Chief Peak

Everyone arrived together, and we started  the hike. The trail was fairly straight forward with only one real turn and then a quick rock scramble up to the top. The views were amazing. The ocean shined like a jewel as we descended from the peak. Perfect weather, and nice temperatures all day, although the top was a little windy. We passed a few other hikers, mostly on the way back.  Everyone kept a good pace and we finished early. We stopped for a delicious pizza in Ojai. It was a great group and a great day for a hike.

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.