A small, dedicated group of Chapter members have just released the newest edition
of the Los Padres Trail Guide. Joyce Stevens and Steve Chambers co-edited this
version which has significant revisions from the previous edition due largely
to the 1999 fires in the Kirk/Hare and Tassajara/Five Mountain areas. While primarily
a handbook for hikers and backpackers, the guide gives a concise history of the
forest with great descriptions of the roughness of the terrain and colorful photographs
of the spectacular habitat.
To produce this guide, volunteers hiked hundreds of miles of trails to update
descriptions of trail conditions as well as to list the many interesting historical
and cultural artifacts left by early settlers and travelers. Extensive detail
is provided, including directions to trailheads, mileage along the trails, elevation
gain, presence of water and noteworthy natural features. Some of the trails which
were overgrown or impassable in the past such as the Black Cone Trail are now
much improved thanks to the efforts of the Ventana Wilderness Alliance, an organization
dedicated to restoring areas of the wilderness.
During this holiday season, make a gift to yourself and others to get away
from this hectic world. Join one of our Chapter organized outings or pick up a
guide and go on your own. Reconnect with nature and see for yourself the blissful
sanctuary of the wilderness in your own backyard.
