DAY 98: GRIDLEY TRAIL TO NORDOFF PEAK

DAY 98: GRIDLEY TRAIL TO NORDOFF PEAK

Date: Sunday February 20, 2011

Miles: 14.5

Elevation Gain: 3500 Feet

Time: 7 Hours

Difficulty: Steady 500 foot elevation gain per mile, for 7 miles of climbing!

Reward: My seven year old son climbed to the peak!  We started on dry land and sunshine and ended up on a snow-capped peak! 

Description: Given the rainy conditions over the last few days, I knew the Gridley Trail was the perfect hike to escape the water.  There is no major water crossing or shade, which makes this an unfavorable hike in the summer but perfect this time of year!

Where: Ojai, CA

Directions:From the 101 Freeway in Ventura, exit on the 33 and drive North all the way to Ojai.  When you intersect with the 150 stay on the main road and take the 150 east as it heads to the right.  Take this thru downtown Ojai.  The Los Padres forest station will be on the left and about a quarter mile past that, turn left on Gridley.  Take Gridley all the way to the end.  The trailhead is on the left just before the cul=de-sac.  Park your car and prepare to climb. 

 A view from Ojai

 The Trailhead

 Gridley Springs

 Gridley Springs

 Mush; it's the Iditarod!

 The Road.  Turn left to reach Nordoff Peak

 Nordoff Peak, next exit.

The trail is easy to follow.  From the trailhead, you'll hike the rocky portion for the first mile.  Follow signs as you pass over private property.  The crossing is quick and the trail keeps heading up.  The surface is mostly rocky and unshaded.  This is the trail where I retired Domino from the long hikes.  It was a 20+ mile day for me and I had to leave her at Gridley Springs.  Long story, but she is obviously ok.  Sami made it without a problem.  I can't believe she climbed the 30 foot Nordoff Tower!  She was too scared to come off it so I had to assist down the very steep stairs.  If my son filmed it well, I will add the footage in my next video.


Ayden at age 7 climbed 3500 feet for a total one day trip of over 14 miles.  Unbelievable!  He was on my shoulders for only a half mile, other than that he did it on his own!  I am beat, but he is outside right now jumping on the trampoline!  You'd think he'd be tired but this boy rises up at 6 am each day and is becoming slightly more excited for each hike.  Today was a bit long, but we did it!