Saturday, April 12th. 9AM-12:30PM

The Pistol Club Trail is in the reserve’s remote northeast corner. Drive from the field station into the heart of the Reserve. Hike into the subduction zone (Little Pine Fault). Cross coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and grasslands. Enjoy lumbering foothill pines. Much of this hike goes through areas that burned in the 2024 Lake Fire. We will look for fire followers and spring flowers.

This hike is 4 miles long, takes 3.5 hours to complete, and has an elevation gain of 1,000 feet. To join this hike you should be able to walk up 100 flights of stairs. This is a strenuous hike because of steep ascents and descents, and because the footing can be slippery along parts of the trail. Much of this remote trail is not easily suitable for an emergency pickup so please come prepared to complete the entire hike. Hiking poles are highly recommended.