What we’re about
Get outside with the Sierra Club Ventana Chapter! We offer fun and inspiring outdoor events like guided hikes, kayak tours, and camping trips, all led by experienced volunteers. As a conservation group, we're dedicated to both enjoying and protecting the environment. Everyone is welcome to participate – no membership required!
Upcoming events
2
The Highpoints of Nisene Marks State Park
Nisene Marks State Park, https://maps.app.goo.gl/smkH5V1fEZpcPRnh6, Aptos, CA, USDetails: Strenuous Hike! Sand Point Overlook via West Ridge & Aptos Creek Loop. The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, Aptos, CA
Join the us for an unforgettable and challenging loop through one of the Santa Cruz Mountains' most beautiful and historically significant redwood preserves. This strenuous route is the perfect opportunity to push your limits, breathe the cleanest air in California, and earn a reward of truly sweeping coastal views.
This exceptional custom loop combines the best of The Forest of Nisene Marks, tracing both exhilarating single-track trails and wide, scenic fire roads.
What to Expect:
The Ascent: West Ridge Challenge: We begin on the legendary West Ridge Trail, known as the steepest and most physically demanding path in the park. This is where you'll find your Sierra Club strength, climbing through dense, moss-covered redwood and mixed evergreen forest, often feeling miles away from civilization.
The Reward: Sand Point Overlook: Our climb culminates at the spectacular Sand Point Overlook, which offers one of the most expansive panoramic views in Santa Cruz County. From this lofty vantage point, we will enjoy lunch and fellowship while taking in breathtaking scenes of the Monterey Bay, the Pacific Ocean, and the surrounding green ridges.
The Descent: History and Redwoods: The return route follows sections of the historical Aptos Creek Fire Road, an old logging railroad grade built over a century ago. This shaded descent provides a break for the legs and immerses us in the regenerating second-growth redwood forest. Along the way, we'll pass near the famed epicenter of the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, connecting us to the powerful natural history of the land the Sierra Club works to preserve.
This is a quintessential Santa Cruz mountain experience—steep climbs, deep redwood shade, historical intrigue, and ocean views guaranteed to reset your spirit.
★★★ Note: This is not an official Sierra Club outing. Everyone is welcome to join ★★★
When / Where to meet: We will meet at the West Ridge Trailhead. GPS map link below. There are parking spots before and after along the side of the road or at the picnic area just north. There is a $10 fee at the gate below.
Route: 15.6 miles, 2825’ Elevation Gain. Per Alltrails.
Bring: Hiking shoes with good traction, sunscreen, bug repellent, plenty of water, lunch and a hearty snack. A pleasant disposition!
Forecast: Sunny. High 67 F
Cell phones: Assume no service past the gate. Pre-load maps. Cross your T’s and dot your I’s.
Disclaimer: The organizer(s) are volunteers and not professional guides. By signing up for this trip, you are acknowledging that you are aware of the risks, dangers and hazards associated with any outdoor activity and freely accept and fully assume all such risks, dangers and hazards, and further agree to release and discharge the hike organizers against any and all liability arising from your participation in this activity.
★ We encourage our members to join the Sierra Club and support the Ventana Chapter, which is responsible for local outings, conservation, environmental education, leadership development and political activism. See "Who We Are" on our website: https://www.ventanasierraclub.org/ ★
1 attendee
POLE Walking & Pole Hiking Training, Palo Corona Park
Palo Corona Regional Park, California 1, Carmel, CA, USSierra Club Military Outdoors provides FREE expert training for Veterans and their family members. If you have any family member who served, then you are eligible to attend this free training. If you have NO ONE in your family who served, you are welcome to reach out to the organizer to discuss options.
Please read the entire description before registering.
This session:
Learn individualized, anatomically optimal, strategies for enhancing performance and confidence on the trail. Uphill: Improve power, endurance, posture and spine function. Downhill: Develop skills for feeling safer and preserving joints – Save your knees! Short beautiful coastal practice walk included.When PoleWalking, you feel invigorated, taller and more confident! Join us to learn skills and techniques to help improve balance, endurance, spine function, walking gait and posture. Easy-to-learn techniques can help people navigate everyday obstacles and strengthen muscles that support your joints.
Top quality poles and special balance tips provided upon request. Learn which poles fit you best and will help you achieve your goals. Easy pace and gentle practice.
Here are more BENEFITS of Learning Optimal Use of POLES:
- Achieve, maintain, even regain mobility
- Reduce risk of falling
- Use your upper body muscles to improve strength and help preserve your joints
- Reduce stress on knees, hips and spine
- Maintain & restore spine function; improve bone density
- Poles are sporty (and FUN), so encourage compliance and use
- Improve performance on a variety of terrain – expand your capabilities & horizons
- Using poles encourages focus so that you can more easily achieve these many benefits
- Enjoy the outdoors, connect with your buddies and get great exercise!
Who can benefit from learning these skills?
Hikers, Walkers, and anyone with mild to moderate mobility issues/challenges benefit from learning these skills. Additionally, this class will benefit anyone preparing for or recovering from joint surgery as well as those with Parkinson’s, MS, peripheral neuropathy, arthritis, diabetes, etc..The triple win of poles is that (1) you’re able to engage your whole body while walking and (2) you can connect with your buddies while (3) enjoying the beautiful outdoors.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED, CLASS SIZE LIMITED. Because of the limited class size, please only reserve a spot if you truly intend to come. If you have to cancel, please advise the leader so another veteran can benefit from this training.
This is the Sierra Club Link for Registering. You can indicate your desire to attend by RSVP on this site, but you are not registered until you click the link and fill out the registration form. Thank you for your cooperation!
2 attendees
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