Hurricane Deck & San Rafael Wilderness
LADIES: Santa Ynez Valley Women Hikers Club
The ladies meet every Wednesday morning at precisely 8:50a.m. at the Solvang Library parking lot, (northwest corner). Hike the local mountains and beaches with 10-25 local, experienced hikers. Hikes average three hours, plus travel time. Absolutely NO MEN! Mixed sexes hikes leave Monday, Wednesday and Friday from the Janin Estates at exactly 8:00a.m. - enter estates off Hwy. 246, and take Entrance Road right, to end of road. Hikes take one hour, and wander along valley floor and river. Just show up ready to hike. Bring water, hat and sunglasses. For more info, Email Lloyd Mills at lloydmills@verizon.net or me at HikingwithMike@aol.com.
DON'T MISS SANTA BARBARA LOCAL, RAY FORD'S SUPERB WEB SITE AND BOOKS ON HIKING, MOUNTAIN BIKING AND EQUESTRIAN ACTIVITIES IN THE SANTA BARBARA AND LOS PADRES NATIONAL FOREST REGIONS. RAY, A LOCAL EDUCATOR AND AUTHOR OF SEVERAL EXCELLENT OUTDOOR BOOKS, IS ALSO VERY MUCH INVOLVED IN THE LOS PADRES NATIONAL FOREST'S VOLUNTEER WILDERNESS RANGER PROGRAM. FOR MORE INFO ON THIS GROWING PROGRAM, IN WHICH I AM INVOLVED, AS WELL, GO TO ANY OR ALL OF THE FOLLOWING:
LOS PADRES FOREST
ASSOCIATION: www.lpforest.org
RAY FORD'S WEB SITE LINK TO LPNF: www.sb-outdoors.org/lpfa
TRAIL CARE COALITION - NEWLY FORMED: www.trailcarecoalition.org
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OFFICIAL LPNF WEB SITE: http://www.r5.fs.fed.us/lospadres/
FOR EXCELLENT TRAIL GUIDES, MAPS AND INFORMATION
ON THE LOS PADRES NATIONAL FOREST - SANTA BARBARA AREA, GO TO RAY FORD'S: WWW.SB-OUTDOORS.ORG
SOME OF THESE WEB SITES ARE FAIRLY NEW AND UNDER CONSTRUCTION OR EXPANSION, SO PLEASE REVISIT A SITE AT A LATER DATE IF YOU FIND IT NOT 100% READY FOR VIEWING. OF COURSE, THERE IS ALSO THE OFFICIAL NATIONAL FOREST WEB SITE - SEE LINK ABOVE OR AT BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE.
* HIKES *
ALISO CANYON TO UPPER OSO CAMPGROUND -Trailhead: Sage Hill Campground - From Hwy 154, take Paradise Road 4.5 miles to US Forest Service Station & Sage Hill Campground. Go to far upper right of campground. Distance is 4.8 miles roundtrip to Upper Oso Campground or 3.3 miles if you do only the Aliso Loop. Elevation gain of 1400.' Moderate difficulty.
TOPO MAP: San Marcos Pass, but trail is not marked.
Lin and I hiked this on 5/7/00. This hike will excite the wildflower lover, especially if done in April or May. Poppies, Sego Lilies, Lupine, Indian Paintbrush, Golden Yarrow, and may blossoms unknown to me will greet you along the trail. The Aliso Loop is primarily a nature loop, which makes several easy creek crossings. About .3 miles into the hike you will bear right up hill and take switchbacks. At the top, you will encounter magnificent 360 degree views of mountains all around you. From your highest point, 1.75 miles in, you will drop down to a trail junction - bear right. (On your return, you will pass through this junction again, this time going straight). Go all the way to Upper Oso Campground (2.57 miles in) for a nice, shaded break or lunch at the picnic area. Your return trek will retrace your last leg, but then drop down into the Aliso Canyon for an easy hike home. This is a great family hike, but take care on the return trek as you will pass through a short stretch with loose shale and a fairly narrow pathway. Horses are also allowed.
FIR CANYON TRAIL TO CATWAY FIREROAD LOOP or FIR CANYON TRAIL TO DAVEY BROWN CAMP - OUT AND BACK -Trailhead: 1 mile east of Figueroa Camp, Figueroa Mountain Road. Distance: about 6.5 miles or 6.25 miles for Davey Brown Camp; moderately strenuous. The Catway Loop involves a severely overgrown stretch and difficult ascension to Catway Road. This trail NOT RECOMMENDED for inexperienced hikers due to potential for becoming lost and dangerous climb up loose shale face. NOTE: This trail has evidently received some attention and work during 2001, so it may be more accessible now - this is heresay, only! As an alternative, cross to right side of stream and bear right at the junction about one mile in from trailhead. Caution is recommended throughout Fir Canyon as trail is often narrow and footing unstable. Continue along Fir Canyon Trail to Davey Brown Camp, a roundtrip of about 6.25 miles from the original trailhead, through the riparian canyon environment dotted with bigcone spruce. Be sure to stay along creek and not stray onto Munch Canyon Trail which runs to the right and above of Fir Canyon Trail. Bear left at ruins of Harry Robert's cabin. You will encounter a 1,750' elevation gain on the return trek.
TOPO MAP: Bald Mountain & Figueroa Mountain Maps
4/9/00 - Lin and I set off for a Sunday hike of about 6.5 miles down Fir Canyon Trail near Figueroa Mountain then up to Catway Road, but found ourselves instead facing the most God-forsaken, suffocating brush, overgrown trail, loose-footed, shale-covered hillside ascent, tick infested chaparral, and poison oak. Yes, we dubbed this ordeal, "The Hike from HELL." Oh, and after thirty plus years of hiking, I finally came down with a bad dose of poison oak. I think the hundreds of scrapes and scratches I incurred led to my succumbing to this itchy affliction.
We first descended north about 1/3rd of a mile into fir Canyon, paralleling a minor creek with several small falls, and eventually joining the larger Fir Canyon creek. Bearing left and staying on the left/west bank, we continued about another 1/2 mile; there we encountered a minor creek flowing into the Fir Canyon creek, and immediately afterwards, we reached a major, though poorly marked trail junction. Bearing right and climbing out of the canyon would take one into Munch Canyon and eventually to Davey Brown Camp. Taking the middle trail, which sticks to the Fir Canyon creek would also take one more directly to Davey Brown Camp via Fir Canyon. We took the left trail, which immediately ascends, then drops back to the creek for a short distance before really climbing out of Fir Canyon. This trail goes on a pleasant mile or so before reaching Willow Spring and Willow Spring Canyon. At this point, one could bear right along the creek and take Willow Spring Canyon until it rejoins with the Fir Canyon Trail on the way to Davey Brown Camp. We crossed the creek and started an uphill climb, northwest out of Willow Spring Canyon. The trail gave us an unobstructed view of the Figueroa Mountain lookout point tower above us and to our left. We had often gazed from the lookout over the magnificent San Rafael Wilderness. We gradually gained 800' elevation over the next mile, facing the dense brush, overgrown trail, ticks, poison oak and, for the final 250' gain, loose shale and a serious slope of more than 35 degrees, I would estimate. The trail actually vanished, reappeared, and then dropped away at a ravine, forcing us to crawl up the precarious slope to reach the saddle and Catway Road. We spent nearly three hours on that last mile. Once on the road, we marched 2.1 miles south, back to Figueroa Mountain Road, then east 1.6 miles to the original trailhead and my waiting, faithful Jeep.
As ugly as it was, this trek taught Lin a few valuable lessons: the value of a map; the value of a compass; the knowledge to use both; not to panic; and last, the rigorous labor required to maintain trails. I hate cliches, but "it builds character" applies to this hike. Oh, and yes, Chris and Tom B, it finally brought me to my knees with a case of poison oak. Go ahead and celebrate. I'm human, after all.
GAVIOTA PEAK - trailhead off Hwy. 101, just north of the tunnel and Gaviota Rest Area; exit freeway, signed "Lompoc,"and immediately turn right and right again until you reach Gaviota State Park parking area, less than 1/2 mile distance. Distance: 5.85 miles roundtrip with 2,063' elevation gain; moderately strenuous.
TOPO Map: Solvang and Gaviota maps
This hike offers fabulous views of coastal mountains and Pacific Ocean. There is a sulphur swim hole (spring) along the way; use the top spring, not the milkier lower spring. You will enter Los Padres National Forest shortly after the spring. Lin encountered her first Rattlesnake in the grassy area just beyond the spring, so be alert and carry a walking stick. Carry plenty of water and be prepared in summer for exposure to sun. Trail is wide and easy to follow. Oaks, Chaparral and Sycamores abound. Watch for Tarantulas from late September to November - they are harmless to people and quite fragile.
GAVIOTA PASS TO GAVIOTA BEACH PARK - warning: this hike description is under construction To get to trailhead, which is actually directly across the freeway from the Gaviota Peak trailhead, exit Highway 101 about 30 miles north of Santa Barbara, and a mile or so north of the tunnel, at Hwy. 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) and Lompoc exit. Drive 1/4 mile west and turn left into Gaviota State Park. Begin at parking area just beyond Las Cruces School. Hike a good three miles to a saddle, from which you will gaze upon Gaviota State Beach. Continue on until you reach the cliff overlooking Gaviota Pass (overlooking the Hwy. 101 freeway) from the campground side, then drop down to the beach. This is a moderately strenuous 5 mile, one way hike on a good trail, but steep in places. Elevation gain is about 600 ft. Bring a light lunch and water, as this trail can be very warm at times. If you aren't up to hiking back again, arrange to shuttle, parking one vehicle at the State Beach, then driving to the Las Cruces School parking lot. As with any California trail, beware of Mountain Lions - a young boy was attacked on this trail several years back.
TOPO Map: Gaviota
KNAPP'S CASTLE/SNYDER TRAIL - trailhead off Paradise Road, 4.3 miles from Hwy. 154 turnoff, just before Sage Hill Campground; park along road at signed trailhead. Distance is 7.4 miles roundtrip to Camino Cielo (road) atop the crest, with 2,100' elevation gain and moderately strenuous hike.
TOPO Map: San Marcos Pass
This hike offers fabulous views of Cachuma Lake, the San Rafael Wilderness and the Santa Ynez Valley, but the extra reward is a visit to Knapp's Castle, an old hunting lodge, built in 1916 and destroyed by fire in the 1950s, I believe. The ruins are a short distance below the crest. Please respect that the ruins are on private property. Do not litter, burn fires, leave graffitti or otherwise disturb what is there. Take enough time to inspect the enduring stone arches, the plumbing and the masonry work. It's a great spot for a lunch break.
LITTLE PINE MOUNTAIN AND HAPPY HOLLOW - VIA SANTA CRUZ TRAIL FROM UPPER OSO CAMPGROUND/TRAILHEAD - trailhead off Paradise Road at Upper Oso Campgrounds, about 7 miles from Hwy. 154 turnoff. Trail distance, roundtrip is stated as 10-12 miles by different, usually reliable sources, but I think that 12 miles is accurate. The hike is strenuous due to distance, but except for a very steep grade near the crest, I find the hike moderately difficult. This makes an excellent backpack destination for a single night outing, though you will have to carry sufficient water for the two days, as there is NO water on the crest.
TOPO Map: Little Pine Mountain
This hike takes you from the trailhead, through chaparral and oaks to a handsome stand of pine trees on the crest. The views along the way and from the crest are truly breathtaking. Cachuma Lake, the San Rafael Wilderness and even the Channel Islands are visible from the crest. There is a fine campground, with picnic tables and permanent fire rings in place. Again, there is No water on the crest, and little reliable water along the way, so carry enough water for the entire trip. The pines offer shade in the summer; I highly recommend a good jacket in the fall, winter and spring, even for day hikes, as the pines can really add a chill to the air.
MANZANA NARROWS - FROM NIRA TRAILHEAD - trailhead at end of Happy Canyon Road north of Santa Ynez in the San Rafael Wilderness. At Cachuma Saddle and intersection with Figueroa Mountain Road, continue another mile or so to Nira Campground.
TOPO MAP: Bald Mountain, Figueroa Mountain and San Rafael Mountain quadrangles.
Depart at the far end of Nira Campground at the information sign indicating the San Rafael Wilderness area. This is a 14 mile roundtrip day hike. The route also serves as a portal to the real backcontry of the San Rafael Wilderness.
After 1/10th mile cross the river. This is the Manzana River, which will be followed the entire route to the Narrows. At about 1 mile re-cross the river (there's a pool to the left). This spot includes the junction to Lost Valley trail. To continue on the Manzana Trail, follow the well marked path into the brush growing in the creek bed. Use the sand bar with felled logs and boulders as stepping stones.
At 2 miles you will reach Fish Creek Campground. This makes a nice rest spot. At 2.25 miles you will reach Sulfur Spring Canyon (to your right). Note: this is not the same Sulfur as in the Sulfur Creek that the Lost Valley Trail follows - don't get confused.
Continue on Manzana Trail along relatively level terrain paralleling the creek. The trail is exposed to the rays of the sun due to sparse vegetation. You will encounter several rises and dips and a few creek crossings along the way. Stay alert as you cross the creek for “ducks” or rocks piled on top of each other that show you the way to the trail at some creek crossings.
At about 5.8 miles, the trail bears left into a narrower canyon. The vegetation becomes more lush, with oaks and some shade is found. The creek's cool waters becomes very inviting at this point during hot, summer days.
You will reach lovely Manzana Camp at about 6.0 miles. The pools in the creek are very inviting on hot, summer days.
Continue on the trail one more mile to the Narrows. The trail will head uphill, and you will encounter some switchbacks, before you drop back down to the creek.
At the 7.0 mile mark you will reach the Manzana Narrows Camp. There are picnic tables here, but otherwise the camp is primitive. The pools are inviting and the camp is luxuriously shaded in summer, but cold in the cooler months because of the shade.
The Manzana trail continues for several more miles, connecting with Hurricane Deck at White Ledge, passing more primitive camps on the way. This is the portal to the real back country, those places that can only be reached by more than one day of walking. You may wish to consult your maps and plan a backpack trip. This makes for a long day hike, more easily done in spring and fall, when the weather makes the going more pleasant.
RED ROCK TO GIBRALTAR DAM - trailhead at end of Paradise Road (10.7 miles from Hwy. 154). Paradise Road is situated about 5 miles southeast of Cachuma Lake entrance and about 2.5 miles northwest of the top of San Marcos Pass. Distance: 6.5 miles roundtrip; 500' elevation gain; trail is easy to moderate.
TOPO Map: Little Pine Mountain
This trail is a bit unique, as it is, first, a road, and second, offers you a choice of routes. You may take the high trail, avoiding 9x2 river crossings, if you also return this way. You may take the low trail (road), crossing the river 9 times each way. Or you may go the high way and return the low route; or go the low road and return the high way. The river depth and flow may effect your decision. During dry months the river may be crossed without getting too wet, especially if you are good at boulder hopping. The first crossing also provides fine swimming and is often crowded. The big, red rock looming above this spot gives the place its name.
Hike about 3.1 miles on the high road to Gibraltar Dam; you will pass Devil's Canyon Trail and then reach River Road. To return by the low route, after viewing the Dam, take the right onto River Road and cross the river 1/2 mile later. There is a good swimming hole to your right, but the best is yet to come about 1.9 miles farther. After 8 more river crossings you reach the parking lot again. In rainy times, you may wish to bring sandals or tennis shoes for the river crossings - water can rise to a depth of two feet or more. This is an ideal hike for families, but watch children when crossing the river.
SULPHUR SPRINGS TRAIL TO MANZANA SCHOOLHOUSE - trailhead off Catway Road, 5.9 miles from Figueroa Mountain Road; park where you see the turnaround. Trailhead leaves the turnaround. To get there, take Figueroa Mtn. Road off Hwy. 154, directly across the highway from the town Los Olivos. Drive about twelve miles, pass Ranger Station (on your right), then as you enter the forest, turn left on the first dirt road. A second dirt road, just a bit farther ahead, takes you to the lookout point atop Figueroa Mountain; a quarter mile farther still, and you'll encounter Figueroa Campgrounds on your right. Consider this trip as strenuous; the hike to Dabney Cabin and on to Manzana Schoolhouse is fairly easy, but the climb back up to Catway Road is a tough one. The roundtrip distance is about 11 miles.
TOPO MAPS: Figueroa Mountain, Bald Mountain and Zaca Lake.
Be prepared for some stream crossings, waist high in spring. From Catway Road you will drop steadily for a couple of miles, from roughly 4,000' elevation to about 1,300' then eventually to 1,167' at the Schoolhouse. Watch for poison oak as you drop down the mountainside. The barely maintained trail takes you through fire-scorched pine and oak, a result of a fire back in '94 or '95, I believe, crossing jeep roads a couple of times before spilling onto the road for the final quarter mile to Manzana Creek. Bear left at the bottom. Note: this point may also be reached out of Nira Campground, with far more stream crossings, but a far gentler trail, though 14 miles roundtrip. OK, back on our trail. You will soon reach Dabney Cabin, once a hunting lodge, built in 1913, and now a county historic landmark. Take advantage of the many swimming holes along the Manzana Creek. About a mile and a half farther you'll reach The Manzana Campgrounds; the schoolhouse, built in 1895, is up a side road a couple of hundred yards. Look for the harmless bat that flits about inside, leaving its droppings just inside the doorway. This is a true backcountry adventure.
TEQUEPIS TRAIL TO BROADCAST PEAK, Camino Cielo West Road - trailhead just southeast of entrance to Cachuma Lake on Hwy. 154; enter small side road on opposite side of highway from Cachuma Lake, signed "Camp Alegre." Proceed several miles on narrow blacktop road until reaching Camp Alegre. Park on right side in small lot; cross road directly across from parking lot and hike through camp about 150 yards; continue on trail into wilderness. Distance: 8 miles roundtrip to Camino Cielo, with 2280' elevation gain; 9.5 miles roundtrip to Broadcast Peak, with another 500' climb; the first leg is moderately strenuous, while the final 500' is strenuous.
TOPO Map: Lake Cachuma
This hike will offer you spectacular views of the coastal mountains, Cachuma Lake and the San Rafael Wilderness, Santa Barbara, and the Pacific Ocean. See "Photo Gallery - other hikes" for several photos. The trail is shaded much of the way - a real blessing during hot weather. Take plenty of water. Chaparral will accompany you most of the way, with a mixture of oaks and sycamores. Watch for Rattlers, as they love this terrain. Keep kids and dogs close - mountain lions, though seldom seen, do inhabit these environs. You will have some of the best views in all of the Santa Barbara area.
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