Santa Barbara Adventure People

Bishop Peak is my favorite spot in San Luis Obispo for some fun boulder climbing and consistent great panoramic views of SLO and the surrounding areas, especially at sunset. The hiking trail itself is relatively narrow and steep, with some boulders, making it less mundane and more exciting to hike. The forested area in the lower section with boulder outcrops is very scenic. Frequently there are other hikers along the trail going up and down, and quite often I encounter other hikers and climbers that bring meaningful conversations on top of the boulders.
The main focus is boulder climbing and exploring the boulder fields on top of the peak. There will be some bushy traverse, including encountering poison oaks. This is fun and exciting for me, but for sure not for most people. I plan to enjoy a meal and watch the sun setting on a prominent boulder with 360 panoramic views, and descending with headlamp.

This wild nature is one of the most pristine, beautiful, exciting and fascinating places I have ever been to. More pristine and beautiful than Santa Paula Punchbowls and all other trails around Ojai. More beautiful than Dragon's Back Ridge to Arlington, Tangerine Falls, and Seven Falls in Santa Barbara, yet also more remote and wild - many miles of almost off trail wilderness bush and creek traverse: uneven & rocky terrain, slippery surface, wading, rock hopping, boulder climbing, unstable shale rock wall climbing.

I have been to this wilderness twice last year, and have been wanting to go back and explore further when the vibrant wild flowers in this unique wilderness are blooming again. I expect this trip to be another very beautiful and exciting experience of a lifetime.
To join, above all else, you must have proven expertise and adequate safety acumen in similar wild environments. Plus practical wilderness knowledge. Penalty for carelessness, mistake, and inaccurate assessment are quite serious injuries.

🏞️🌿🌞💧🌄 Overall, this hike would be an exciting and distinctive adventure, and great workout in some of the most beautiful and natural environments.

To get a sense of this exploring adventure, check out this video from my last hike there:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=feLmFb-NNAk

If you are also passionate about exploring in beautiful nature, committed to health, fitness & agility, and meet the quality below by self assessment, you are welcome to submit your intent to join.

Mindset: adventurous yet very safety conscious, self responsible & self accountable, self reflective, intellectually curious, independent thinking, open-minded worldview, collaborative & can do attitude

Personality & Character: upright, authentic yet respectful, sincere, down to earth, pleasant to chat with, thoughtful, effective in communicating, intelligent, competent

Physical & Mental: healthy & fit for hiking & exploring adventure, mentally & emotionally sound

Ability: assess and manage risks effectively, carry on meaningful conversations

Experience & Skill: rocky & uneven terrain hiking, scrambling, creek crossing and creek traverse by rock hopping, wading, or boulder climbing

Distance & Climb: up to 10 miles, 2000’ climb & descent

Supply & Equipment: adequate proper hydration & nourishment, headlamp, clothing based on weather and individual need, navigation app, first aid kit

Trailhead: 10:30am, Matilija Falls Trailhead
Carpool Location: 9:20am, Santa Barbara Old Mission, Moorish Fountain

Wills-Rice Loop Trail should be beautiful this time of the year, with various spring flowers. The hike is relatively easy, 4.8 miles, 500’ of elevation change. After the completion of this hike, you have the opportunity to explore the scenic Ventura River, by hiking along the river banks, wading, rock hopping, or a combination, and experience the Ventura River Preserve from a different perspective. We will explore the river all the way to the bridge/ Hwy 150, and turn back, for an additional 5 mile estimate of a fun workout. This is also a testing ground to find out if you may be interested in more challenging adventures, such as to Santa Paula Punchbowls and Matilija Wilderness.

If you are also passionate about exploring in beautiful nature, committed to health, fitness & agility, and meet the quality below by self assessment, you are welcome to submit your intent to join.

Mindset: adventurous yet very safety conscious, self responsible & self accountable, self reflective, intellectually curious, independent thinking, open-minded worldview, collaborative & can do attitude

Personality & Character: authentic yet respectful, sincere, down to earth, cheerful, pleasant to chat with, thoughtful, effective in communicating, intelligent, competent

Physical & Mental: healthy & fit for hiking & exploring adventure, mentally & emotionally sound

Ability: assess and manage risks effectively, carry on meaningful conversations

Experience & Skill: uneven terrain hiking; wading & rock hopping

Distance & Climb: up to 10 mile, 1000’ climb & descent

Supply & Equipment: adequate hydration & nourishment

Trailhead: Ventura River Preserve - Oso Trailhead