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Docent-led Interpretive Hikes for the Public

Walking Tours

When public hikes are held, they begin with registration check-in at 8:30 a.m. and the hikes start promptly at 9:00 a.m.  Hikes last two to four hours. In addition to the hikes, there will be an opportunity to see the newly-renovated century-old historic Sedgwick barn, our pond (home to numerous rare and special-status species, including the Western pond turtle and the tricolored blackbird), and the Tipton Meeting House. HIkers are welcome to bring a lunch and enjoy it in the shade of beautiful Valley oaks at our Field Station picnic area. 

The opening of online registration will be announced by email 2-3 weeks before each event.  Hike fee is $8/person registration fee (kids under 13 are free). 

Click  HERE  to sign up for our mailing list and don’t delay registration once hikes are announced – they fill up quickly!

Four levels of difficulty are offered each hike day.  Examples of possible hikes are:

Easy Hike: Mesa Trail  Approximately 1.5 hours and 1 mile with 400 feet of elevational gain. An easy stroll along the Lisque road and Lisque mesa with a good share of interpretation and vistas.  Includes a long stair climb and a short down hill stretch, about two hours total. An optional tour of the restored Ranch House and the hundred year old barn. Appropriate for children and seniors.  Bring water and snacks. The easy hike is limited to the first 20 people who sign up. 

Moderate Hike: Blue Schist Trail.  Approximately 2.5 miles with 630 feet of elevational gain. A moderately strenuous hike with two long grades to climb.  Natural history interpretation by docents, beautiful vistas, wildflowers in season, the results of a dormant earthquake uplift to see, and interesting rock formations.  Almost three hours.  Our most popular hike. Bring water and snacks. The moderate hike is limited to the first 20 people who sign up. 

Moderate to Strenuous Hike: The Heartland-Pine Needle Valley Loop. Similar in difficulty to Moderate hike but longer – approximately 4.25 miles long and taking 2.5 5o 3 hours to complete.  This hike is limited to the first 15 people who sign up.

Strenuous Hike: The Northeast Corner Trail.  Approximately 5 miles with 1460 feet elevation change.  Hills to climb and wonderful vistas and wildflowers in season.  Natural history interpretation by docents and almost four hours long.  Bring water and snacks. The strenous hike is limited to the first 20 people who sign up. 

General Information

  • Join our mailing list to receive registration information on seminars and walks. 
  • You will be asked to sign a University of California Waiver of Liability, Assumption of Risk, and Indemnity Agreement

Dress appropriately!

  • Sturdy walking or hiking shoes are required. Tennis shoes are permitted, sandals are not. 
  • Long pants and long sleeves are recommended (we do have ticks!)
  • Wear a hat & apply sunscreen
  • Bring plenty of water and a trail snack

Cancellation Policy

  • Hikes will not take place in or following periods of rain. If you are unsure of the weather, we will leave a message on the Reserve’s answering machine (805) 686-1941 advising of any cancellation.

Pet Policy

  • Please leave your dog at home. They are not allowed on the trails and the parking area is not shaded.

Public Lectures and Special Events

There are no upcoming events confirmed yet. Please check back here or sign up for our Mailing List to receive notification.