Ventura River Preserve - Chaparral Crest Trail

July 22, 2013
6:00 pm - 8:10 pm
Hiker: Beth
Dogs: Anabelle and Bodee
Miles: 4.9

Today was one of those odd days in July when the thunderheads are forming over the Topa Topas and the air is cool.  I couldn't resist getting out for a hike and I really had no intention of doing the Chaparral Crest Trail, but I was enjoying the evening so much we just kept going.

We began our trek at the Rice Road Trailhead and moved south through the riverbed.  It is extremely dry right now with no water in sight; the grasses are all golden brown and some of the sages are getting stressed.  I have run into the errant coyote in the riverbed, especially in the evening, so I was staying alert and talking to the dogs.  We had the trail all to ourselves and it was glorious.  Apparently it had sprinkled earlier in the day so the trail was dampened enough to keep the dust down.

 

There are 7 crests on the trail, the first 3 being the steepest and longest.  The views are spectacular looking back at the Ojai Valley and Ventura. 

 

 

We worked our way down to Willis Canyon, through the Fern Grotto and into the oak forest.  It was quiet and breezy with only a few birds still out.