What we’re about
Geo-hikes is open to hikers, geologists and geology students. Newsletter https://tdavisgeo.substack.com/
It's for anyone interested in learning a little geology while hiking and backpacking.
Visit Events\Calendar\Past on the Meetup page for the last few years for a quick appreciation, with photos, of Geo-hikes events, the TDAVISGEO's Newsletter at substack.com, and Youtube videos:
Crooked Creek, White Mtns: https://www.meetup.com/Geo-hikes/events/261057991/
Santa Cruz Island: https://www.meetup.com/Geo-hikes/events/260807872/
Deep Canyon and Santa Rosa Mtns: https://www.meetup.com/Geo-hikes/events/258848834/
https://tdavisgeo.substack.com/p/newsletter-8-geo-hike-guadalupe-with
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjifZym-WW4vtzrYarr8JOinSv2TD2Uir
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjifZym-WW4sTtDU4ciyWWIzO23YQLmeZ
Hikers, do you want to learn a bit of field geology and map reading skills while hiking, and sometimes camping in the western USA? Interested in participating in Geo-hikes and trips to scenic, and sometimes remote, locations? Want to learn about the fascinating history of the earth at these locations while on the move? If yes, then events hosted and led by the Geologic Maps Foundation might be of interest to you. Plus, the participants meet others with similar interests while getting great exercise. You do not have to be a geologist to attend but an eagerness to learn some basic geology and map reading skills are a must.
Professional geologists can share their knowledge and experiences (as co-leaders) with geology students and non-geologists while exercising and returning to, for many, why they got into geology in the first place.
Geology students (at any level) will gain field experience, an opportunity to interact and make contacts with professional geologists that could be helpful in the future, and with lots of outdoors exercise in interesting geologic settings.
There are a number of geo-hikes scheduled for the 2023 season and more will be added. "Spreading the word" about these events is most appreciated. Interaction of professional geologists and geology students with hikers, that are not geologists, informs the public about geology and its importance.
Most of the Geo-hikes events and courses are free while a few are fund-raisers and require a donation to cover expenses and operating costs for the longer trips. The Foundation is a tax-exempt nonprofit ,IRS 501 (3) (C), with a scientific educational and research focus. Donations are tax deductible and go towards the expenses of the event and the operating cost of the Foundation.
Geo-hikes also organize and lead customized geologic field trips for professional organizations and companies to various areas in the western US and Baja California. Trips are great educational and team building experiences. Please email us at: geologicmapsfoundation@gmail.com for more information about the customized trips.
For more info on the Geologic Maps Foundation: http://geologicmapsfo...
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Shelf Road with the Fox Canyon/Luci Trail Loop included Geo-hikeValley View Preserve - Shelf Rd Trailhead (at Gridley Rd), Ojai, CA
A tad less than a 5.0 mile round trip hike along Shelf Road with the Fox Canyon/Luci Trail Loop added in. Pace is moderate pace (~2.0 MPH). We'll make a few short stops to discuss the geology and vegetation.
Hike starts at the trailhead parking area along Gridley Road. We'll hike out to the trail head at end of North Signal Street, turn around, and return the way we came in. On the return we will do the Fox Canyon/Luci Trail Loop that adds about 800 ft elevation gain to the hike.
There is no sweep and we do not wait for very slow hikers.
https://open.substack.com/pub/tdavisgeo/p/shelf-road-geo-hike?r=jme6r&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
https://youtu.be/16J-FfmhI3c?feature=shared
The geology of Ojai Valley will be discussed along the way. Shelf Road is in uppermost portion of the Eocene-age Coldwater Formation* and in a few places along the contact with the overlying Oligocene-age Sespe Formation**, and their sandstone dominated outcrops will be observed and discussed. Shelf Road is within a map-scale structure called the Matilija overturn that is due to folding above the San Cayetano thrust fault*** that lies just below the earth's surface. The overturn is a band of rock layers where the stratigraphic order has been reversed and older strata lie above younger strata. This is due to large amounts of crustal convergence (shortening) during the last several million years.
Summary photo:
Looking east from Shelf Road near Gridley Road Parking. East Santa Ynez Range with Topa Topa Ridge on extreme left and eastern Ojai Valley on right. The giant Santa Ynez anticlinorium is shown by the tilted strata.
Hike is along a well-hiked dirt road that's free of auto traffic. Be on the look out for rattlesnakes while hiking- watch where you step, and don't reach out or sit down without looking first. Snakes are commonly out in the evening, and if it's mild or warm, just about any time of year. We should be back to the cars well before dark, but bring a head lamp or flashlight as a back-up.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coldwater_Sandstone
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sespe_Formation
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Cayetano_Fault
DOGS ARE OK BUT PLEASE KEEP THEM ON A LEASH DURING HIKE
NO GUESTS, HAVE THEM JOIN
DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY*
(IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY):
The hike host is a volunteer and not responsible for the group. Safety should be a priority for everyone in the group. Please treat this meet-up as hiking with a group of friends. If you become fatigued and unable to continue the hike, it is expected you will advise the hike host of this and return to our starting point on your own. If you are able to proceed, it is expected that you will maintain line of sight with other members of the group at all times and help to promote the group’s safety and fitness goals.
Outdoor sports and other events we plan can be inherently dangerous and accidents may happen. By participating in any posted event, you are taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The Geo-hikes Meetup Group and its organizers are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions.
If you choose to sign up for this or any Geo-hikes Meetup event, you are releasing the Geo-hikes Meetup Group and its organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience.
- Anyone 18 yrs. or younger must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
- Geo-hike Oso Ridge-Wills Canyon Trail LoopVentura River Preserve- Old Baldwin Trailhead , Ojai , CA
A 7.3 mile roundtrip geo-hike with ~1100 ft of elevation gain. This is a moderate to challenging hike. Hike pace is 2.0-2.5 MPH and I will stop in several places to give a very short explanation of the geology. Much of this route is exposed to the sun, most of it should be pretty dry by 3/16, and bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunblock. Temperature could reach into the 70s. There is no sweep. Also, there are a number of trails in this area. Please check the map at the trailhead and understand the route we are taking, in case you go slow and get separated from the group.
Start at the Old Baldwin Trailhead and our route goes north on the Lower River Loop Trail, west across the wash to the Oso Ridge Trail. Ascend the Oso Ridge Trail, turn right on the Chaparral Crest Trail, left on the Fern Grotto Trail, right on the Wills Canyon Trail. Decend Wills Canyon and turn right on the West River Trail that parallels the wash. Turn left and cross the wash, turn right to join with the Lower River Loop Trail and back to the Old Baldwin Trailhead and parking lot.
Entire route is over the Oligoene-age Sespe Formation that is nonmarine "redbeds" consisting of sandstone, conlgomeratic sandstone and siltstone. More on the Sespe Formation here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sespe_FormationPlease be prompt for meet-up point. We do not wait.
DOGS ARE OK BUT PLEASE KEEP THEM ON A LEASH DURING HIKE
NO GUESTS, HAVE THEM JOIN
DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY*
(IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY):
The hike host is a volunteer and not responsible for the group. Safety should be a priority for everyone in the group. Please treat this meet-up as hiking with a group of friends. If you become fatigued and unable to continue the hike, it is expected you will advise the hike host of this and return to our starting point on your own. If you are able to proceed, it is expected that you will maintain line of sight with other members of the group at all times and help to promote the group’s safety and fitness goals.Outdoor sports and other events we plan can be inherently dangerous and accidents may happen. By participating in any posted event, you are taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The Geo-hikes Meetup Group and its organizers are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions.
If you choose to sign up for this or any Geo-hikes Meetup event, you are releasing the Geo-hikes Meetup Group and its organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience.
- Anyone 18 yrs. or younger must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
- A Geologic Tour of Ojai Valley and Environs (OVE)Needs location
First, You cannot sign on to the event here. This posting is for announcement only. The lecture maybe sold out, but if you are really interested in attending the lecture, check through the link below. I just found out the guided geology hike following the event is sold out.
Second, this event is being hosted by the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy (OVLC)* and you must purchase tickets beforehand for the lecture and hike at https://lnkd.in/gHGPm9xk
I will be giving "A Geologic Tour of Ojai Valley and Environs (OVE)," California, Saturday May 3, 2025, 9:00 – 10:30 am at the Sane Living Center, Ojai, California. Following the lecture, I will lead a guided hike along Ojai’s scenic Shelf Road, offering participants a firsthand look at the valley’s remarkable geology and expansive views of the Ojai Valley. This moderate, 3-mile out-and-back hike will take approximately 1.5 hours. Participants are required to wear sturdy walking shoes and provide their own water, snacks, and sun protection. https://lnkd.in/gxP4573w
Important: You must purchase tickets beforehand for the lecture and hike at https://lnkd.in/gHGPm9xk*OVLC is a very worthwhile organization that provide many hiking opportunities to the public. They deserve our support: https://ovlc.org/explore
- Santa Cruz Island Geo-hikes 6 days & 5 nights stay at the Field StationIsland Packer Cruises, Ventura, CA$475.00
MEMBERS THAT HIKE WITH GEO-HIKES FREQUENTLY WILL HAVE PRIORITY.
PLEASE DON'T SIGN UP FOR TRIPS THAT REQUIRE OVERNIGHT ORGANIZATION AND EXPENDITURE, THEN CANCEL-OUT RIGHT BEFORE THE TRIP. THIS CREATES EXTRA WORK ON THIS END AND DEPRIVES OTHERS FROM THE OPPORTUNITY.
This is a unique experience to learn about the natural sciences of the Northern Channel Islands and to make hikes to beautiful beaches and geologically interesting locations on the remote western and southern sides of Santa Cruz Island (SCI). This will be a small group event and have more days on the island than most past Geo-hikes. Many of the hikes are to and along pristine and lovely coastlines that provide a glimpse of what southern California beaches looked like hundreds of years ago. YOU NEED TO BE IN GOOD HIKING SHAPE FOR THIS EVENT. The geology, history (including the prehistoric record), and flora and fauna of the island will be discussed. Thom Davis, the trip leader, is lead author on The Geological Society of America's 2020 Field Guide (#59) to Santa Cruz Island and the contents of the guidebook will be used extensively during the trip:
https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/books/book/2279/chapter/126263829/Santa-Cruz-Island-field-trip-Geology-history-andIF YOU ARE ADDED TO THE TRIP (FROM WAITLIST TO ATTENDEE LIST), SEND YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS AND FULL NAME ASAP TO GEOLOGICMAPSFOUNDATION@GMAIL.COM. YOU'LL NEED TO PROVIDE YOUR FULL NAME, NAME OF THE TRIP YOU ARE ON, & YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS (DON'T ASSUME WE HAVE OR KNOW YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS). IF WE DON'T RECEIVE YOUR EMAIL QUICKLY YOU'LL BE REMOVED FROM THE TRIP. FURTHER INFORMATION: BOAT RESERVATIONS, WAIVERS, WHAT TO BRING, ETC. ARE SENT TO YOU BY EMAIL.
DO NOT MAKE YOUR BOAT RESERVATION UNTIL YOU ARE CONFIRMED ON THE TRIP AND WE HAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS AND FULL NAME.
Trip is designed for non-geologists and key earth science concepts will be explained in a manner for all to understand. Geologists are welcome too. The cost is $475/person and covers the cost of our stay at Christy Ranch, vehicle rental, and vehicle fuel (cost does not include boat transportation). Payment will be by check to the Geologic Maps Foundation and payment instructions will be provided later by email. See cancellation policy. Participants are responsible for their Island Packer's boat trip fare to the island and return that are $93.00/adult-roundtrip and $88.00/senior-roundtrip (805-642-1393). Participants are responsible for making their Island Packer boat reservations. We will be taking the 9:00 AM 5/22/2025 boat from Ventura to Prisoners Harbor & returning on the 3:15 PM 5/27/2025 boat to Ventura (Do not make your boat reservation until you are confirmed to go on the trip, i.e. from waitlist to attendee list).Island Packers will want to know what campsite you are staying at when making your boat reservation. It's better to call Island Packers (805-642-1393) and tell them you are staying at the UC Research Station and on the geology field trip. We are sort of a special case and doing the reservation online might not work well.
We stay at the historic Christy Ranch on the western end of the island that has bathrooms with showers, a well-equipped kitchen with stove, oven, refrigerators, dining room, and wifi. We cannot sleep inside Christy Ranch as the building is not seismically retrofitted. You will need to bring a sleeping bag (nightly lows are usually in the mid-50s degree F range), a tent, sleeping pad, and a backpacking-size ground tarp. You are responsible for bringing all your meals and drinks (potable water is available at the Ranch), preparing your meals, and clean-up. More information on what to bring will be provided later by email.
No stores are on SCI, cell coverage is poor. Christy Ranch and the SCI Main Station have wifi but it does go down now and then.Here's a more convenient link to the 3/27/2025 Santa Cruz & Santa Rosa Islands, California geology tour video:
https://youtu.be/nvOv0DG0gecThis is a fund raiser for the nonprofit Geologic Maps Foundation (GMF), www.geologicmapsfoundation.org. GMF is a 501 (c) (3) organization and donations are tax deductible.
Itinerary:
First day, land at Prisoners Harbor, pick-up vehicles, orientation, driving tour of the Canada del Puerto to the UC SCI Main Field Station, check-in, lunch, followed by a drive to Christy Ranch along the Southern Ridge Rd. On the drive we will be stopping for landscape panoramas, discussions of the geology, rock types, and flora and fauna. For example, at one point there is a very good view of gully offsets along active SCI fault that bisects the island, https://youtu.be/n5jfomHlgyA. At Christy Ranch we will set up our camp, possibly take a short beach hike, and prepare our dinners.Second Day: If the road conditions are good, we will drive out to Frazer Point to do more beach hiking, view the rich-assortment of bird life around the point, and discuss the marine terraces and sea-level changes during the late Quaternary. https://youtu.be/CbqIqdwGnbw
Third Day: We will make two hikes: 1) outcrops along southern stretch of Christy Beach, and 2) a sea-cliff exposure of the SCI fault along the northern stretch of Cristy Beach. If time allows we will hike over to Sauces Beach and Kinton Point.
Fourth Day: Hike to Pozo Cyn and beach, and Near Point. Depending on the dirt road conditions, this could be ~10 mile hike.
Fifth Day: Hike Laguna Cyn to beach. Depending on the dirt road conditions, this could be ~10 mile hike. https://youtu.be/YEknkeLwv3Q
Sixth Day: We will pack up, tidy up the Ranch portions we used and head back to the Main Research Station and Prisoner's Harbor via the Central Valley Road. If time allows and half-way back to the Main Station, we may make a detour to hike to the top of Diablo Peak (elevation=2450 ft) that provides a great panorama of the Northern Channel Islands, Santa Barbara Channel, and the Santa Barbara-Ventura coastline and mountains. The top of Diablo is also a great place to see and discuss the Santa Cruz Island Volcanic Complex that underlies most of the northern portion of SCI. When we return to Prisoners Harbor to catch the boat for the return to Ventura, and if time allows, we'll do an optional hike towards Pelican Bay.
DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY*
(IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY):
The hike host is a volunteer and not responsible for the group. Safety should be a priority for everyone in the group. Please treat this meet-up as hiking with a group of friends. If you become fatigued and unable to continue the hike, it is expected you will advise the hike host of this and return to our starting point on your own. If you are able to proceed, it is expected that you will maintain line of sight with other members of the group at all times and help to promote the group’s safety and fitness goals.
Outdoor sports and other events we plan can be inherently dangerous and accidents may happen. By participating in any posted event, you are taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The Geo-hiking Meetup Group and its organizers are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions.
If you choose to sign up for this or any Geo-hiking Meetup event, you are releasing the Geo-hiking Meetup Group and its organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience.- Anyone 18 yrs. or younger must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
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