Path of the Padres (Other) Events in Madera, California

Location:
Postal code 93637, United States

Madera, California 93637
When: April 10, 2010
Starts at: 6:00 AM
This is not an all day event

Description:
PLEASE READ THIS CAREFULLY. If you do not follow instructions I cannot guarantee you will be able to go on the hike. You must call and reserve a spot for yourself and any guests well in advance of this hike. If the boat is full and no more reservations can be made, you will not be able to go even if you rsvp for the hike here on the meetup site. We are competing with anyone else calling for spots on the boat. In the early 19th century, the fathers of Mission San Juan Bautista came here to evangelize the Yokut Indians. We won't have nearly the journey to hike this trail in the canyon of Los Banos Creek. This moderately difficult five mile round trip hike is set in a steep walled canyon at the end of the reservoir - you need to first ride a boat to the trailhead. On the hike, which is best in spring, you will walk among wildflowers and have a guide to explain the history of the area and how the Yokuts used the plants for food and medicines. There are also ample bird watching opportunities. There is an optional hike to the top of a hill for a better view of the area and in one section some easy climbing over some rocks. There is poison oak but it will be easily avoided. This is an all day excursion. We will need to be at the boat ramp at 8:00 am. The boat will return to the ramp between 3:30 -4:00 pm. Driving directions: go north on 99 to the Los Banos turnoff (152). West of Los Banos we turn south on Volta Road, left on Pioneer Rd, and right on Canyon Rd. At the end of Canyon Rd, park near the boat ramp. RESERVATIONS: You will need to call [masked] and speak to Becky. Identify yourself as a member of the Fresno Madera Hiking Group and tell her the number of adults and children you will have. Cost is $12 per adult, less for children. Do this as soon as you can. The boat does not hold a lot of people and these hikes fill up. You might ask for information about refunds if you are not sure you can go. If you can't go on April 10, you are of course free to make a reservation for yourself any weekend that you can go, outside the meetup event. Once you have called you will be sent a flyer with instructions. When you get the flyer, you need to send payment back to confirm your reservation. There will be information on what to expect and what you might want to bring. This would include: sturdy footwear, suitable layers of clothing, an extra pair of socks, minimum 2 quarts of water, lunch/snacks, sunscreen/hat, camera, binoculars if you want. Even if there are spots left here on the meetup page, this does not mean you can sign up at the last minute! YOU MUST HAVE A RESERVATION. You MUST call and do it yourself. If you show up, carpool all the way to Los Banos Reservoir, and do not have a reservation you run the risk of there being no free seats in the boat, and if there aren't, you will get to sit and wait for the group to go hiking without you. CANCELLATION Call the number listed above and try to see about a refund or rescheduling to a different day. Refunds will only be made if you give 48 hours notice prior to the hike date! CARPOOL: Carpooling is highly recommended as it will be $10 day use fee to park each car. Also plan to bring some cash for your driver for gas - $10 is our usual recommended amount. We will meet at the Starbucks at Herndon and Hwy 99 to form carpools. You are as always welcome to email me with any questions. Lori