Calendar

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: Outings Are ON HOLD Until at least July 4, 2021

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Outings March/April 2020

Sunday March 1^st 9:00AM Rinconada Trail Exploration. Come explore the Rinconada Trail on a Sunday morning. We will hike to the summit, then head left along the ridge to Hi Mountain Road the return to the Rinconada Trail where it meet Hi Mountain Road. We will ascend to the Ridge Again for a snack over looking the Santa Lucia Mountain Range. After our snack we will descend back to the trailhead. Total distance is about 5 miles with 1000 foot elevation gain. Rain or threat of rain cancels the event. For more information post it here, or call Gary at (805)473-3694. Meet at the Rinconada Trailhead off West Pozo Road. Bring snack, water, non-slip shoes and dress for the weather.

***CANCELLED - THREAT OF RAIN*** Saturday, March 7^th 8:30 a.m.. Hike the Salmon Creek Trail and Spruce Creek Trail to Dutra Flat Camp. Join the leader on this moderate to strenuous hike in the Silver Peak wilderness in the southern Big Sur area. The hike is 8.4 miles with about 2100 ft. of elevation gain. After leaving the Salmon Creek trail after 2 miles, we will hike through pretty Spruce Creek Canyon up to a grassland before coming to Dutra Flat Camp which is an old homestead. There is a possibility of ticks. Poison oak will be along the trail in places. Bring water, snacks or lunch, and dress for the weather. Meet at the Washburn Day Use area of San Simeon State Park. It is on the right side of Highway 1 about 2 miles north of Cambria. We will carpool about 30 minutes to the trailhead. Dogs must be on leash. Rain cancels. For info, call Chuck at 805-441-7597.

Saturday, March 7^th 4 – 8pm, Almost Full Moon Hike Quarry Trail, Morro Bay State Park. Let’s celebrate the return of longer days with a Waxing Gibbous (almost full moon) hike. This is an easy out and back hike of approximately 6 miles and 300 ft elevation gain. We will walk through some gorgeous oak woodland with amazing views of Morro Bay just as the sun sets and moon rises. Bring headlamp or flashlight, water and snacks. The Quarry Trail Head is located on South Bay Blvd. in Los Osos. From Highway 1 N take the South Bay Blvd. exit and go 1.5 miles, make a left into the parking lot. From Los Osos Valley Road take South Bay Blvd. 2.8 miles and go right into the parking lot. Dinner afterwards for those who are interested. Sorry, no dogs allowed on this part of the Morro Bay State Park. Contact/RSVP to Lisa with questions l.ludovici@yahoo.com or 310-864-4679.

*** CANCELLED Saturday, March 14th, 8:00 am, American Canyon to Buckeye Camp Hike. American Canyon to Buckeye Camp Hike. This is a hike that we have not taken in some time. It's route which goes out and back on the same trails is entirely in the beautiful Garcia Wilderness. This 12 mile hike with 2000 feet of elevation gain is considered strenuous. The condition of this trail is unknown because it is not easily accessed, but there will definitely be some poison oak. We will need to cross a shallow section of the Salinas River at the beginning of this trek and some minor creek crossings later along the route as well. You may go just part way as this is an in and out on the same trails. Bring lunch and water. Expect to be out all day. We have to pass through a locked gate to drive to the trail head. We will meet in Santa Margarita at the Pacific Beverage Co. Rain or extreme heat will postpone until a future date. Behaved dogs on leash are welcome. If there are any questions you may contact Carlos at 805 546-0317.

***CANCELLED Saturday, March 14th, 9:00 am, Hike Adobe Springs Trail off of Hwy 166. A 5-mile round trip hike with views down the Cuyama Valley and a chance for beautiful wildflowers! Bring a hat, sunscreen, plenty of water, long-sleeve shirt, long pants, and sturdy walking shoes. Carpool – meet at 8:30 am at the intersection of Hwy 101 and Hwy 166 (west on Hutton Rd., parking by Cuyama Lane). If meeting at trailhead, arrive by 9:00 am, go to the Adobe Spring trailhead off Hwy 166, about 21 miles east of Hwy 101, on the left (north side of Hwy 166). Polite dogs on leash allowed. Contact Andrea, 805-934- 2792. Rain or threat of rain cancels the outing.

***CANCELLED Sat-Sun March 21^st – 22^nd , 7:00AM San Luis National Wildlife Refuge Hike – Kesterson Unit (Multi-day car camp or hotel). If you’ve never been to the San Luis National Wildlife Refuge you’re in for a real treat. Step into primordial California grasslands with an incredible diversity of native plants, grasses and birds. The Kesterson Unit is a hidden gem and sees very little human activity this time of year because it is one of the only units prohibiting auto tours: foot traffic only. There are about 9 miles of easy hiking trails but the other unusual thing about Kesterson is that it is free-roam so we don’t have to stay on the trails. Expect at least 9 – 12 miles of hiking on flat, even terrain. At this time of year we’ll see vernal pools, lots of wildflowers and an abundance of birds and other wildlife. Time and daylight permitting we may visit a second, smaller walk-in only unit. After hiking we’ll set up camp either at a small campground on the Merced River or at the San Luis Reservoir campground. Both can accommodate tents and RVs. There is also the option to d rive into Modesto for hotel accommodations. Optional Sunday hike at the Great Valley Grasslands State Park to see more, rare native California grasses. Sorry, no dogs on this hike. The Refuge is located 181 miles and 2hrs 50 mins drive from San Luis Obispo. We will choose a meet point in San Luis Obispo and plan for at least one stop along the way. Contact/RSVP to Lisa with questions l.ludovici@yahoo.com or 310-864-4679 and let me know whether you’ll be camping or staying at a hotel. 8 Spots available.

***CANCELLED Sun. March 29th, 2 p.m. Historic Walk: Jazz-Age SLO to World War II. Where are the hotel where Hearst entertained his guests, the speakeasies of the twenties, and the original French Hospital? Find out and much more on a guided downtown stroll of SLO. Hear stories of its changing social life from the Model T years to Prohibition, Depression, and then Pearl Harbor. Duration about 1 1/2 hrs. Meet at the corner of Marsh and Toro Sts. Leader: Joe Morris, 805-549-0355

***CANCELLED Friday, Sat.& Sun., April 3rd, 4th,& 5th, Carrizo Plain National Monument Outing. At the rate we are going with low rainfall this year, we may not have the splendor that we had in 2017 and 2019, but even on a dry year it is still worth the drive. Come join our group for all or part of the weekend. This is a loosely organized car camping and hiking event. We will try to stay at Selby Rocks car camp or if that is full we will stay at KCL car camp. These camps are both free to use. On Saturday we will rendezvous at Selby Rocks Camp at approximately 9 am and then car pool to a destination to hike, that has yet to be determined. The leader has a white Ford Ranger pick-up truck with a silver shell on the bed. If you are car camping you are responsible for all your food and water. Water is not always running at the camp. Rain will postpone it to another weekend. For more information and/ or directions you may contact Carlos at 805 546-0317.

***CANCELLED Saturday, April 4, 9a.m. High Mountain Rd. to Condor Lookout Hike. Moderately strenuous, out-and-back 10-mile hike past wildflower meadows, chaparral, and mountain peaks with beautiful vistas to the condo lookout station atop High Mt. Peak. Option to go part way and turn back early. Bring water, sun protection, snacks, dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes and binoculars are useful to spot a condor! Directions: From Arroyo Grande, follow signs toward Lopez Lake. After crossing the dam but before entering Lopez Lake County Park, turn right on High Mountain Rd for 12.6 miles, (bearing right on Upper Lopez Rd. to stay on High Mt.). You will reach a second gate, parking area, and trailhead. High Mt. Rd. is easy on all cars until this spot—no need for a four-wheel drive. A second option is to meet at the Ridge Trail staging area, just past the upper Lopez Canyon/High Mt. Rd junction at 7:30 to carpool in. For more info, contact Leader: Andrea Ortiz at 934-2792 or kenya683@ msn.com. Rain or serious threat
of rain cancels.

***CANCELLED Saturday, April 11^th 7am – 6pm Pinnacles NP – Bear Gulch to High Peaks Loop Hike. This is a moderate hike through California’s newest and one of the most beautiful National Parks. Breathtaking views, fascinating geology and natural history and a great time to see an abundance of wildflowers. We will start from Bear Gulch, climb to the High Peaks Loop Trail and then head back along the Reservoir Trail and through the Lower Caves. Approximately 9 miles and 1320 ft. elevation gain. The High Peaks Loop trail is steep and very narrow and involves a bit of rock scrambling including climbing very small steps carved into stone. Bring water, lunch and snacks. There could be some water in the caves so waterproof boots are suggested. Pinnacles is 106 miles and 2 hours drive one way from San Luis Obispo. We will meet in the County for those that want to carpool. There is a $30 per vehicle charge for park day use. Possible dinner afterward before the drive home. Sorry, no dogs in the National Park. Contact/RSVP to Lisa with questions l.ludovici@yahoo.com or 310-864-4679. 12 Spots.

***CANCELLED Saturday, April 11^th, 7:30 am, Santa Lucia Trail to Pimkolam (Junipero Serra) Peak. Join us on this spring hike to the highest point on the Central Coast. This is an out and back strenuous hike of 12 miles with 3,800 ft. of elevation gain. This is for experienced and conditioned hikers only. The hike begins at Memorial Park (Indian Stations) campground. We hike across a beautiful meadow with wonderful rock formations. The trail ascends steadily through oak woodlands and then chaparral to a saddle, where we catch the summit spur trail. As we approach the summit, we enter a pine forest and eventually arrive at an old fire tower at the summit at 5,862 feet. There is a possibility of ticks and there will probably be poison oak in places along the trail. Bring plenty of water, lunch, snacks, and dress for the weather. Meet at the Las Tablas ride-share parking lot at 7:30 am, in Templeton, which is on the south side of the road, just west of Highway 101, after taking the Las Tablas exit (GPS: 35.5538N 120.7136W). We will carpool to the trailhead which is about a 90-minute drive. Rain cancels. Please do not bring dogs on this hike. This will be an all-day adventure so plan accordingly. Confirm with the leader if you are interested in going on this hike. For info and confirmation, call Bill, 805-459-2103.

***CANCELLED SUNDAY, April 19^th DUNA VISTA LOOKOUT Lopez Lake Hike. 7 miles Hike #102 in “Day Hikes in SLO” book. 7:40 am Meet up in Strother Park, 1150 Huasna Rd. Arroyo Grande to carpool OR meet at 8am at the hike start: out of the Entrance station turn right and continue 1.3 miles on Lopez Drive. Go past Vista Lago and park on the right near the end of the road. Dana Vista is a 1,178 foot summit overlook. The hike crosses the peninsula that separates the arms of Lopez Lake, then climbs to the Duna Vista summit. Possibility of ticks, rattlesnakes, mountain lion and poison oak - dress accordingly. Bring water, sunscreen, snacks. Bonnie Ernst 805-801-6148.

***CANCELLED Sunday, Apr. 19^th, 9:00 am, Santa Rita Creek Rd. mountain bike ride. This will be an out and back ride of about 2 hours with a one-way distance of roughly 6.5 miles on a mostly unpaved road. Santa Rita Creek Road hugs Old Creek for several miles until it climbs out of the canyon for a spectacular view of North County. There is a steady elevation gain towards the end, leading up to the crest, where we plan to turn around. Bring your bike, helmet, other appropriate gear, and water/snacks. Meet at the corner of Old Creek Road and Santa Rita Creek Road, 3.8 miles from Hwy 1 in Cayucos, on Old Creek Road (GPS: 35.47250N 120.8558W). For carpooling from San Luis Obispo, meet at Santa Rosa Park at 8:30 am and RSVP if you plan to carpool. Contact Bill, 805-459-2103. Rain or threat of rain cancels.

***CANCELLED Sun., April 26th, 2 p.m. Historic Walk: Remarkable Trees of San Luis Obispo. On a downtown stroll, learn the story of SLO as told by 15 distinctive trees, including the pepper trees of Mission days, the eucalyptus of Victorian times, and ending with the Apollo 11 Moon Tree of 1976. Duration about 1 1/2 hrs. Meet at the corner of Broad and Monterey Sts. Leader: Joe Morris, 805-549-0355.

***CANCELLED Sat, May 2nd, 8:30 AM Montana de Oro State Park Hike: Oats Peak to False Alan returning via Coon Creek and Rattlesnake Trails – Meet at Valencia Peak Trailhead. Strenuous hike of approximately 14 miles RT and 2,240 feet elevation gain. We will be hiking through the unique geology, plant life and wildflowers of MDO. Bring at least 2.5 liters of water, lunch and snacks. Lugsole boots (as opposed to sneakers) are recommended for the gravelly trails in MDO and potential rattlesnakes. Sorry but dogs are not allowed on any of the MDO trails. Contact Lisa with questions l.ludovici@yahoo.com or 310-864-4679.