Let’s enjoy winter’s clear air and (hopefully) far-reaching views with an invigorating all-day hike exploring some of the most scenic terrain in southern California. Starting our hike amid fragrant orange and avocado orchards, we’ll wind our way up a mostly clear, well-graded trail to the summit, where we’ll enjoy awesome views over the idyllic Ojai Valley and beyond, to the Channel Islands. Chief Peak is so named because some people think its profile resembles a sleeping Indian chief. It is one of the prominent sandstone peaks that reflects the sunset westward across the valley, making Ojai famous for its midwinter “pink moments.”

At nearly 15 miles round trip and with nearly 4000’ of elevation gain, including a pretty hairy rock scramble at the summit, this hike will be strenuous and is suitable only for experienced hikers in very good condition. We will face the possibility of mud, ticks and poison oak.

Hikers originating in L.A. should plan on leaving no later than 6am to meet the coordinator at the halfway carpool point (US101 x Pleasant Valley Road) at 7am SHARP! Our hike will begin at around 8am and take us about nine hours to complete, so plan on a full day and an evening return home. Optional awesome pizza in Ojai afterwards. Rain or forecast of rain cancels, as does fewer than four signups.