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Sierra Club Ventana Chapter Hikes and Outings for Monterey/Carmel and Santa Cruz for September through November 6, 2016
(Please confirm space with hike leader)
Tuesday, August 30
Senior Hike: Harvey West
4 miles with some uphill (some steep) from Harvey West parking lot by baseball fields. We'll walk by the Sacred Tree and the old clubhouse. A shorter hike will be available. Meet before 9:30 AM at Sears on 41st Ave. or at Harvey West parking lot near the ballpark before 9:50 AM. Bring lunch, water, $2 carpool. Restrooms. Leaders: Perry Brohmer 1-650-793-3987; Brooke Ewoldsen 831-475-6188.
Saturday, September 3
Walk: Carmel River Beach Saunter
How about a morning saunter from Carmel River Beach over the high path with steps to Monastery Beach, returning via the bluff trail. Enjoy the breathtaking views of Point Lobos and listen to the surf. Approximately 3 miles. Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather; wind breaker recommended. Bring water and a snack. Meet at 9:30 am at the parking lot at Carmel River Beach at the lagoon (south end of Carmelo in Carmel.) Please let me know if you are coming. Leader: Martha Saylor, 372-9215.
Tuesday, September 6
Senior Hike/Saunter: 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. There will be a walking alternative. 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. Leaders: Perry Brohmer, 650-793-3987; Brooke Ewoldsen, 831-475-6188.
Saturday, September 10
Hike: Henry Coe State Park, Hunting Hollow
Although a long drive, we are glad to have this state park after the horrible fires that devastated all hikes south of us in the national forest. From Gilroy Hwy 101 we'll go east on Hot Springs Road to Hunting hollow parking lot. The hike is on trails, about 8 miles long and partly quite steep, at a leisurely pace. Bring $$ for carpooling and sharing of entrance fee; also bring water and lunch, a camera and hiking sticks, and wear good shoes. Meet at Home Depot near the gas station in Seaside at 8:30 am. Hikers from Santa Cruz may drive to the parking lot directly to meet us there at about 10 am. Leader: Anneliese Suter, 624-1467.
Sunday, September 11
Hike: Fremont Peak
Let's investigate the smallest State Park in California, but one with some great views. We'll hike about 4 miles around the park, climbing about 1500' in elevation, and eventually arrive at the 3169' high peak. After a snack and a walk back to our cars, we'll drive down to San Juan Bautista for lunch in one of the fine restaurants in town. Expect hot weather, so come prepared. Call me for more information. Leader: Larry Parrish, 622-7455.
Tuesday, September 13
Senior Saunter: Levee to Wharf
Casual 4 mile walk along the levee to Beach Hill and Santa Cruz Wharf. Return along beach to other side of river and San Lorenzo Park for lunch. A shorter walk will be available. Meet before 9:30 am at Sears on 41st Ave. or at Gateway Plaza on River St. by Ross's, before 9:50. Bring lunch, water, $2 carpool. Leaders: Irene Lennox, 831-457-2690; Brooke Ewoldsen, 831-475-6188.
Saturday, September 17
Hike: DeLaveaga City Park
We'll do this local Santa Cruz walk as a car shuttle again. I believe that it is 5-6 miles with about 900 vertical feet. We'll start in the Santa Cruz Gardens area and end up at the parking lot on Branciforte. Meet at the Santa Cruz Gov't Center at 10 am to carpool and call for more information. Leader: Nick Wyckoff, (831) 462-3101.
Sunday, September 18
Afternoon Stroll: Del Monte Beach
Here's a novel idea: stroll the yellow asphalt footprints to find the beach! Once we find it, the sands are lovely, as is the picnic area, and the sea wall is a sight to behold. Beautiful ocean views and endless stretches of sand to explore. To accommodate those who want a strenuous beach walk, we'll make the official walk short and then sign out those who choose to go beyond. Call for details. Leader: Mary Gale, 626-3565.
Tuesday, September 20
Senior Saunter: Rio del Mar
Nice casual walk, with one hill, through neighborhoods of Rio Del Mar, then along the beach trail to the sunken ship. A shorter, level walk will be available. Restrooms. Meet before 9:30 am at Sears on 41st Ave. or go direct Hwy.1 to Rio del Mar exit, to beach parking lot. Bring lunch, water, $2 carpool. There's a deli if you want to buy lunch. Leader: Bev Meschi, 831-475-4185.
Wednesday, September 21
Hike: Carmel to Pebble Beach
We temporarily lost a lot of trails in the Soberanes fire, but we still have the Del Monte Forest. This nice lollypop loop begins in Carmel and leads into the quiet Monterey pine forest of Pebble Beach. Lunch gives us the option of purchasing a Poppy Hills sandwich. 6 miles, 750 ft. elevation gain with flora & fauna stops. Arrive early; we depart at 10:00 am from the Rio Road Park & Ride in Carmel. Call for a reservation—limit of 8. Leader: Lynn Bomberger, 375-7777.
Saturday, September 24
Hike: Fort Ord Nat. Monument
This is an improvisational easy to moderate 6-8 mile hike with an elevation gain of 500'. Beginning at the Creekside Terrace Trailhead, we will hike up to Sandy Ridge Road. From there we will spontaneously create a long loop back by selecting from various trails that cross our path as we hike along. Bring at least two liters of water, sturdy boots, trekking poles, sun hat, sunscreen, and lunch. Meet at the Creekside Terrace Trailhead parking area at 9:00 am. RSVP Leader: Stanley Dudek,
or text: 831-726-6200.
Sunday, September 25
Hike: Big Creek Reserve/Canogas Falls
The UCNRS Landels-Hill Big Creek Reserve, about 45 miles down the Big Sur Coast, has given us a reservation to hike on their property. We'll hike up to High Camp for a short snack, then continue up a short ways, then drop steeply down about 1000' to Big Creek & the Falls. It's the largest waterfall within the Ventana Wilderness. We'll make the steep climb back up out of the gorge to High Camp where potable fresh water is usually available, then enjoy an easy downhill walk over open meadows with shimmering ocean views, to return to our vehicles. Our day will be relatively strenuous with about 13 miles and 3000' total elevation gain. Bring snacks, lunch, at least 2 liters of water, hat, sun protection and wear sturdy boots. The “prickers” from dried grasses will penetrate mesh type hiking shoes. Also bring $3.25 (exact change) for the Reserve entrance fee and $5.00 for carpool gas help. Limited to 12, so RSVP required. Meet at Rio Road Park & Ride at 8:00 am. Leader: Steve Jackson, (831) 320-4561.
Tuesday, September 27
Senior Saunter: Palm Beach
Pleasant 3 mile walk along the slough by Pajaro Dunes community of vacation homes, then down to the beach and walk on hard sand along the ocean's edge back to the beginning. A shorter walk will be available. We'll lunch at the end of the hike in the picnic area. Meet before 9:30 am at Sears on 41st Ave. To go direct, drive past main Watsonville exit on Hwy 1 and take Riverside exit, turn right and right again. At West Beach traffic light take a left, drive to the end of the road and park. We'll meet on the road near the entrance to the parking lot. (Lot requires a fee.) Bring lunch, water, $3 carpool. Leader: Denise Lucy, 831-728-6552.
Thursday, September 29
Hike: Jacks Peak
Our 6 mile loop with about 700 feet elevation gain at a moderate pace takes us along the quiet forested trails with some views of Carmel 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 at 10 am. Please let me know if you are coming. Leader: Gisela Nobinger,
or 408-406-9650.
Saturday, October 1
Hike: Soquel Demonstration Forest
This large forest is situated at the high backside of Nisene Marks. A strenuous loop of about 8 miles, 1,200' elevation gain/loss on forest roads and trails, mostly shaded, sharing the trails with mountain bikers. Bring water and lunch, snacks for small breaks. Meet in Seaside at Home Depot at 9 am or at the Corralitos Meat Market at 9:45. Definitely call me for more information. Leader: Anneliese Suter, 624-1467.
Sunday, October 2
Hike: Holt Road to Snively's Ridge
We will carpool from Mid-Valley to the trailhead at the Western extremity of Garland Park. Then up a moderate incline about 5 miles to our lunch spot atop Snively's Ridge. Possible side trip to higher elevations. Expect some poison oak, but views should be gorgeous during our Indian Summer Sunday. About 10 miles total, perhaps 1500' elev. gain. Meet at Mid-Valley shopping center. Call me for more info. Leader: Larry Parrish, 622-7455.
Tuesday, October 4
Senior Hike: Nisene Marks/Hoffman
Approx. 4 mile shady hike starting at the Porter Picnic area, the last parking lot before the iron gate. Narrow trails, with some uphill, to Hoffman site. A shorter, more level walk will be available. Meet before 9:30 am at Sears on 41st Ave. or at the dirt parking lot before park entrance. Primitive restroom. Bring lunch, repellent, $2 carpool and share of entrance fee. Leaders: Perry Brohmer, 650-793-3987; Brooke Ewoldsen, 831-475-6188.
Wednesday, October 5
Meeting of Sierra Club Ventana Chapter Monterey Public Library at 5:30
All Hike leaders, please try to come. Also all other hikers are invited to participate with wishes and ideas. In case you can't make it, send in your write-ups soon to
. Latest at Monday, October 17.
Thursday, October 6
Hike: Nisene Marks State Park
Our 7-8 mile loop with about 800 feet elevation gain at a moderate pace takes us through redwood and oak forest. We will walk along the old railroad trail, past the Hoffman Historic Site 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 9:40 behind the Epicenter bicycle store in Aptos. Please let me know if you are coming. Leader: Gisela Nobinger,
or 408-406-9650.
Sunday, October 9
Hike: Extreme South Los Padres/Williams Ranch
We'll be hiking mainly on the grassy Coulter Pine and oak studded coastal ridge separating the coast from Dutra & San Carpoforo Creeks. Beautiful long distance canyon and mountain views. Total length will be about 9.5 to 10 miles with about 2200' total elevation gain. First 2 to 2.5 miles is a steep climb on the Baldwin Ranch Rd (FS 25506) to the ridge. Then we'll head north on up and down ridge terrain to the flanks of Mt Mars. Returning back the way we came. Bring lunch, snacks and 2 to 3 litters of water. Meet at Rio Rd, Carmel, Park-n-Ride at 8:30am for car pooling and about 2 hour drive 73 miles south to Ragged Pt. (146 miles total) Please plan on reimbursing drivers $5.00 for gas. Leader: Steve Jackson, (831) 320-4561.
Sunday, October 9
Hike: Carmel Mission Trail Park
We'll start at the bottom of the canyon on Rio Road across from the Carmel Mission. This 2-3 miles and 300' elev. gain hike is an elongated loop with some city streets as part of the return route. Frequently, there are nice views of the Mission dome. We will make a stop by the Flanders Mansion and the adjacent Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden as well as the recently remodeled Outdoor Forest Theater. Meet at 9:30 am at the trailhead. Please let me know if you are coming. Leader: Martha Saylor, 372-9215.
Tuesday, October 11
Senior Hike/Saunter: Point Lobos
Two routes for different abilities will be available in this beautiful Park to the south of Carmel. Hikers will park at Whaler's Cove and make a loop around the park, about 3 miles, to a picnic spot called Piney Woods. After lunch we'll continue back to Whaler's Cove. Terrain is hilly but not strenuous. Walkers will park at Bird Island and follow a more level route. Scenery is spectacular. Dress for windy cool weather. Meet before 9:30 am at Sears on 41st Ave. Bring lunch, water, $6 carpool and share of Park fee. Restrooms. Leaders: Bev Meschi, 831-475-4185; Brooke Ewoldsen, 831-475-6188.
Saturday, October 15
Hike: Almaden County Park
We will do a 5+ mile loop walk on the west side of the park starting at the Guadalupe Creek Dam. It involves walking up the rather steep face of the sloping dam so wear footwear with good soles and don't come if this sort of precarious walking/climbing might bother you. Meet at the Santa Cruz Gov't Center at 9:30 am to carpool. Call for more information. Leader: Nick Wyckoff, (831) 462-3101.
Sunday, October 16
Hike: Elkhorn Slough
We'll head north to the reserve around mid-morning in order to have time for a picnic lunch before we set foot on the trails. Entry to the Visitor Center and picnic area is free, but a small fee payable by credit card is required for the trails. Layered clothing, sun block, and a picnic lunch needed; group is limited to a small number. For more info call me. Leader: Mary Gale, 626-3565.
Tuesday, October 18
Saunter and Aquarium Visit: Monterey
Walk from Lover's Point to the Aquarium, visit and lunch at the Aquarium then return to Lover's Point by late afternoon. Usual cost of Aquarium visit $50/$40 (senior) but as a number of free passes have been offered, the actual cost would be shared among those attending. Meet before 9:30 am at Sears on 41st Ave or before 10.30 at Lover's Point. Bring $5 carpool and entrance fee. Leader: Irene Lennox, 831-457-2690. Phone Irene by October 11 to reserve a place.
Saturday, October 22
Hike: Chalone Peak Trail, Pinnacles Nat. Park
This is a strenuous 9 mile loop hike (elevation gain: 2040') to the highest point in the park: North Chalone Peak (elev. 3304'). Expect incredible geology, panoramic views of surrounding peaks and valleys, and maybe a few condors soaring overhead. Bring 2-3 liters of water, sturdy boots, trekking poles, sun hat, sunscreen, and lunch. Meet at the Nob Hill Foods parking lot on the corner of Hwy 68 and Blanco Road at 8:00 am to carpool to the east entrance of the park. RSVP Leader: Stanley Dudek,
or call or text: 831-726-6200.
Sunday, October 23
Hike: Fort Ord Dunes
An easy hike through the Dunes and along the ocean, about 4 miles. We'll go first to the new parking lot and the look out where in former times the Military clubhouse was. You remember, it had been taken down before it would fall into the ocean. We might find a few blooming sand flowers and will watch birds and high waves. Bring water and a sandwich, hiking sticks, binoculars and wear layers; it may be windy and cold from the ocean. Meet in Seaside at Home Depot near the gas station at 10 am. Leader: Anneliese Suter, 624-1467
Tuesday, October 25
Senior Saunter: Natural Bridges
Four mile roundtrip walk from Lighthouse Field to Natural Bridges. Meet before 9:30 am at Sears on 41st Ave. or by 9.50 in the parking lot on West Cliff, just left of the restrooms. Bring water, lunch, $2 carpool. Lunch at Natural Bridges. Leader: Jean Harrison, 831-425-5447.
Thursday, October 27
Hike: Toro County Park
Our 6-7 mile hike with about 800 feet elevation gain at a moderate pace takes us through a forested valley along the Ollason Trail to oak dotted grasslands. Bring water and lunch. Meet at the dirt parking lot outside Toro Park at 9:30 am. Please let me know if you are coming. Leader: Gisela Nobinger,
or 408-406-9650.
Sunday, October 30
Hike: Palo Corona Backcountry
Let's get in a good hike before daylight savings time kicks in. We'll hike somewhere in Palo Corona Regional Park, depending on trail conditions and availability. Tentatively, we'll shuttle our cars - entering through Garrapata State Park and exiting another trailhead. Expect 12+ miles and 3000' of elevation gain. We'll probably get to examine areas damaged by the Soberanes Fire. This will be a fairly strenuous hike, so come prepared. Call me for more info. Leader: Larry Parrish, 622-7455.
Sunday, November 6
Hike: Pt. Lobos Wildlife Saunter
We'll start this approximately 5 mile leisurely hike around beautiful Point Lobos at the highway, walk down to Whalers' Cove, go north to Moss Beach and back to the top of Whaler's Knoll, returning via south coast trails. There is usually wildlife and birds to observe/identify. Bring binoculars if you wish. We may not be done until 1:30 pm. Meet at the Rio Road "Park and Ride" just east of Hwy. 1 at 9:30 am. There will be a short carpool to the start of the outing. Bring $1 walk-in fee, lunch, and water. Please let me know if you are coming. Leader: Martha Saylor, 372-9215.
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