ForestWatch hosted its first community campout in May as a way to introduce local families and youth to the wonders of the Los Padres. The weekend included family camping at Wheeler Gorge, rock-climbing, and hiking in the Rose Valley area.
Through a partnership with the Los Padres Chapter of the American Alpine Club—who sponsored an activity with certified guides—we were able to incorporate rock-climbing for the youth into the weekend. Families from the area accompanied us for the campout, The Boys and Girls Club of Santa Barbara joined us for the day, and both groups came together for an adventurous time.
The creek is still flowing from the abundance of rain the area received over the season, and the approach to the climbing area required rock-hopping through the creek and walking through moving water before reaching the site. That part of the day was an adventure in itself for the group as they pushed through the initial shock of getting their feet wet, and then finding the path of least resistance.
Later in the day we visited Rose Valley Falls, which is a short drive from the rock-climbing area, and near the Sespe Wilderness. There we got a close-up view of the Thomas Fire burn scar and the thriving ecosystem after the fire. We hiked through the riparian zone, and back to the base of the falls to experience the lower tier of the cascade. At 300 feet, Rose Valley Falls is one of the tallest falls in the Los Padres.
After our hike, we bid farewell to the Boys and Girls Club of SB, and made our way back to camp for dinner. A little rain in the evening didn’t stop us from having a great time by the campfire and enjoying an evening of games and smores. While the rain did hinder our Sunday breakfast plans, most of our weekend attractions and activities had been successfully completed and the group was more than satisfied with the outcome.
Wheeler Gorge is located in the Matilija Canyon area in the mountains northeast of Ojai, California. Some consider this area the gateway into the Los Padres. It is a collection of rock formations where the creek has carved out steep walls through the rock. With a creekside campground, ample shade, and nature trail nearby, it is the perfect location for springtime camping. This was the first time visiting Wheeler Gorge for everyone in the group, and the first time camping in general for some in the group.
The campout was initially planned as a component of the Condors Project with the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Barbara, but with springtime sports, many of the participants were not able to participate in the planning. Instead, we used the time and space as an opportunity to invite families who may otherwise not have visited the area due to other barriers like lack of gear, information, or general discomfort of venturing out on their own.
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