Ventana Chapter Hikes and Outings for Monterey/Carmel and Santa Cruz
From August 28 through October 2018
(Please contact leader to reserve a space)

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 and Bay School, 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.

Sunday, September 2
Hike: 3 Parks, 1 Campus Traverse (Cowell, Pogonip, 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 its 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, on the Sunday that we scouted it, we must have encountered 50 or more bicyclist. All were respectful and polite to us as we were to them. 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 sunshine orange Subaru Crosstrek. 2 hrs to get to the lunch spot at the eucalyptus grove in Wilder SP. Bring lunch and water. Total time about 4.5 hours. Meet at above described location by 10:00 AM. RSVP. Leader: Steve Jackson, (831) 320-4561.

Tuesday, September 4
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.

Thursday, September 6
Hike: Sunset Beach
Our ~6 mile out and back with minimal elevation gain at a moderate pace takes us along hard packed beaches below steep coastal cliffs and sand dunes. Bring water and lunch. Meet near REI at highway 1 and Imjin Pkwy at 9:30 am to carpool or at 10:00 am at the North parking lot near the entrance to Sunset Beach. Leader: Gisela Nobinger, . Please RSVP.

Saturday, September 8
Hike: Nisene Marks State Park
This is a moderately paced strenuous hike to the Sand Point Overlook via the West Ridge Trail with return via the Loma Prieta Grade. Distance: 14 miles/ nearly 2000 feet of elevation gain. Meet at George's Picnic Area at 10am. 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, September 11
Senior Saunter: Levee to Wharf
Casual 4 mile walk along the levee to Beach Hill and Santa Cruz Wharf. Return along the 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, before 9:50. Bring lunch, water, $2 carpool. Leader: Irene Lennox, 831-457-2690.

Thursday, September 13
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. Meet at 9:00 am at the Rio Rd. park & ride lot for carpooling to the park. Please RSVP. Leader: Dorothy Denning,

Sunday, September 16
Walk: Ranch Canada/Palo Corona
Ready for a new look at a long-familiar place? We'll meet at Rancho Canada in the Discovery Center, which you will discover in the west end of the golfers' former home. From the parking lot you can see the sign on the building. We'll then meander on paved paths and grassy/dusty ones down to a bridge across the river, and up to the Southbank Trail and go a little way into Palo Corona for a snack break before returning. Meet at 10 am, bring water (or fill up your bottle there), snack, and expect to return by 1 or 2, or earlier if you have a hot date at 3. More Info. Leader: Mary Gale, 626-3565

Monday, September 17
Hike: Palo Corona Front Ranch from a new direction
The Rancho Canada addition to Palo Corona Regional Park is now 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 5.5 miles and 800 feet of elevation gain. Afterwards those who wish can visit the new Discovery Center. Bring lunch and water. Meet at 9.30 in the Park parking lot, 4860 Carmel Valley Road. If approaching from the west, it's the right turn just past Carmel Middle School. Leaders: Cath Farrant and Mary Dainton, 372 7427.

Tuesday, September 18
Senior Saunter: Wilder Bluff North
Three mile walk on the more northern part of the cove trail. A shorter walk will be available. Meet before 9:30 am at Sears on 41st Ave. or at the junction of King and Mission St. before 9:50. To go direct, meet group in Wilder Ranch State Park parking lot one mile north of Santa Cruz on Hwy. 1. Bring lunch, water, $2 carpool plus share of entrance fee. Leader: Irene Lennox, 457-2690.

Saturday, September 22
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

Sunday, September 23
Hike: Somewhere in Palo Corona
Something old, something new ? something borrowed, skies of blue. We'll see what's available in September and go from there. The new entrance is open, and we could enter there, or maybe another way could be available. Yu can expect a hike of less than 10 miles and under 2000' of elevation gain. Should be great views and no poison oak or ticks to speak of. Call for meeting time, place, and other info. Leader: Larry Parrish, 622-7455.

Tuesday, September 25
Senior Hike / Saunter: Point Lobos North
Two routes for different abilities will be available in this beautiful Park to the south of Carmel. Hikers will park at a picnic spot called Piney Woods and make a loop of about 3 miles around the northern part of the park to Whaler's Cove and back to Piney Woods. Terrain is hilly but not strenuous. Walkers will also park at Piney Woods to walk to Bird Island for great views. 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: Perry Brohmer, 650-793-3987; Brooke Ewoldsen, 831-475-6188.

Thursday, September 27
Coast loop: Pt. Pinos to Asilomar and Pt. Joe
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. Leader: Gisela Nobinger, . Please RSVP.

Friday, September 28
Celebrate the grand opening of the new Rancho Cañada unit of Palo Corona Regional Park
The Trust for Public Land, the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District, the Santa Lucia Conservancy, and Trout Unlimited invite you to celebrate the official grand opening and land dedication of the new Rancho Cañada unit of Palo Corona Regional Park. Bring your picnic blanket or lawn chairs and enjoy guided hikes, educational activities and games, and the chance to meet your local park staff. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. This is a free event and all are welcome. Spread the word, and RSVP to let us know you're coming!

For more information, a map and how to register for free tickets, click here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rancho-canada-community-celebration-tickets-47318786765

Saturday, September 29
Hike: Fall Creek (Using the Bus)
This is a delightful walk in the treasured watershed of Fall Creek, a part of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. It has magnificent redwoods, lovely clear streams, birds and a rich history, with remnants of old logging and quarrying operations. Meet at the Santa Cruz Metro Center at 920 Pacific Avenue in Santa Cruz to board the No. 42 bus, which will leave at 8:30 am sharp, arriving at the start of our hike at 9:10 am. Bring a lunch and water. We'll be returning via the No. 35 (or 35 A) bus, arriving back at the Metro Center in mid-afternoon. The bus fare is $2 ($1 for 62+) for each bus ride. Call leader if you plan to join us, or for any additional information. For a complete description of hikes in Fall Creek, including this one <http://sustainabletransportationsc.org/fallck/>. Leader: Peter Scott, 831 423 0796.

Tuesday, October 2
Senior Saunter: Chaminade
2+ miles fairly easy walk through the redwoods, some uphill. Hikers may add a hike down into the canyon. A shorter walk will also be available. Lunch at the picnic area. Beautiful views. Meet before 9:30 am at Sears on 41st Ave or go direct and park behind tennis courts at Chaminade before 9:50. Bring lunch, water, $2 carpool. Restrooms. Leaders: Perry Brohmer, 650-793-3987; Brooke Ewoldsen, 831-475-6188.

Thursday, October 4
Hike: Soberanes Canyon and Point
We'll first hike out and back on the Soberanes Canyon Trail at Garrapata State Park. Then we'll cross over Hwy 1 to the coast and hike around Soberanes Point for a total of 4-5 miles and 600-800 feet of climbing. Bring water and lunch. Poles are also useful for several stream crossings. Meet at 9:30 am at the Rio Rd. park & ride lot for carpooling to the park. Please RSVP. Leader: Dorothy Denning,

Sunday, October 7
Mission Trails Hike
This hike is 2 - 3 miles and 300' elev. gain. We start at the bottom of the canyon on Rio Road across from the Carmel Mission. We will make an elongated loop within the park and on City streets with the Outdoor Forest Theater as a stop near the top. There is a nice view of the Mission dome. We will make a stop by the historic 1925 Flanders Mansion and the adjacent Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden. Meet at 9:30 am at the trailhead. Call to reserve a place. Leader: Martha Saylor, 372-9215.

Tuesday October 9
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. Leaders: Irene Lennox, 831-457-2690; Brooke Ewoldsen, 831-475-6188.

Wednesday, October 10
Sierra Club Meeting at the Monterey Public Library at 5 pm
We will talk about hiking and outings for November and December 2018. Please come and tell us about your summer experiences. Otherwise, please send your write-ups to not later than Sunday, October 21, 2018. Thank you in advance.

Thursday, October 11
Hike: Point Lobos
Our 5-6 mile loop with minimal elevation gain at a moderate pace takes us along beaches and coastal cliffs along open and forested trails with varied views of the ocean and bays. Bring water and lunch. Meet at the Rio Road "Park and Ride" parking lot near Starbuck's at 9:30 am. Leader: Gisela Nobinger, . Please RSVP.

Friday, October 12
Bicycle Ride (Non-Competitive Pace): Coyote Creek Recreation Trail
The intent of this bike ride is to look around and enjoy the scenery. Average speed will be 8 to 9 mph. Total time: 4.5 to 5 hrs. This is an amazingly beautiful country ride considering the proximity to suburbia and Silicon Valley. Mostly level riding, paralleling Coyote Creek with a total cumulative elevation gain of 305 feet spread over this 30 mile round trip. Call me for directions to our usual meeting place. Meeting time is by 9:30 AM. Lunch will be on the banks of Cottonwood Lake in Hellyer County Park (15 miles). We'll return on the same path back to our cars. No parking or park fees. Bring water, lunch and sunscreen. Various parks along the route provide restrooms and extra water. RSVP to Leader: Steve Jackson, (831) 320-4561. No RSVP's as of 24 hours before meeting time cancels ride.

Saturday, October 13
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. But we will take it leisurely. 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. Call for more information. Leader: Anneliese Suter, 624-1467.

Sunday, October 14
Hike: Jacks Peak, the Trails less travelled
Curious about some of those trails around Jacks 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 water and a lunch. Let's meet at 9:30. Call for meeting site and shuttle info. Leader: Larry Parrish, 622-7455.

Tuesday, October 16
Senior Hike: Nisene Marks Hoffman
Approx. 4 1/2 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: Bev Meschi, 831-475-4185; Brooke Ewoldsen, 831-475-6188.

Thursday, October 18
Hike: Palo Corona Inspiration Point and Animas Pond
Our 5-6-mile out and back hike in Palo Corona Regional Park takes us up to Inspiration Point and down to Animas Pond from the new parking lot. We climb about 800 feet total and enjoy wonderful views of the coast and area along the way. Bring water and lunch. Meet at the Palo Corona parking lot at the end of Rio Rd. off Carmel Valley Rd at 9:45 am. Note that this is not the Rio Rd. that is off Rt. 1 at the Crossroads and is just east of Carmel Middle School. Please RSVP. Leader: Dorothy Denning,

Saturday, October 20
Hike: Butano State Park
This is a moderately paced strenuous hike through varied terrain (giant redwoods, pines, oak, and manzanita) in this lovely coastal park. Distance: 11 miles/ approximately 1500+ feet of elevation gain. Meet at 10am by the park's entry kiosk. 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, October 21
Stroll: Garrapata Bluff and Beach
Let's hope for lighter traffic and no mess at Rio Rd. so we can go to and return from Big Sur calmly! We'll drive down to Garrapata Beach, stroll a bit on the bluff and then meander down to the beach. If the tide is low enough, we'll dodge around rocks on the south end to check out the cave with a sunroof. Meet at 8:45 am at Rio Road Park & Ride; bring water and snack, and plan to return in early afternoon, or to drive separately (lots of parking!) and continue on south on your own after signing out. More Info: Leader: Mary Gale, 626-3565.

Monday, October 22
Hike: PG Shoreline and Monarch Sanctuary
Have the Monarch Butterflies returned to Pacific Grove? Let's find out on this easy 6 mile coastal walk. Meet at 10am outside the Fishwife restaurant, 1996 ½ Sunset Drive. We'll walk around Spanish Bay and along the coast to Rocky Shores, looking for birds and sea mammals. Then we'll head up to the Butterfly Sanctuary, returning via the old railroad trail. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in the leaders' back yard (or indoors if it's cool) near the end of the walk. Heavy rain cancels. Leaders: Cath Farrant and Mary Dainton, 372 7427.

Tuesday, October 23
Senior Saunter: Pleasure Point
A pleasant 2+ mile walk along the cliffs at Pleasure Point to Lake Moran Park, returning by a route through the neighborhood. A shorter walk will be available. Meet before 9:30 am at Sears on 41st Ave. To go direct, park in the small surfers' parking lot at the bottom of 41st Ave or at the roadside on Opal Cliff Dr. Bring lunch, water. Leaders: Perry Brohmer, 650-793-3987; Brooke Ewoldsen, 831-475-6188.

Thursday, October 25
Hike: Garland Ranch
Our 5-6 mile loop with about 800 feet elevation gain at a moderate pace takes us along the Waterfall, Vaquero, Oakview and Garzas Canyon trails to Mesa Pond for lunch, then on to Fern Pond and Maple Canyon trail back to the visitor center. A lot of the trails are in the forest, but we will get some good views of Carmel Valley and Garzas Creek. Bring water and lunch. Meet at the Rio Road "Park and Ride" parking lot near Star Bucks at 9:30 am or at the Garland Ranch parking at 9:50 am. Leader: Gisela Nobinger, . Please RSVP.

Saturday, October 27
Bicycle Ride: Around the Monterey Peninsula along the Ocean
28 miles (+ or -), 580' elevation gain, around 6 hours. This will be a leisurely paced 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 interior Carmel residential streets (NOT 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. Leader: Steve Jackson, (831) 320-4561.

Sunday, October 28
Hike: West Pinnacles – High Peaks Trail
Ascend the Juniper Canyon Trail to the steep and narrow section of the High Peaks Trail for spectacular views and the possibility of sighting a condor.  Drop to the east side via the Condor Gulch Trail, then return via Bear Gulch Cave and Reservoir, and High Peaks and Juniper Canyon Trails. Strenuous 6-7 hour hike of about 10 miles and 2700'.  Meet at the Park & Ride at Highway 68 and Laureles Grade by 7:30 am or at the trailhead by 8:45. Bring lunch, 3+ liters water, headlamp and rain/wind gear. To participate, you MUST be sure-footed and comfortable with heights and steep exposed drop-offs, but the steepest sections are generally protected by handrails. Rain cancels. Limit 12 hikers, so please reply to with your name and phone number, and we will call you. Leaders: Randy May & Carol Greenstreet. 

Tuesday, October 30
Senior Saunter: Costanoa /Franklin Point
This is a 4 mile hike on trails around the beach and over the dunes near Costanoa Resort. Meet before 9:30 am at Sears on 41st Ave or at the junction of Mission & King St. before 9:50. To go direct, take Hwy 1 to Costanoa and park in the lot by the General Store. Restrooms. Bring lunch, water, $5 carpool ($3 from Santa Cruz). Leader: Perry Brohmer, 650-793-3987.

Thursday, November 1
Hike: Sandstone Ridge, Fort Ord
Our 6-7-mile loop takes us along Crescent Bluff and up to trail 22 and Sandstone Ridge in a less-used area of Fort Ord with splendid views overlooking the area. We climb about 700 feet total, some on steep and rutted sections 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. Parking available on street. Arrive before our 9:30 am departure time. Please RSVP. Leader: Dorothy Denning,

Saturday, November 3
Hike: Sunol Regional Wilderness Maguire Peaks
This is a moderately paced ten mile /nearly 2000 ft elevation day hike in Sunol Regional Wilderness. Meet at 9:30 am in front of Visitors Center (Green Barn). 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, November 4
Hike: Garland Ranch Park
We'll hike up to the Mesa via foothill trails, Buckeye and Waterfall, 4-5 mile. Come back via Fern, Mesa, and Lupine Loop trails. Nice valley views, some uphill steps. Meet at the Park & Ride on Rio Rd at 9:30 am for carpooling. Please call leader to reserve space and for meeting time, or if wanting to meet at Garland Park. Bring snack/lunch and water. Rain cancels. Leader: Martha Saylor, 372-9215.

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