Challenging Geo-hike along the new trails of the Ventura Hills Nature Preserve

**THE MEETUP POINT IS VENTURA HILLS NATURE PRESERVE PARKING LOT, IN HALL CANYON (DETAILS BELOW) \***
I've been looking for challenging trails to be in shape for the White Mountains trips coming in August and September. But I want to avoid the hot weather forecast for the weekend of 8/1 & 8/2. Ojai area, Pine Mountain Ridge, Mount Pinos are forecast to be in the upper 80s or 90s. Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa Islands are cooler but have strong winds predicted. It turns out the best option is probably close to home.
Combining the new trails of the Ventura Hills Nature Preserve will make for a good challenge. Mainly trails 101, 102 and part of Bushnell Family Trail to the communication tower. All of these trails have great views of Ventura and the Oxnard Plain, and if clear the northern Channel Islands to the south and the western Transverse Ranges to the north. Expect 7.5 miles roundtrip, \~1500 ft elevation gain, with a pace of 2.0-2.5 MPH. I'll stop here and there and say a few words about the geology and catch a breath. The route is across the south limb of the Ventura Anticline.
Dogs must be on a leash for the entire hike. Hike has no sweep. No guests have them join. Rain cancels event.
The Ventura Hills Nature Preserve is part of the Ventura Land Trust, a very worthy cause. More information here: https://www.venturalandtrust.org/
Geologic map covering route of this geo-hike: https://geologicmapsfdn.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=9fa974318ac44bf0992455f5c6691774
DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY\*
(IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY):
The hike host is a volunteer and not responsible for the group. Safety should be a priority for everyone in the group. Please treat this meet-up as hiking with a group of friends. If you become fatigued and unable to continue the hike, it is expected you will advise the hike host of this and return to our starting point on your own. If you are able to proceed, it is expected that you will maintain line of sight with other members of the group at all times and help to promote the group’s safety and fitness goals. Outdoor sports and other events we plan can be inherently dangerous and accidents may happen. By participating in any posted event, you are taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The Geo-hikes Meetup Group and its organizers are not trained leaders, and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions. If you choose to sign up for this or any Geo-hikes Meetup event, you are releasing the Geo-hikes Meetup Group and its organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience.
Anyone 18 yrs. or younger must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
\* Preserve location and parking info:
Directions: VHNP is located at 2805 Hall Canyon Road, Ventura CA 93001.
To access the preserve, drive northeast on Hall Canyon Road. Proceed straight through the stop sign at Fairview Drive. Proceed straight through the stop sign at Sunset Drive. Continue on Hall Canyon Road, past the Ventura Water facility. The entrance to the preserve is located less than a quarter mile past Sunset Drive, on the left-hand side.