December Supermoon Sunset Nature Hike & After-Party

Photo of full moon over Topa Topa Bluffs during “pink moment” by Stephen Adams (stephenadamsphoto.com)

12/4/25 This event is full. Please email register@herbwalks.com to join the waiting list.

JUMP TO REGISTRATION

Sometimes, we’ll see a supermoon two, or even three, months in a row. On Friday evening, December 5, Rondia and I will lead a third back-to-back Supermoon Sunset Nature Hike from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. From the trailhead we’ll gradually walk about 1.5 miles on a well used dirt road with gradual elevation gain to a vista point above the Ojai Valley where we can watch the rising of the moon over the iconic Topa Topa Bluffs to the east amidst Ojai’s famed “pink moment.” At the same time, as happens during a full moon, the sun will be setting over the mountains to the west.

These synchronistic seasonal phenomena are beautifully captured in Stephen Adams’ photo above and by Ojai artist Jennifer Moses in her oil-on-linen painting below, “Sunswept.”

On the way up in the daylight, we’ll stop along the way to meet some valuable edible and medicinal plants including, among others:

California Buckwheat
Black and Purple Sage
Coastal Sagebrush
Toyon
Horehound
Passion Fruit
Yucca and
Brickellbush

After witnessing the sunset and moonrise, we’ll walk back to the trailhead by remaining daylight, moonlight, and flashlight, returning to the trailhead at about 7:00. Registrants will receive instructions on where to park, what to bring, etc. Afterwards, they’ll get an email with a plant list and other notes.

The After-Party: Then at 7:00 p.m. you’re invited to join me and Rondia on the heated patio at Liz and Jeremy Haffner’s Ojai Valley Brewery. Brewmasters Jeremy, Griffin Davis, and their staff will be pouring their amazing locally-sourced beers, ales, stouts, wines, and non-alcoholic beverages as we celebrate the full moon while “La Luna” continues to rise in the eastern sky. Noody Bowlz Food Cart will be there serving until 9:00. Here is what they say on their website: “The Noody Bowlz cart serves steaming hot bold flavored sauces on top of perfectly cooked chilled noodles, creating warm delicious bite after bite.” You also are welcome to bring your own snacks or dinner, if you prefer.

Ojai Valley Brewery beers change with the seasons and reflect the plants of Ojai. Three staples you’re likely to find on the list any time of year are Sugar Bush IPA, brewed with wild local Ojai “Sugar Bush” Sumac; White Pixie Ale, brewed with Pixie tangerine zests and orchard blossoms; and an amazing Chaparral Ale flavored and bittered with White and Black Sage and local Sagebrush instead of the usual Hops. Jeremy describes it as “built to mimic the scent on Shelf Road.” That’s where we’ll be walking! Non-alcoholic offerings also change with the seasons and may include an Elderflower-Blackberry Spritzer.

Ojai Valley Brewery launched Side Street Wines in 2023 with winemaker Fabien Castel in charge. Fabien worked side by side with the legendary California winemaker Adam Tolmach at Ojai Vineyard for 20 years before joining forces with Liz and Jeremy.

Note: Food and drinks are not included in the price of the hike but OVB offers my hikers a 10% discount on beverages.

PLUS! Special Free Moon Viewing Event: After the supermoon hike, join our special guest, Julie Esmond of Alta Vista Tours, on the patio at Ojai Valley Brewery for telescope viewing of the Moon.

Her astronomy guide Luc, who holds a degree in astrophysics and has led hundreds of telescope nights, will reveal the moon’s craters and maria (ancient lava seas) in stunning detail through a high-powered telescope — features invisible to the naked eye but breathtaking up close. If conditions allow, we may also spot Jupiter and Saturn. This added event is weather-dependent, though December typically brings clear skies to Ojai.

My 2021 book, Medicinal Herbs of California, will be available at the trailhead for sale and signing.

In addition to the adult tickets ($35), tickets for students 13-17 ($25) and children 6-12 ($15) are also available. Children 5 and younger can attend free, one per adult. One supervising adult must accompany each child 12 years old or younger.

WEATHER POLICY: Walks and hikes will go on RAIN OR SHINE unless there is a steady downpour on the morning of the event, probability of thunderstorm, or a solid forecast of either the day before. Light rain or drizzle will not result in cancellation on my part. I will update registrants by email and text, as needed, and issue refunds if I need to cancel because of the weather.

DOG POLICY: Years of experience have taught me that dogs on herb walks, even on a leash, are not a good fit. They can transfer poison oak oil on their fur, may accidentally frighten another hiker who has a fear of dogs, or may end up in a confrontation with another dog, all despite the the best intentions of the owner and the pet.

CANCELLATION POLICY: I will refund your payment if you notify me up to 72 hours (3 days) before the start of the event. After that I will make every effort to fill your space (and I’m usually successful) but cannot guarantee.

REGISTRATION

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TICKETS

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