Topa Topa Backpacking Trip in Ventura, CA

Last weekend Skull & Bones Society led an overnight backpacking trip to summit Topa Topa Bluff (6,367 feet). The rocky banded cliffs of Topa Topa are a local Ventura landmark and bucket list item. The trail was beautiful—filled with wildflowers, breezy ocean views, and refreshing creek crossings. We hiked 4 miles to the White Ledge campground where we set up camp, napped in the shade, and practiced building fire with only flint, steel, and dry wood (way more difficult than it looks!) After dinner we slept under the stars in hammocks and in tents, listening to the comforting sound of the rushing creek.

The following morning we woke up and hit the trail (3.5 miles) to the summit. After enjoying the view from the top we retraced our steps back to White Ledge to break camp, eat lunch, refill water bottles in the creek, and carry our packs back down to our vehicles. We concluded by resting our tired feet and refueling with shakes and fries at Foster Freeze.

For many people, the idea of backpacking can be a daunting concept. “Carry all my food and supplies into the backcountry and sleep miles from my car?! Sounds terrifying.” But at Skull & Bones Society, we’ve learned that the path to who you want to be frequently leads through uncomfortable and unfamiliar experiences (that afterward usually turn out to be less of a big deal than you originally thought), and that life’s challenges are always made easier and more memorable when shared with a group of likeminded friends. The Topa Topa backpacking trip combined many of the essential ingredients of our workshops: mindset, communal support, physical challenge, laughter, and reflection.

Thank you to CrossFit gym Oxnard MVMNT for partnering with us to host this meaningful individual and community development experience.

Happy trails!