Geo-hike the Red Reef Trail

Sisar Canyon, Ojai, California, April 2, 2023

Kelly and I hiked the Red Reef trail from Sisar Canyon trailhead to Nordhoff Ridge Road, ~14 miles and 3800 ft climb. Two water crossings where steam was knee deep. So much water this year. Trail had some small slides. Beautiful weather and lots of wildflowers.

Red Reef Trail climbs across the south limb of the Santa Ynez Mountains anticlinorium (incorrectly named in my trail videos, oops!). Trailhead starts in steeply dipping, or overturned, marine strata of Eocene age. Near the White Ledge Campground the trail crosses the crest of the anticlinorium. Further up the trail crosses the gentle dipping north limb of the structure. See cross section below.

This would definitely be a good approach to Sespe Creek backcountry given that Highway 33 is closed. May need to plan a backpack.

Trail videos:

Cross section 6-6’ from Southern California cross section set, https://geologicmapsfoundation.org/cross-sections/

THOMAS L. DAVIS PHD PG & ASSOCIATES LEAD AND ORGANIZE GEOLOGIC FIELD TRIPS IN THE SOUTHWESTERN USA AND BAJA CALIFORNIA FOR ORGANIZATIONS, COMPANIES, AND INDIVIDUALS, CONTACT US AT tldavisgeo@gmail.com or geologicmapsfoundation@gmail.com