Trip report

The San Rafael Wilderness Grand Loop

Backpacking DATE: 04/10/2014 - 04/13/2014

Trip/Event Location: Ventura, CA
US

Trip Leader(s): CJDGO

Max # People: 8

Trip Guiding / Event Fee: Yes, but only to cover shared expenses, and I too am paying

Difficulty Level: Very Strenuous

 “If you have a week off from work or school next spring, don’t waste it lollygagging around the city.  Come to the land of booming creeks, deep swimming holes, high mountain
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Driving directions to the location and spot to meet at:

We’ll meet up to consolidate our carpool at the Camarillo Park-and-Ride lot (Pleasant Valley Road x US101) at 7:00am (SHARP!) on the morning of Thursday, April 10 in preparation for our long (2-hour) carpool to the trailhead. L.A.-based hikers should plan on leaving L.A. no later than 6:00am.


Trip Report/Photos
Featured Photo

The two, the proud.  Mike and I didn't let a lack of signups deter us from setting out on our daring adventure deep into the wilderness.  Well prepared and armed with a good weather forecast, we set out bright and early Thursday morning, up and over Little Pine Mountain on the famed Santa Cruz Trail into the seldom-visited San Rafael Wilderness.  Our timing couldn't have been better. Though remote, our trail was in surprisingly good shape, sparing us the bushwhacking we had been expecting.  Recent spring storms had cloaked the hillsides in greenery and wildflowers, and the streams were happily flowing, affording us our choice of backcountry camps.  We also encountered an unusual mix of wildlife: lots of ticks, 3 rattlesnakes (one adorably tiny), and even a distant condor sighting!   We enjoyed spacious, remote camps all to ourselves and didn't see anyone besides a couple of mountain bikers during our entire 4-day, 52-mile loop. 

- The Trip Has No Photos -

Members That Participated

CJDGO

Outdoor Fitness Level: Strenuous


Phoenix, AZ


United States
mbros4162

Outdoor Fitness Level: Very Strenuous


Los Angeles, CA


United States
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