SBVC – Sespe Wilderness/Bear Creek Backpack (Beginner)
March 27-29, 2020
Total Distance: 10 miles Elevation Gain: ~700ft Route Type: Out and Back
Hiking in the Sespe Wilderness is like stepping back in time to before Southern California was mostly urban sprawl. We’ll hike in a boulder-strewn valley patrolled by circling condors and peppered with bubbling springs. This is raw, unspoiled Ventura backcountry. The trail is never too steep - for each gentle uphill climb, there is a gentle downhill descent.
Along our route, water is readily available and the terrain is relatively easy. Bear Camp is situated on a large sandbar beach with beautiful swimming holes, surrounded by sycamores and cottonwoods for shade. We'll have the option to day hike to Willett Hot Springs on Saturday, or stay in camp and swim, read, lounge, whatever you feel like doing. At Willett sits a tub with 104deg F hot spring water.
In order to allow folks time to group up, Thursday night will be optional car camping at Rose Valley Camp. The next morning, we'll eat a hearty breakfast and get on the trail by 9:00am to make the most of our day on the trail.
Thursday, 3/26: Optional group-up night. Drive to Rose Valley Campground. Arrive any time after 2pm
Friday, 3/27: Breakfast, break camp and be at the trailhead ready to start 5mi hike at 9:00am. Bear Creek Camp is the destination.
Saturday, 3/28: Free day! Optional 9mi round-trip day hike to Willett Hot Springs, or relax at Bear Creek camp.
Sunday, 3/29: Break camp and hike 5mi back to the vehicles.
Weather: Expect warm days and chilly evenings and mornings. Dressing in layers is the best way to manage the possible range of temperatures. Precipitation is always a possibility, so rain gear is mandatory.
Bring: 10 Essentials (no kidding, every person needs a personal first aid kit); food for each meal plus extra snacks; water bottle and filter system; sleeping bag and pad; tent; broken-in hiking boots; layered clothing; jacket;rain gear; wide hat; compass; toilet paper & trowel;compact camp stove; fire starter; headlamp; sunglasses;sunscreen; insect repellant; camera and entertainment(book, card game, etc). Group may share water filtration system.
Cost: $18 for no Adventure Pass (you supply your own or ride in a vehicle that is getting one), or $33 and GO will bring the Adventure Pass for your vehicle. Register by clicking the button to the left.
Cancel before March 13 to receive a refund.
Other considerations: As with any backcountry experience, this one is "Leave No Trace" - our trash comes out with us. Active bear area so either bear cans or hung bear bags are mandatory. Fire restrictions may or may not be in effect, but we will likely be able to have a fire. This trip is dog-friendly (must be an leash at all times. Recommend dog get rattlesnake vaccine).
Directions: From Ojai, drive25 miles North on CA-33 to the Rose Valley turnoff. Turn right, and drive until you reach the Rose Valley Camp.
Trip Leader: Please contact Chris Fava at 805-509-8240 or at cfava79@gmail.com
