Ventana Chapter Hikes and Outings for Monterey/Carmel and Santa Cruz,
June, July and August 2019
(Please contact leader to reserve a space)

Tuesday, June 25                                     
Senior Saunter: Sunset Beach
We’ll walk both the bluffs and the beach. 4 miles with two short climbs. A shorter walk will be available. Meet before 9:30 am at Sears on 41st Ave. or at Sunset Beach kiosk parking lot by 9:50 am. Bring water, lunch, $4 carpool and share of parking fee. Restrooms. Leaders: Steve Bakaley, 831-612-6575 and Brooke Ewoldsen, 831-475-6188.
 
Thursday, June 27
Hike: Ollason Peak, Toro Park
If the weather is not too hot, we’ll hike up to Ollason Peak for fabulous views and lunch. We hike about 7 miles and climb about 1800 feet total, some on steep and rutted sections of trail. If it’s hot, we’ll do a shorter hike with more shade. Bring water and lunch. Sturdy boots and hiking poles are also recommended. Meet in the parking lot on the right just after driving into Toro Park and paying the entry fee ($2/person; seniors free). Arrive before our 9:30 am departure time. Please RSVP. Leader: Dorothy Denning,  .
 
Saturday June 29
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 Trail head across from Visitor Center at 10AM. $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.

Saturday, June 29, 2019
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 at. leisurely - moderate pace. Meet at Redwood Trail head 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.
 
Tuesday, July 2
Senior Saunter: Pogonip Spring St.
A 3.5 mile walk in Pogonip. We will take the Spring Trail to the limekilns 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: Irene Lennox 831 457 2690. Call Jean Harrison 831-425-5447 to join the walkers’ group.
 
Thursday, July 4
Hike: Del Monte Forest
Our ~6 mile loop with about 500 feet elevation gain at a moderate pace takes us along quiet forested trails that are pretty even in fog. Bring water and lunch. 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,  .
 
Tuesday, July 9
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 41 st Ave. or by restrooms just beyond the Park’s kiosk entrance about 10:00 AM. (We will move the cars from there to a parking area.) Bring lunch, water, $4 carpool. Leaders: Perry Brohmer 650-793-3987; Jean Harrison 831-425-5447 (Contact Jean to join the walkers’ group.)
 
 Thursday, July 11
Hike: Sunset Beach
Our ~6 miles out and back with minimal elevation gain at a moderate pace take us along Sunset Beach towards Pajaro Dunes and back. Bring lunch, water, and sunscreen. We will have lunch at the lower parking lot and picnic area. Meet near REI at highway 1 and Imjin Pkwy at 9:30 am or at 10:00 at the upper parking lot right at the entrance to Sunset Beach. Heavy rain cancels. Please RSVP. Leader: Gisela Nobinger, .  

Sunday, July 14,
Hike: Point Lobos
We’ll start this 5+ mile walk & pause around beautiful Point Lobos at the highway, walk down to the South Shore, to see Bird Rock & possible nesting Brandt's cormorants, then go along the shore, north to Cypress Grove, then on to the top of Whaler’s Knoll and return to the Whalers Cabin and Whalers Cove. There will be some stops along the South Shore to look at geologic features recently pointed out by Docent Ed Clifton. There is usually wildlife to see. Meet at the Rio Road, Carmel "Park and Ride" just east of Hwy 1 at 9:30 am. Back about 1:30 pm. There will be a short carpool to start of the outing. Bring $1 walk-in fee, snack, water, and binoculars if you like for close-ups of the animal life. Call leader, Martha Saylor, 372-9215 to reserve a space.

Sunday, July 14
Hike: Mal Paso Wildflower walk
Let's take a meander up Mal Paso Canyon. We'll walk up the dirt road, hopefully see many wildflowers, and eventually cross the Creek, and proceed upwards from there, depending on trail conditions.. Maximum 5-6 miles with 1000' of elevation gain. Bring lunch, water, and good hiking boots. Call early for reservations, meeting time and place.
Leader: Larry Parrish, 622-7455

Tuesday, July 16
Senior Hike: Ano Nuevo
3 mile walk in the park famed for the elephant seals, including walking on sand dunes. Meet before 9:30 AM at Sears on 41st Ave, or before 9:40 AM in the Gateway Shopping Mall, by the levee between Ross and Petsmart. Bring water, lunch, $5 carpool ($3 from Gateway) and share of entrance fee. Leader: Perry Brohmer 650-793-3987. Walkers should contact Jean Harrison 831-425-5447 for an alternative route in the Park with the walkers’ group.
 
 Thursday, July 18
Hike: Andrew Molera Ridge Loop
Our 8-mile loop takes us up the Bluffs and Panorama Trails and back on the Ridge Trail. We climb about 1200 feet total and enjoy splendid views of the coast and hills along the way. Bring water and lunch. Poles are also useful for steep sections of trail. Meet at 9:00 am at the Rio Rd. park & ride lot for carpooling to the park. Please RSVP. Leader: Dorothy Denning, .
 
Saturday, July 20
Hike: East Garland
The village of Carmel Valley has Junior Baseball fields. There we will meet at 9 am. We’ll cross the Carmel River (on a bridge!) and walk east. Eventually high up through woods and lightly shaded woodlands. We look forward to a shady spot for lunch. Far down in the east lies the Kahn Ranch. Our way down is parallel to the way up. After crossing the river, we will be back at our cars. About 6 miles and 1600 elevation. Meet at Safeway in Carmel Valley near the Chase Bank at 8:30 or drive out the Baseball fields on your own. Bring water and lunch, wear good shoes and bring hiking sticks. Leader: Anneliese Suter, 831 624-1467.
 
Saturday, July 20
Hike: 3 Parks, 1 Campus Traverse (Cowell, Poganip, UCSC, Wilder Ranch)
Statistically, it’s just under 9.5 miles round trip; elevation: 981’ up/926’ down. Most of the elevation gain is in the first 1.5 miles, and then it’s pretty level in a gentle up and down sort of way, but even the steepest part isn’t really that steep as this trail appears to have been specifically designed for bicycles. Yes, lots of bicyclists, but most are respectful and polite. The environment is standard Cowell SP to Wilder SP - redwoods to meadows. Meet and start at a HWY 9 turnout exactly 2 miles up from the HWY 1 intersection. Look for my 2018 Orange Subaru Crosstrek. About 2 hours each way, total time about 4.5 hours includes time for lunch. Meet at above described location by 10 am. Leader: Steve Jackson, (831) 320-4561.
 
Tuesday, July 23
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. Walkers will instead drive to the gate which ends the roadway and walk on the flat fire trail. Primitive restrooms. Meet before 9:30 AM at Sears on 41st Ave. Bring lunch, water, $2 carpool and share of Park fee. Leaders: Steve Bakaley 831-612-6575; Brooke Ewoldsen 831-475-6188.
 
Thursday, July 25
Hike: New Trails 65 and70 in Fort Ord
Our 6.5-mile loop takes us along unmarked trails to two new (relocated) trails (65 and 70) that wind through areas of chaparral in the Northwest area of Fort Ord. We climb about 600 feet total. Bring water and lunch. Meet in the dirt parking lot on the SW corner of Gigling and 8 th Ave. before our 9:30 am departure time. Please RSVP. Leader: Dorothy Denning, .
 
Monday, July 29
Hike: Garland mid-level trail ramble
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 at a 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, 831-371-7427. 
 
 Tuesday, July 30
Senior Saunter: Lovers Point
This is a round trip south, approx. 3 miles to the Coast Guard Wharf. Lunch near the wharf. A shorter walk is available. 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 Lovers Point. Restrooms. Bring lunch, water, $5 carpool. Leaders: Bev Meschi: 831-359-9961; Brooke Ewoldsen: 831-475-6188.
 
 Thursday, August 1
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 or lunch. We return along the creek. Bring water and lunch. Meet near REI near Highway 1 and Imjin Pkwy at 9:30 am or at 10 am near the Epicenter bicycle store. Please RSVP. Leader: Gisela Nobinger,  .
 
 Saturday, August 3
Bicycle Ride: Sand City to Salinas River Wildlife Refuge
This will be a leisurely paced sightseeing ride stopping at various vista points as desired. About 24 miles round trip, a comfortable pace of 1.5 hrs each way, includes comfort stops, 1 hr for lunch and beach combing at the river mouth. Total time: 4 hrs. We’ll meet and start at 10 am at the Roberts Lake parking area between the lake and freeway (HWY 1). Our ride is on designated bike trails almost all the way. The last mile at the mouth of the Salinas River is on hard packed dirt. Lots of birds and sand dollars. Tire patch kit or extra tube and bike lock recommended. Bring water, lunch and extra wind breaker for cool ocean breeze. No entrance fees. Ends back at the cars. For questions and RSVP call me. Leader: Steve Jackson, (831) 320-4561.
 
 Tuesday, August 6
Senior Hike: Pogonip Emma McCrary
This will be a 4 mile loop up the Emma McCrary mixed use trail at Pogonip. 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. Meet before 9:30 AM at Sears on 41 st Ave. or beside thelevee in the Gateway Center on River St, between Ross and Petsmart, before9:40 AM. Parking is very limited so carpool. Bring lunch, water, $2 carpool. Leader: Perry Brohmer 650-793-3987. Walkers will instead meet at the top of Spring St and walk in the flat upper Pogonip area. Call Brooke Ewoldsen at 831-475-6188 to arrange meeting time.
 
Thursday, August 8
Hike: Red Tail Canyon, Toro Park
If it’s not too hot, we’ll hike up the Red Tail Canyon Trail through a wooded ravine and return via Eagle or Ollason Peak for a 6-7-mile loop and 1600 feet of climbing. Otherwise we’ll do something shorter. Bring water and lunch. Hiking poles are also useful. Meet in the last (farthest) parking lot on the right after driving into Toro Park and paying the entry fee ($2/person; seniors free). Arrive before our 9:30 am departure time. Please RSVP. Leader: Dorothy Denning,  .
 
Saturday, August 10
Hike: Point Reyes National Seashore Limantour Region
Follow in what may have been Sir Francis Drake's footsteps as we explore the Estero Trail in Point Reyes. We may see tule elk. We'll certainly hear them as they announce the start of rutting season. We will likely also see manta rays, leopard sharks, and seals. Moderately strenuous: 14 miles and 1000 feet of uphill. Meet at 10 am at Muddy Hollow Trailhead off of Limantour Rd.  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, August 11
Walk: Carmel River Beach Saunter
How about a Sunday morning saunter, with steps, from Carmel River Beach to Monastery Beach, returning via some bluff trails. Enjoy views of Point Lobos and watch the surf. 2 to 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 Park & Ride on Rio Road for carpool to start of hike. Rain cancels. Call me to let me know you will be there. Leader: Martha Saylor, 372-9215.
 
Tuesday, August 13
Senior Hike: New Brighton State Park
This walk is along the beach in front of New Brighton State Park to Seacliff State Park. We’ll climb the stairs to Seacliff, near the cement ship, and return along the railway line to New Brighton State Park for lunch. Meet before 9:30 am at Sears on 41st Ave. To go direct, aim to arrive at the start point before 9:45 am. Take Hwy.1, exit at Park Ave and turn towards the sea. Turn right on to Kennedy Road and park near Park Ave. Walkers will also be starting from there and exploring New Brighton State Park. Bring water, lunch, $2 carpool. Leaders: Steve Bakaley 831-612-6575; Brooke Ewoldsen 831-475-6188.
 
Thursday, August 15
Hike: Palo Corona
Our ~6 mile hike with about 1,100 feet elevation gain at a moderate pace takes us up to the Inspiration Point area, where we will visit first the small pond and then have lunch with a view of Carmel and Carmel Bay. Bring water and lunch. Meet at 9:45 am in the parking lot at Palo Corona headquarters. Note the later time than usual. This is off Carmel Valley road right past the Middle School. Please RSVP. Leader: Gisela Nobinger, .   
 
Saturday, August 17
Hike: Pinnacles National Monument
Let’s find some shady ways up to the Pinnacles. Hopefully, we will also find some late summer flowers. An easy and slow going pace of 6-7 miles and, of course, some elevation. Meet with good shoes and trecking poles, plenty of water and some lunch at MPC parking lot near the Highway at 7:30. Hikers from Salinas may meet us at the side of the road near the exit from Highway 69 to River Road in Spreckles at 8 am or drive out to the first parking lot of the west entrance to leave from there by 8:30. Call for more information. Leader: Anneliese Suter, 831 624-147.
 
Tuesday, August 20
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 exploring Seabright and the Marina 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. Leaders: Irene Lennox, 831-457-2690; Brooke Ewoldsen, 831-475-6188.
 
Thursday, August 22
Hike: Monterey County Trails in Fort Ord
Our 5-7-mile hike takes us along the C-numbered trails in the county’s area of Fort Ord. We’ll hike mostly through oaks and chaparral and 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 Trail near Schoonover Rd. Arrive before our 9:30 am departure time. Please RSVP. Leader: Dorothy Denning,  .
 
Saturday, August 24
Bicycle Ride: Around the Monterey Peninsula along the Ocean
28 miles (+ or -), 580’ elevation gain, around 6 hours. This will be a leisurely paced sightseeing ride stopping at various vista points as desired. Start at 10 am at Dennis the Menace Park at El Estero Lagoon, Monterey. Ride along the Coastal Recreation Trail thru Cannery Row, around Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, to Carmel Beach. Return via quiet Carmel residential streets (NOT up Hwy 1) to the top of Carmel Hill (the bulk of the elevation gain), then back to Monterey down the Hwy 1 bike path and Iris Canyon Rd. to our cars. Please RSVP by calling me. Leader: Steve Jackson, (831) 320-4561.

Sunday, August 25
Hike: Jacks Peak Another Way
Let's approach Jacks Peak from Carmel Valley. A short but delightful hike of 6 miles and 1000' of elevation gain. Through a meadow and up a fairly steep, shaded trail through the pines and oaks. Possible poison oak, so come prepared. Meet at Save Mart/Bagel Bakery Call for time. Rain cancels. Leader: Larry Parrish, 622-7455
 
Tuesday, August 27
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. Walkers will carpool from 41 st to Jade St and explore Capitola Jewel Box. 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. Leaders: Irene Lennox 831-457-2690; Brooke Ewoldsen 831-475-6188.
 
Thursday, August 29
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 California Pizza Kitchen in the Del Monte Shopping Center at 9:45 am for carpooling or at the West Parking Lot at Jacks Peak after 10 am. Bring water and lunch. Heavy rain cancels. Please, RSVP. Leader: Gisela Nobinger, .

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