6
Hike: Palo Corona Front Ranch from a new direction
The Rancho Canada addition to Palo Corona Regional Park will soon be open. We'll explore the new area and see how it links to existing trails. Then we'll hike up to Inspiration Point and Animus Pond, about 6 miles and 800 feet of elevation gain. Bring lunch and water. Please call leaders ahead of time to make sure this access point is open. Meet at Rio Road Park and Ride at 9.30 for a short caravan or carpool to the trailhead. Leaders: Cath Farrant and Mary Dainton, 372 7427.

Tuesday, August 7
Senior Saunter: Seabright and Arana Gulch
Approx. 4 miles along the cliffs in Seabright, across a beach, around the marina, through Arana Gulch and back. A shorter walk is available. We'll lunch at Frederick St. Park. Meet before 9:30 AM at Sears on 41st Ave. or by 9:50 AM at the beginning of East Cliff Dr. at the junction with Alhambra Ave. Restrooms. Bring lunch, water, $2 carpool. Leader: Irene Lennox, 831-457-2690.

Wednesday, August 8
Sierra Club Ventana Chapter Meeting
Let's meet at 5 pm at the Monterey Library for outings meeting to talk about hikes and walks for September and October. In case you can't come, send me your write-ups as early as possible to my e-mail address: anneliesesuter@gmail.com . Latest to arrive: Monday, August 20, 2018.

Thursday, August 9
Hike: Del Monte Forest
Our 5-6 mile loop with about 500 feet elevation gain at a moderate pace takes us along quiet forested trails that are even pretty in fog. Bring water and a snack. Meet at the parking area along highway 68 at the Haul Road between Skyline Forest and Forest Hill at 9:30 am. Please RSVP. Leader: Gisela Nobinger, .

Saturday, August 11
Hike: Point Reyes Hill and Laguna Loops
We'll start with a loop from Muddy Hollow to Pt Reyes Hill and back via Inverness Ridge and Bayview. Then we'll make our way to the Laguna and Fire Lane trails to loop via the Coast and Muddy Hollow trails. This is really two hikes for the price of one. Total distance 13 miles. Elevation gain 1500 feet. Meet at the Muddy Hollow Trail Head at 10:00 am. For full hike details including carpools please register at https://www.meetup.com/Santa-Cruz-Sierra-Club/events. Hike will be listed there 2-3 weeks prior to the event. Leader: Steve Bakaley, or 831-612-6575.

Tuesday, August 14
Senior Saunter: Capitola Stairs
An approx. 4 mile walk takes us through the "Jewel Box" of Capitola, down steps to the Village, along the creek returning on the other side to the Esplanade, up and round Depot Hill and back to the Esplanade for lunch. Meet before 9:30 AM at Sears on 41st Ave., where walk begins. Restrooms. Bring water and lunch or buy lunch at one of the restaurants. Leader: Irene Lennox, 831-457-2690.

Thursday, August 16
Hike: The Bunkers, Fort Ord
Our 6-mile loop takes us along Crescent Bluff and up trail 24, where we hike along a ridge and pass by the Bunkers. We climb about 600 feet total, some on a steep and rutted section of trail. Bring water and lunch. Sturdy boots and hiking poles are also recommended. Meet at the corner of East Garrison Dr./Rd. and Watkins Gate Rd. in the East Garrison development off Reservation Rd. This is a new housing development, so check recent map. Parking available on street. Arrive before our 9:30 am departure time. Please RSVP. Leader: Dorothy Denning, .

Sunday, August 19
Hike: Garzas Creek complex
We'll hike that portion of East Garland Ranch in and around Garzas Creek. That includes Terrace Trail, Veeder, Garzas Creek, Redwood Canyon, and part of the East Ridge Trail. 7-8 miles miles with 2500' elevation gain. Great for newcomers to this area or those looking for a good workout. Shorter and longer versions possible. Bring water and lunch. Meet at 9:30 AM. Call for meeting place. Leader: Larry Parrish, 622-7455.

Tuesday, August 21
Senior Hike: Waddell Creek
Approx. 4 mile hike on tree lined dirt roads in Big Basin Redwoods State Park. Some uphill. We will hike up the "Skyline to the Sea" trail to "Twin Redwood Camp". Our return will be on the main dirt road. Lunch will be by the horse trail camp. Prepare for sun/heat/fog. Meet before 9:30 AM at Sears on 41st Ave. or at Shen's Gallery at Mission & King St. before 9:50 AM. We will park along HWY 1 after crossing the creek bridge. Restrooms. Bring lunch, water, $4 carpool fee ($2 from Shen's). Leader: Perry Brohmer, 650-793-3987.

Thursday, August 23
Hike Coast loop: Pt. Pinos to Asilomar and Pt. Joe and back
Our 5-6 mile hike with minimal elevation gain at a moderate pace takes us from Pt Pinos along the coast through Asilomar State Park out to Point Joe. On the way back, we will stop at Asilomar for lunch, and then walk back along the former railroad corridor. Bring water and lunch. At the end of the hike we can stop at the Pacific Grove Lighthouse, which opens at 1 pm. Meet across the street from the golf club at 77 Asilomar Ave at 9:30 am. Please RSVP. Leader: Gisela Nobinger, .

Tuesday, August 28
Senior Hike: Pogonip Emma McCrary
This will be a 4 mile loop up the Emma McCrary mixed use trail at Pogonip. (It connects with the Rincon and Ucon trails.) From the McCrary Trail the hikers will join the Spring Trail to the Brayshaw Trail, and from there they will walk to the clubhouse to enjoy lunch or snacks. A shorter Senior Saunter for walkers will be available. Meet before 9:30 AM at Sears on 41st Ave. or beside the levee in the Gateway Center on River St, between Ross and Petsmart, before 9:40 AM. Parking is very limited so carpool. Bring lunch, water, $2 carpool. Leaders: Perry Brohmer, 650-793-3987; Brooke Ewoldsen, 831-475-6188.

Thursday, August 30
Hike: Soldiers Memorial Field, Fort Ord
Our 6-7-mile loop takes us on unmarked trails through oaks and chaparral around the north side of Fort Ord near Gigling Rd. We pass by Soldiers Memorial Field and hike along ridges with views of the munitions cleanup work. We climb about 500 feet total over rolling hills, some on rutted sections of trail. Bring water and lunch. Meet in the parking lot on Inter-Garrison Rd. at the Jerry Smith Corridor near Schoonover Rd. Arrive before our 9:30 am departure time. Please RSVP. Leader: Dorothy Denning, .

Sunday, September 2
Carmel River Beach Saunter
How about a morning saunter with trails, roads & steps from Carmel River Beach via the Carmel Meadows high point, to Monastery Beach, returning by way of bluff trails. Some walking on sand and along bluff edges. Enjoy views of Point Lobos and listen to the surf. We'll see if we can identify local bird life. Approximately 3 miles. Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather; wind breaker recommended. Bring water and a snack & binoculars, as desired. Meet at 9:30 am at the parking lot at Carmel River Beach at the lagoon (south end of Carmelo in Carmel.) Call to reserve a space. Leader: Martha Saylor, 831-372-9215.

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