Tag: nature

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Nature & Outdoors

Explore Your Local Outdoors: 5 Hiking Trails in Ventura County

As a college student, I find that I spend a lot of time sitting down; whether it’s in front of my computer or in class, I don’t really give my body the movement it requires on a daily basis. I enjoy scrolling and watching countless hours of media on my phone as much as the next person. Recently I realized the negative impact all of this lack of movement was having on me both mentally and physically, so I decided to act. I conducted some research on various hiking trails in Ventura County, and I’ve been tackling them one by one, feeling incredibly motivated as each week passes by. The moment I reach the highest point of elevation in a trail truly feels liberating, and the scenery is unlike anything else. The fresh breeze is genuinely the best de-stress tool out there. As we enter the last month of this spring semester and stress levels increase with final projects, assignment due dates, and exams, I thought of sharing some of these hiking trails with everyone in hopes that someone finds it beneficial.

I currently own zero hiking equipment. I’ve used my Hoka running shoes up until now because they’re incredibly lightweight and comfortable (not an ad), except for the previous two falls in which those features didn’t help much. But in all seriousness, for my future safety, I will be purchasing some highly recommended slip-resistant hiking shoes. Now I’m not saying everyone should purchase some quality shoes because that comes down to individual opinion; I’m simply sharing my experiences.

Preparation Suggestions:

While indulging in some vitamin D brought to you by the sunny California weather, it’s crucial to take sun-protective measures seriously. Apply your sunscreen, wear a hat, and protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses. Personally, I try to embark on these trails in the mornings to avoid the midday heat. I highly encourage everyone to carry water at all times to avoid heat exhaustion. Preparation is the key to enjoying the outdoors.

Remember to respect the park rangers and the signs; please do not litter. In simple words, respect nature at all times.

Now let’s get to these hiking recommendations! PSA: These trails are not arranged in any order of difficulty.

  1. Mugu Peak

Located: Pt. Mugu State Park (off the PCH)

Difficulty: Hard

Length: 2.0 miles

Time to Complete: 2 hrs. approx.

Pet Friendly: No

Trail Route Type: Out & Back, or you can take this 0.8-mile longer loop trail.

2. Ray Miller Backbone Trail

Located: Pt. Mugu State Park (off the PCH)

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: 5.4 miles

Time to Complete: 2 hrs. 40 min. approx.

Pet Friendly: No

Trail Route Type: Out & Back

3. Arroyo Verde Trail

Located: Arroyo Verde Park in Ventura

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: 2.3 miles

Time to Complete: 1 hr. approx.

Pet Friendly: Dogs on a leash

Trail Route Type: Loop

4. Paradise Falls

Located: Wildwood Regional Park in Thousand Oaks

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: 4.1 miles

Time to Complete: 1 hr. 50 min. approx.

Pet Friendly: Yes. Dogs must be on a leash.

Trail Route Type: Loop

5. The 102 Trail and Price Family Loop

Located: Harmon Canyon Preserve in Ventura

(Offers many paths, but some aren’t currently accessible; this one is!)

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: 4.3 miles

Time to Complete: 2 hrs. approx.

Pet Friendly: Yes. Dogs must be on a leash; they’re not allowed past the 1.8-mile mark.

Trail Route Type: Loop

Overall, whether I’m out there by myself or with others, hiking truly gets rid of every ounce of anxiety and stress in my body. There are numerous trails out there to embark on rather than simply sit around and worry about what can go wrong. I hope this article has sparked some interest in you; don’t be afraid to take some time to create some memorable outdoor moments.

Any hiking trail recommendations are welcomed. Thank you!

Categories
Nature & Outdoors

VC Plant Swap: Sweeties Only Edition Recap

Love was still lingering in the air at this month’s VC Plant Swap with a space full of vendors, artists, beer, music, and plants! On February 18, 2024 the VC Plant Swap: Sweeties Only edition, took place at one of Ventura’s well known breweries, Poseidon Brewing Co. As a plant lover and first-timer attendee at this pop up event, I had no idea what to expect when I walked through the door so I will walk you through my overall experience at this past VC Plant Swap. 

What was the VC Plant Swap all about? 

The VC Plant Swap is a free and public event that is hosted once a month at different locations in Ventura County, where one can socialize with other community members, creators, and organizers that share a mutual love for plants. When I met with the creator, Mari, she shared with me the origin of this pop up, which began in January 2020 as an idea where people can bring pest-free plants, cuttings, gardening tools, soil, or seeds they would like to mutually swap all while meeting others and share plant knowledge. This was the very first thing that convinced me to participate in this plant swap where I had to write my name on two name tags: one placed on myself and the other on my plant I brought from home. All plants were placed on a selected table and if any particular plant caught your eye, you were to hunt for the person with the same name on the tag and ask if they were willing to swap plants with you. This might sound intimidating for some, but I could attest that everyone at this pop up radiated genuine positivity and made you feel as if you were speaking to your best friend. Aside from plant swapping, there were plenty of drinks, food, and leisurely activities that helped build this plant community. 

More plants, pots, stickers, seeds, art, jewelry and resources can be found and were available at multiple participating booths for free and for purchase. If this is a pop up you would like to participate as a vendor, or would like to share your love with plants at the next anticipated pop up, I encourage you to follow them on Instagram @vc.plant.swap to receive real-time updates. 

VC Plant Swap Booths: 

Categories
Nature & Outdoors

OUTDOORS: Ventura’s Sea to Sky Loops

Views are a refreshing reward after the climb. (photo by George Naugles)

Ventura offers some of the cleanest ocean air in the world, as well as beautiful views, and invigorating walks in between. Various loops & starting points are available.

One favorite loop begins at the Main Street Bridge over the Ventura River and proceeds clockwise along Main, to the Natural History Museum, up staircases to Poli, up to or just below Grant Park, and then on the ridge to the top of the Botanical Garden, then descending into the upper Ventura Botanic Garden and then either through the lower Botanic Garden, west along the Botanic Garden’s west edge (very steep decline) or the Botanic Garden’s east edge (more gradual but still quite steep and with no sidewalk in portions). Crossing over or under the 101 by returning to the shore via San Jon, the pedestrian bridge over the 101, California Street Bridge, or the Figueroa underpass are all fun, with Ventura’s Promenade and Ventura River Trail closing the loop that allows you to return to the Main Street Bridge. The views are spectacular from many points on this loop, the air is very clean when it is blowing in from the ocean unless recent rains have washed polluted water to the surf. Check NOAA or windy.com for the best forecasts regarding wind speed and direction, as well as fog and rain.  

If you want beach, it helps to go when the tide is low, and during the Summer when, sand is more plentiful. Check out the NOAA website for high quality information about the tides.

Key challenges may include finding public restrooms available when and where you want them, choosing footwear and socks compatible with hills and beach, and finding free parking. So approach this outing with agile flexibility along the loops when and where parking and restrooms are available. Wear bright-colored or white reflective clothing, face oncoming traffic, and keep an eye out for cars when making your ascent on roads where no sidewalk is available. Walk roads designed for cars at your own risk, and use pedestrian walks when possible. Also enjoy delicious meals, refreshments, Farmer’s Market Saturday Mornings, and even the Refill Store as needed along the way. Hiking poles with shoe attachments that cover the pole spikes can be helpful to reduce knee strain on the descent, as long as your shoulders and arms can handle the additional loading. Real Cheap Sports and Target are places you can find them, also known as trekking poles.  

This Opuntia’s condensation-sipping spines catch the sunset light.