Full Pink Moon Nature Hike

The Pink Phlox moon of April

4/1/26: REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED FOR THIS EVENT

JUMP TO REGISTRATION

On Wednesday evening, April 1, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m., Rondia and I will lead a Full Pink Moon Nature Hike to a vista point above the Ojai Valley where we can watch the nearly simultaneous sunset and moonrise. Both will happen around 7:20 p.m. The April full moon is the closest to the Spring Equinox (March 20) so the moonrise and sunset will appear opposite each other at about the same time.

SPOILER: The moon will not actually appear pink as pictured in the fanciful image above. The name comes from the bright pink wildflowers of the Phlox family, like our local Prickly Phlox (Linanthus californicus), that are native to North America and bloom around the time of April’s full moon.

We’ll meet at the trailhead at 5:15 p.m. for a 5:30 p.m. start, then gradually hike about 1.5 miles to the viewing site, experiencing some elevation gain on a well-worn, dirt fire road with uneven footing in places. Along the way we’ll stop to meet some valuable edible and medicinal plants, including:

Black & Purple Sage
Blue Elderberry
Coastal Sagebrush
Passionflower
Prickly-Pear and
Horehound

We’ll also identify Poison Oak and look for Prickly Phlox.

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 8:00 p.m. I will have copies of my book, Medicinal Herbs of California, for sale and signing before and after the hike.

Heavy rain or chance of thunderstorms will cancel event.

If there is interest we can meet up afterwards at Ojai Valley Brewery for an after-party.

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

Paid registrants will receive a confirmation email a few days prior to the event with all necessary info, including what to bring, weather forecast, and directions to the trailhead. Afterwards, they also will receive a follow-up email with a list of all plants and wildlife seen.

In addition to the adult tickets ($35), tickets for students 13-17 ($25) and children 6-12 ($15) are offered below. One supervising adult must accompany each child 12 years old or younger. Senior discount is available by request.

No dogs or smoking, please. 

MY 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.

MY 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

Please REGISTER HERE FIRST before completing payment below.

TICKETS

If you haven’t already up above, please REGISTER FIRST before completing payment below.

There are several ticket options. Please choose the one you qualify for.

Note: Online payment includes a PayPal fee. If you prefer, when you register you can request instructions for mailing a payment of $35/adult, $25/student, or $15/child (one per adult) as long as there is still time for mail delivery.

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.