Bolsa Chica Conservancy and Wetlands

Here are the event details:

Meeting Place: Abundant Living Family Church parking lot closest to youth building. If you live closer to the site meet us in the parking lot of the trail head. Whenever possible we will carpool. (Be on time to beat the heat and the crowds) This is a popular trail on the weekends.

Parking Fee:  No charge

Trail Difficulty Rating : Easy and flat. Number of Miles: about 2 miles round trip. Total time: about 2 hours. There are miles of trails in all directions so we will take a sampler on the main  route between the South parking lot and the interpretive center and making a few loops back toward the South lot where we parked. (see directions and lot addresses below) Weather: The weather predictions for this day a high of approx.78 degrees. (weather.com) Required Footwear: hiking shoes or good tennis shoes with support and tread. Required Gear: a LIGHT backpack or waist pack for your snacks and water, walking stick. Walking sticks help to navigate the steps. MUST have water, insect repellant, sun block, sunglasses and a hat on this trail. No heavy or dark clothing. You will want to stay cool. If you wear long sleeves make sure it is light breathable material.

A HAT AND SUNGLASSES AND A CAMERA ARE HIGHY RECOMMENDED. If you have binoculars you may bring those too.

Minimum Amount of Water to Bring 2-3 bottles of water is enough. There is no public water.  As always never drink the stream water. Minimum Amount of Food to Bring: sack lunch, fruit or energy snacks. There are restaurants, hotels and stores in the immediate area but none very close to the trail. You will see some grocery and convenience stores on the drive into the nature center.

Hike Description (include terrain, destination, challenges, flora, fauna, and history) Natural beauty and a rich cultural history await discovery at the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve (BCER).  At 1,449 acres, the Bolsa Chica Wetlands is the largest saltwater marsh between Monterey Bay and the Tijuana River Estuary.  Approximately 5 miles of trails can be explored from sunrise to sunset. You can explore the area at http://bolsachica.org/

This is a preserve that has lots of wildlife so stay on the trails. It is open and flat and directly across the street from the Bolsa Chica State Park at Huntington Beach. It is an estuary for many kinds of birds including egrets, owls, water birds, cranes etc. Check them out at: http://bolsachica.org/the-wetlands/animals/

IMPORTANT: We are going to be on the conservancy, also known as the Bolsa Chica Wetlands. Bolsa Chica has several parts to it. Please pay attention to the directions.

Can I bring my dog? NO dogs are allowed on the conservancy due to the wildlife.

Directions: We will park at the parking lot located at 18000 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92647

Take the 10 west in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, towards Pomona. Exit to the 57 south toward Santa Ana. Take the 22 west and exit Valley View street. Turn left on Valley View. Stay straight to go onto Bolsa Chica road, The road becomes Bolsa Chica Drive. Turn left onto Warner Ave. and right onto Pacific Coast Highway. Please use your navigation. It will ask you to make a U-turn after about 1.2 miles to the parking lot on the north side of the street. If you get lost just park at the Interpretive Center  (which is a smaller lot). It is located at 3842 Warner Avenue, Huntington Beach, CA 92647 and call me. If we have not started hiking yet I will pick you up or you can explore on your own.

Six questions each participant must answer “yes” to before being allowed on hike 1. Are you medically fit to participate in this hike? 2. Are you bringing adequate food and water? 3. Do you have the required footwear for this hike? 4. Do you have the proper clothing for this hike? 5. Do you have the proper gear for this hike? 6. Did you prepare physically for this hike? In case of emergency: Dial 911 Nearest medical facility: Hoag Hospital: 1 Hoag Drive Newport Beach, CA, 92663 949/764-4624)

Nearest law enforcement (name, phone number, directions, and time to reach): Newport Police or Orange County Sheriff Dept : 911

Leaving early: If you must leave the hike early please tell me. If I think you’re lost, I’m going to call heaven, my prayer partners, Pastor Coronado, all emergency services will be notified, your family will be called, most likely the hiking group will be calling their families telling them they are waiting for you and every angel in heaven will be on alert. We can avoid unnecessary stress, use of emergency personal and heavenly time if you communicate. Emergency services are charged to people who unwisely use them. Special Conditions: As always beautiful scenery.

What happens when the weather does not co-operate: We will never go hiking in inclement weather (storms, lightning, thunder, possible flash floods, icy roads etc). Only God knows all things, my job is to do the best at planning a great trip. I will make all efforts to call and email you if we must postpone a date or change sites.