Bear Creek via Sespe River Trail
DESCRIPTION: This is a 9-mile out-and-back trail near Ojai, California. Generally considered a moderately challenging route. This trail takes you along the Sespe River and into the beautiful Sespe wilderness, from lush areas to more open, dry stretches, and you’ll enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. This trail takes us to Bear Creek campground which is popular among backpackers. The are some water crossings so you may get your feet wet. There is not a lot of shade, so hats are recommended.
DETAILS:
· Hike leader volunteer(s): Michele E
· Meet: Parking lot near trailhead at 7:45 am, departure at 8:00 am sharp
· Distance: Approximately 9 miles.
· Elevation gain: Approximately 715 feet.
· Time: Approximately 3.5 hours hiking including a snack break.
· Conditioning: You need to be in generally good physical condition.
· Restrooms: At trailhead
· Adventure Pass: Required
IMPORTANT NOTES: We’ll hike at a brisk pace and ask everyone to stay with the group for a friendly and safe outing. There are a few stream crossings and limited shade. As always, people may slip and fall, encounter poison oak, rattlesnakes, etc. on this hike. This event may be cancelled due to inclement weather before or at the start of the hike.
ESSENTIAL GEAR:
· Hiking boots and poles.
· Clothing layers recommended.
· Snacks and 2+ liters of water and electrolytes or salt tablets.
· Hat and sunscreen.
Additional Hiking and Survival Gear Recommendations (link)
THIS HIKE RANKING: Level 3, Intermediate (see chart below).
Please only sign up to attend hikes that are consistent with your ability. Based on your hiking during the last 90 days, how would you score on the CHC Hike rating scale of one to five assuming a brisk pace?
CHC HIKE RANKING SCALE:
1. Beginner: 1-3 miles, less than 500 feet elevation gain.
2. Beginner/Intermediate: 1-7 miles, less than 700 feet elevation gain.
3. Intermediate: 5-10 miles, 1000-2000 feet elevation gain.
4. Intermediate/Advanced: 7-12 miles, up to 3000 feet elevation gain.
5. Advanced: 10-17 miles, 3000 feet or more elevation gain.
TRAILHEAD LOCATION: Parking lot, California 93023
Driving Directions (link)
NAVIGATION & GEAR:
We highly recommend AllTrails or GAIA apps be installed on your cell phones and/or you print a copy of the trail map so you can personally navigate the trail if you need to.
GPS Trail Map (link for downloadable mobile version)
The Community Hiking Club is a Non-Profit 501C3 organization. We rely on donations to continue sponsoring hikes like this. Please contribute by donating via: Cash contribution (at each hike), or via Zelle at 6617135610; or via Venmo at: @Heidi-Webber-5
DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY – IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY:
When you sign up for this event, you are releasing Community Hiking Club from any liability or responsibility with your participation in this group activity. While safety is a priority for everyone in the group, hiking can be inherently risky. By participating in any posted event, you are assuming responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The Community Hiking Club (CHC) Meetup Group and its organizers and hike leaders are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in our events. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions. If you choose to sign up for any Community Hiking Club Meetup events, you are releasing the Community Hiking Club Meetup Group and Hike Leaders from all liability in case of possible injuries or death as stated in paragraph 6.2 of the Meetup “Terms of Service” located on the bottom of the Meetup website. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience. If you sign up for this hike, you are verifying that this hike is within your abilities.
