| April 20 through June 29, 2013
Saturday, April 20
Hike: Big Creek/Canoga's Falls
The UCSC Landless-Hill Big Creek Reserve gave us a reservation to hike up to the High Camp where we will have our lunch break. From here, just with water and a snack, we'll hike down 1,000' to the Canoga's Falls, the largest waterfalls deep in the Ventana Wilderness. Back up to High Camp to get fresh water and then down over the meadows with the ocean shimmering beneath us. Just wonderful! A strenuous day with about 14 miles and 3000' feet elevation gain/loss. Bring a hearty lunch and lots of water, hiking poles and a hat; also some $$ for entrance fee and carpool gas help. Call for a reservation. Meet at Rio Road Park & Ride in Carmel at 7:30. Leader: Anneliese Suter, 624-1467.
Saturday-Sunday, April 20 – 21
Backpack: San Carpoforo Camp/Silver Peak Wilderness
We will start walking from the old Salmon Creek Fire Station and hike through the Silver Peak Wilderness to San Carpoforo Camp (about seven miles.) This area is rich with history; Gaspar Portola walked through here in 1770 and may have camped near San Carpoforo Camp on his journey north from San Diego. On Sunday, we will hike about eight miles out to our cars on Highway one at Ragged Point. This is a strenuous sixteen mile hike with a very steep climb from San Carpoforo Camp. Contact me to sign up and receive details of meeting location. This trip is limited to twelve participants. Leader: Steve Benoit, 831-394-4234
Sunday, April 21
Hike: Garzas Creek
The Terrace Trail at Garland Ranch has fabulous flowers every spring. After a nicely contoured walk on a narrow trail above the creek, we drop steeply down to the creek, walk gently down the stream, and finally take a steep but short climb back out. Our slow pace makes this hike easy for some, moderate for others. Bring lunch, water, good footgear, and a stick for steadying on steep hills. Meet at the Garland Ranch parking lot on C.V. Road at 9:30 to get organized; hike will start from the trailhead at 10 a.m. Call for more info. Leader: Mary Gale, 626-3565.
Tuesday, April 23
Senior Saunter: Sunset Beach
We’ll walk both the bluffs and the beach. Moderate 4 miles without steep hills. Dress for weather. Meet before 9:30 a.m. at Sear’s on 41st Ave. or at Sunset Beach kiosk parking lot at 9:50 a.m. .Bring water, lunch, $2 carpool and share of parking fee. Restrooms. Leader: Joan Brohmer, 465-3803.
Wednesday, April 24
Morning Walk near Monterey
We'll walk for 4-6 miles, easy pace. Meet at 9:15 a.m., return between noon and 1 p.m. Bring water and a snack. E-mail or phone for location. Leader: Gisela Nobinger, (831) 393-4983 or
.
Thursday, April 25
Hike: Point Lobos
Point Lobos at peak wildflower season…wow!! Besides numerous wildflowers, we will enjoy magnificent views, a variety of wildlife and a walk through a quiet Monterey pine forest. 4 miles with minimal elevation gain. Bring water & lunch. Arrive early; we depart at 9:30 a.m. sharp from Park & Ride on Rio Road in Carmel. Call for a reservation. Leader: Lynn Bomberger, 375-7777.
Saturday, April 27
Hike: Fort Ord National Monument
Fort Ord is a good place to scout for wildflowers in April. We will do about 6-8 miles with maybe 800-1000 feet of elevation gain. Call me in the week before for the meeting time and place and more information. Leader: Nick Wyckoff, (831) 462-3101.
Sunday, April 28
Hike: Mal Paso to Rocky Ridge
We'll meander up a private road above Mal Paso Creek, eventually crossing the Creek, and then up a steep ridgeback, and finally through some redwood groves to the Rocky Ridge Trail. We'll end our circuit near Soberness Creek. A beautiful, strenuous, rugged 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, April 30
Senior Hike: Toro County Park
We’ll hike the Ollason Trail and hopefully see great flowers. 3 miles with one uphill section. Meet before 9:30 a.m. at Sear’s on 41st Ave. or at Toro Park at the next to last parking lot near restrooms. Toro Park is off Hwy. 68 between Monterey and Salinas. Bring lunch, water, $5 carpool. Leader: Bev Mesachie, 475-4185.
Tuesday, April 30
Fracking Workshop in Monterey
The California Department of Oil, Gas and Geothermal Resources (DOGGR) will conduct a workshop on regulations for the oil and natural gas production technique known as hydraulic fracturing or fracking on Tuesday, April 30. The meeting is free and open to the public and will be held from noon to 8 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn, 1000 Aguajito Road, Monterey. Sierra Club is currently suing DOGGR in order to block approval of new oil and gas wells because regulators have inadequately analyzed risks of fracking. The Club seeks to force the State to conduct more environmental review as required by CEQA before permitting fracking. The actual “discussion draft regulations” and other material for the workshop can be found on the Department’s home page, http://www.conservation.ca.gov/Index/Pages/Index.aspx.
Wednesday, May 1
Hike: Toro County Park
5 - 6 miles, 800 ft elevation gain, moderate pace. Hike along the Ollason trail to the view under the oak trees for lunch. We will return the same way or along the Meyer trail. Let's hope for wildflowers. Bring water & lunch. Meet at the dirt parking area outside Toro Park before 9:30 am. Leader: Gisela Nobinger. Please, let me know if you are coming:
or 393-4983
Thursday, May 2
Hike: Nisene Marks History Walk
Join Lou Rose, historian enthusiast, for a History Walk in the Forest of Nisene Marks. We will visit logging and railroading of 1883-1923 and the alleged epicenter of the 1989 quake. There will be many stops along the way to see historic relics, Lou's historic photos and hear anecdotes. Lou has given history walks as fund raisers for the Aptos History Museum and has taken many groups from the Seacliff Visitors Center on similar walks—we're lucky, our walk will be free. Approximately 4.5 miles and 5 hours with minimal elevation gain. Bring water & lunch. Arrive early; we depart at 8:40am from the far end of the parking lot in front of REI in Marina or depart from the parking lot behind Aptos Station at 9:30. Call Sierra Club Outings Leader Lynn Bomberger for a reservation at 375-7777.
Saturday, May 4
Walk: Mission Trail, Carmel
3 +- mile walk up Mission Trail Park then onto city streets for a loop back. We will stop by the Flanders Mansion and the adjacent native plant garden. Some elevation gain, rain will cancel. Meet on Rio Road across from the Carmel Mission at 9 am. Please call the leader, Martha Saylor to reserve a place, 372-9215.
Sunday, May 5
Hike: Bottcher’s Gap to Apple Tree Camp
Starting at Bottcher’s Gap trailhead, we’ll hike up through oak and madrone forest to the top of Skinner Ridge, then down to our lunch spot at Apple Tree Camp. Expect steep, rugged trails with views out to the coast and into the interior of the Ventana Wilderness. At 7 miles and around 1600 feet of elevation gain, this hike is fairly strenuous, but we’ll take it at a leisurely pace. Bring lunch, lots of water, and protection from insects and poison oak. Meet at Rio Road Park and Ride at 9am. Leaders Cath Farrant and Mary Dainton 372 7427.
Wednesday, May 8
Hike: Point Lobos
About 5 miles, minimal elevation gain, moderate pace. Great ocean views, hopefully wildflowers. Bring water & lunch. Meet at the Rio Road ‘Park & Ride’ near the Bank of America at Carmel Crossroads at 9:15 am. Leader: Gisela Nobinger. Please, let me know if you are coming:
or 393-4983
Saturday, May 11
Hike: Palo Corona Monterey Peninsula Regional Park
Finally some new trails in walking distance from Carmel! We'll go first up to Inspiration Point for a snack at the picnic table with a wonderful panorama view. Then on to Gregg's Hill via the Vista Lobos trail. We may also walk further to the Frog Pond. Then down the same way. But wait, there are several beautiful loop trails with many benches to relax and enjoy the sights over to the Carmel River State Beach and the ocean. A moderate hike of about 6 miles and 1000' elevation gain/loss. Bring lunch and water. Meet at P & R on Rio Road in Carmel at 9 a.m. Leader: Anneliese Suter, 624-1467.
Saturday, May 11
Hike: Pescadero Creek County Park, Tarwater Creek
I’m trying something different by combining Sierra Clubbers with Sempervirens Meetup participants, probably from the Bay Area. It will be a little shorter than the last SC outing here at 5-6 miles and 1100 ft uphill to accommodate the diversity. Call Nick for more info, and meet time and place. Leader: Nick Wyckoff (831) 462-3101
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Bean Hollow: Senior Saunter
A 2 mile plus saunter through a blooming paradise on ocean bluffs south of Pescadero. See harbor seal pups!. An additional 2 mile walk near Pigeon Point optional. Meet before 9:30 AM at Sear’s on 41st Ave. or at Shen’s Gallery at Mission & King Sts. Bring lunch, water, $4 carpool. Restrooms. Leader: Janet Schwind 425-3845
Wednesday, May 15
Hike: Jacks Peak
5-6 miles, with about 700 ft. elevation gain, moderate pace. Jacks Peak offers quiet forested trails with some views of Monterey and the Bay. Bring water & lunch. Meet at NW corner of Whole Foods parking lot in Monterey at 9:45 a.m. Leader: Gisela Nobinger. Please, let me know if you are coming:
or 393-4983
Saturday, May 18
Hike: Nisene Marks Five Finger Falls
See the redwood forest, many varieties of ferns, and a tall, skinny waterfall on this 10-mile hike, with 600 feet of elevation gain. We will hike along Aptos Creek to Five Finger Falls for lunch. Return is the same way. Moderate pace. Bring lunch and water. Entry fee or Park Pass is needed. Meet at the Aptos Village dirt lot, near Epicenter Cycling, at 9:00 am to carpool. Back before 4:00 pm. Call for more information. Leaders: Allan Neymark, (831) 457-2505 and Maggie Dickson, (831) 688-6252.
Sunday, May 19
Hike: Fort Ord National Monument
Let's explore some of the eastern trails of Fort Ord. Wildflowers may still be in bloom and if we're lucky, maybe we'll catch sight of some of the abundant wildlife on these public lands. Expect 6-8 miles with ample elevation gain. Bring water, lunch, etc. Call for meeting time and place. Leader: Larry Parrish, 622-7455
Sunday, May 19
Walk: Little Sur River
This fairly easy walk along the Little Sur River starts from a trailhead on the Old Coast Road, and takes us up and down gentle hills above the river till we reach a crossing, where we’ll reverse course. Distance unknown, but not even 5 miles round trip. Dress in layers, bring lunch and water, and meet at 9:30 at the Rio Road Park and Ride just off Hwy 1 near the Crossroads. More information: Leader Mary Gale, 626-3565.
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Senior Hike: Roaring Camp/Cowell
We’ll walk from railroad cars thru Roaring Camp to trails and climb to top of Bear Mt. where we’ll have lunch. Moderate 3 mile with some uphill. Meet before 9:30 AM at Sear’s on 41st Ave. To go direct, take Graham Hill Rd. to Roaring Camp, drive slightly pass the camp entrance and park on Roaring Camp Drive on your right. Restrooms. Bring lunch, water, $3 carpool. Leader: Perry Brohmer 1-650-793-3987
Saturday, May 25
Hike: Tan Bark Trail, Overstrom Trail to Alta Vista. Return via Waters and Ewoldsen Trails to Hwy. #1.
Alta Vista (2,000’) is the place where the home of the naturalist Jeff Norman once stood before it burned down during the Big Basin Fire. The ocean vistas are breath taking! This is a strenuous hike (ca. 8 miles)! Bring plenty of water (2-3 liters), food and sun protection. Wear long pants and sturdy shoes. Tracking poles can be helpful. We meet at Rio Road P & R in Carmel at 7:30 am. This is a point to point hike. A car shuttle is necessary! Bring some $ for car pooling. For reservation call Burkhard Siedhoff, 831-920-1803
Tuesday, May 28
Senior Hike: Soberanes/Garrapata
Scenic 3 mile walks with lunch on cliff area. Meet before 9:30 AM at Sear’s on 41st Ave or at Orchard Supply parking lot in Watsonville at 9:50 AM. To go direct, Soberanes is on Hwy. 1, 7.3 miles south of Rio Road in Carmel. Look for barn on left side of road and a grove of cypress trees on the right. There is parking along the road on the ocean side. Primitive restroom. Dress for weather. Bring lunch, water, $5 carpool. Leader: Brooke Ewoldsen 475-6188
Tuesday, May 28
Hike: Maple Falls
This 7 mile Nisene Marks hike with 700 ft. elevation gain takes us through a lovely forest along beautiful creeks and eventually to serene Maple Falls. Some agility is required. Stops to enjoy flora & fauna. Bring water & lunch. Arrive early; we depart at 8:40am from the far end of the parking lot in front of REI in Marina or depart from the parking lot behind Aptos Station at 9:30. Call for a reservation. Leader: Lynn Bomberger, 375-7777.
Wednesday, May 29
Sierra Club Hike Leader's Meeting, 6:30 pm for write-ups for July and August 2013 Monterey Library
Saturday, June 1
Hike: Mt. Madonna County Park
It is time for mariposa lilies in this park. Some of us wonder if the lack of rain matters. The distance is about 8-9 miles with about 1300 feet of elevation gain, starting from the Sprig Lake trailhead for those who don’t carpool from Santa Cruz. Call Nick for meet time and place, or questions. Leader: Nick Wyckoff (831) 462-3101
Sunday, June 2
Walk: Carmel River Beach
How about an early morning walk from Carmel River Beach toward Monastery Beach via the hill and back via the bluff trail. Enjoy wild flowers, birds, 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 10 am in the parking lot at Carmel River Beach at the lagoon (south end of Carmelo in Carmel.) Call leader to reserve a space and for meeting time. Leader: Martha Saylor, 372-9215.
Tuesday, June 4
Senior Hike: Wilder Bluffs
Docent led 3 mile walk on the Old Cove Landing Trail followed by a tour of the historic ranch complex. Meet before 9:30 am at Sear’s on 41st Ave. or at Shen’s Gallery at King & Mission Sts. Before 9:50 AM. To go direct, meet group in the parking lot for Wilder Ranch State Park one mile north of Santa Cruz on Hwy. 1. Bring lunch, water, $2 carpool and share of parking fees. Leader: Janet Schwind 425-3845
Tuesday, June 11
Senior Hike: Costanoa
This is a 4 mile hike on trails at Costanoa Resort. Some steep hills. Hike may vary at leader’s discretion but location is the same. Meet before 9:30 AM at Sear’s on 41st Ave or at Shen’s Gallery at Mission & King Sts. at 9:50 AM. To go direct, take Hwy 1 to Costanoa and park in lot by General Store. Restrooms. Bring lunch, water, $4 carpool. Leader: Pat Herzog 458-9841
Saturday, June 8
Hike: East Molera Trail to Post Summit
Strenuous, ca. 7 miles, 3456 ft. elevation, stunning views. The trail is exposed and steep, it boasts a 20-30 percent grade in stretches. The summit has a 360-degree view with the ocean just below and Mount Manuel and Pico Blanco a few miles away. Bring plenty of water, food and sun protection and an extra jacket. Wear long pants, and sturdy shoes. Tracking poles are helpful! Bring some $ for car pooling. For reservation call Burkhard Siedhoff, 831-920-1803
Sunday, June 9
Hike: Kahn Ranch
For those who haven't visited this portion of Garland Park, this will be worth the effort. Exploring the outer limits of the little jewel that is Kahn Ranch, we will encounter some small waterfalls, abundant wildflowers (hopefully still), and elevated views of the Carmel River. Also expect some poison oak and possible ticks. 8 miles with 2500' of sometimes steep elevation gain/loss. Limit of 20 hikers. Call for a reservation. Leader: Larry Parrish 622-7455
Wednesday, June 12
Hike: Nisene Marks State Park
5-6 miles, about 700 ft. elevation gain, moderate pace. Hike from Porter Family Picnic Area along the former railroad tracks past Hoffman Historic Site to the Bridge Creek and return along the creek. Bring water & lunch. Meet before 9:15 am at the parking lot in front of the REI Store in Marina or at 10:15 at Porter parking area. Leader: Gisela Nobinger. Please, let me know if you are coming:
or 393-4983.
Thursday, June 13
Hike: Evening Soap Plant Quest
This 7 mile hike with 600 ft. elevation gain in Toro Park takes us through a forested valley along the Ollason trail then up to oak dotted grasslands. If we are lucky, we will see soap plants blooming—they bloom in the late afternoon and evening. If not, we’ll have a nice late day walk in the woods. Bring water & dinner. Arrive early; we depart at 4:00pm from the dirt parking area outside Toro Park. Call for a reservation Leader: Lynn Bomberger, 375-7777.
Saturday, June 15
Hike: Pogonip to Wilder Ranch
Journey from the forest to the coast on this 8-mile hike, with 1000 feet of elevation gain. Starting at Pogonip, we climb past UCSC, cross Empire Grade, and descend the Wilder Ranch hills to the coast. This is a shuttle hike. You will need to make a reservation, by Friday June 14 at 8 pm, to be included. This is so we can plan the driving arrangements. Bring lunch and water. Meet at the Santa Cruz Government Center at 9:00 am to carpool. Back before 3:30 pm. Call to make your reservation, and for more information. Leaders: Allan Neymark, (831) 457-2505 and Maggie Dickson, (831) 688-6252.
Tuesday, June 18
Senior Hike: Loch Lomond
This is a beautiful hike thru the woods with lunch at the water's edge at the picnic area. Some steep hills. Meet before 9:30 AM at Sear's on 41st Ave. or at Felton Faire near Safeway on Graham Hill Road. To go direct, meet at the boat launch/pay station in Loch Lomond Park. Minimum cars will drive everyone to the trail head. Bring lunch, water, $4 carpool and share of entrance fee. Leader: Joan Brohmer 462-3803
Wednesday, June 19
Walk: Asilomar to Bird Rock and back
5 miles out and back total, flat, moderate pace. We will along Spanish Bay and the coast to Bird Rock and return the same way and have great ocean views. Bring Water and a snack. Meet across from the Fish Wife restaurant at 9:15 am. Leader: Gisela Nobinger. Please, let me know if you are coming:
or 393-4983.
Saturday, June 22
Hike: Arroyo Seco Girl Scout Camp
For those who have not done this walk before, it is a sort of short (5-6 mile + 1000 vertical ft), but extremely hot (100+ degrees) experience, and requires some swimming upstream in a creek over six ft deep. If you’re not a swimmer or are not heat tolerant, this one is not a good idea for you. If you do come, bring 2 qts of water, sunscreen, a hat, a waterproof bag for anything like your lunch that you don’t want to get soaked, maybe a flotation device if you think that you might need it and footwear for walking and swimming upstream. It is also a very long drive down there. Call Nick for more info, and meet time and place. Leader: Nick Wyckoff (831) 462-3101
Sunday, June 23
Big Sur State Parks Mosey
What is so rare as a day in June in Big Sur? With so many parks to choose from, we’ll take a poll to see where we end up. Waterfall at Pfeiffer? River meandering at Pfeiffer and/or Molera? Ocean bluffing and beaching at Garrapata? Or all three? Dress in layers, bring lunch/snack and water, and meet at 9:30 at the Rio Road Park and Ride just off Hwy 1 near the Crossroads. More information: Leader Mary Gale, 626-3565
Sunday, June 23
Hike: Big Basin to the Sea Celebration
Our dear Big Basin bus will be running again! So please join us to celebrate, with this marvelous all-day car-free hike from the Big Basin Park Headquarters to the mouth of Waddell Creek on Highway 1. Meet at the Santa Cruz Metro Center in time to board the #35A bus, which will leave promptly at 8:30 am. We should be back at the Metro Center by around 6:00 pm, after returning down the coast on the #40 bus. The hike is about 13 miles, but moderate and relaxing, with ample time for photos and lunch. It will be limited to 20 people, so please call Peter Scott (leader) at 423-0796 to reserve a place and to confirm the starting and ending times, or to ask questions. No cars. Cars are useless for this hike.
Monday June 24
Hike: Tanbark Trail to the Tin House
The Tanbark Trail packs a lot of scenery in a fairly short length. From its start off Highway One south of Big Sur, the trail winds up the south side of Partington Canyon, past a rushing creek and through a redwood grove, up through forests of tanbark oak, until it reaches the site of the ruined "Tin House." Here we'll have lunch and enjoy the ocean views, before returning via a disused dirt road. We'll arrange a car shuttle to save walking the last mile on Highway One. Distance is about 6 miles with elevation gain of about 2000 feet, so it's moderately strenuous, but we'll hike at a leisurely pace. Meet at the Park and Ride on Rio Road at 9.30am for carpooling. Leaders: Cath Farrant and Mary Dainton, 372 7427.
Tuesday, June 25
Senior Hike: Manzanita
This is a moderate hilly 3.25 hike in North Monterey County. See ocean and Fremont Peak on a clear day. Lunch at picnic tables in park. Meet before 9:30 AM at Sear's on 41st Ave or at Manzanita Park. Call leader for directions. Restrooms. Bring lunch, water, $4 carpool. Leader: Bev Meschi 475-4185
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