Ed Davis Park in Towsley Canyon is an impressive segment of Santa Clarita Woodlands Park, located on the north side of the Santa Susana Mountains in north Los Angeles County. The trailhead is located just off the 5 Freeway north of the San Fernando Valley, not far from Six Flags Magic Mountain. You don’t need a ticket for an adventure in this park, which has its share of natural attractions, like the narrows of Towsley Gorge and seeps of oil and liquid asphalt that pool along the trail. Towsley View Loop Trail delivers a scenic hike up two canyons and across the ridges in between, passing pleasant oak groves and panoramic views. The 5.4-mile loop has 1,075 feet of elevation gain. If you are looking for something shorter, the park also boasts Canyon View Loop Trail, which is just 1.9 miles long.

There is free parking and pay parking at Ed Davis Park in Towsley Canyon. The pay lots largely serve as overflow parking when the free lots fill, so if you are hiking on a busy weekend, try to arrive early. The first free lot is right along The Old Road at the bottom of Towsley Canyon Road. Drive a tenth of a mile up Towsley Canyon Road to a larger free lot. This is the ideal parking area, and there is pay parking another tenth of a mile up Towsley Canyon Road.

Begin hiking up Towsley Canyon Road. Just before you reach the pay lot, you will come to the trailhead marking the start of the loop, on the left (south) side of Towsley Canyon Road. There are two trail posts framing the start of a dirt trail that read Towsley View Loop and Canyon View Loop. The trails are open to hikers and mountain bikers in both directions. You can either take Towsley View Loop clockwise and have a steep climb at the start followed by a gradual descent, or hike the loop in a counterclockwise direction and enjoy a tapered ascent followed by a steeper descent.

The start of Towsley View Loop Trail

For the more gradual ascent, hiking the loop in a counterclockwise direction, continue up Towsley Canyon Road, following the directions for the picnic area, lodge, and ranger station. Walk along the road for 0.45 miles to reach one last parking lot at the end of the paved road. Proceed straight up the gravel road past the ranger station and the lodge, cloaked by trees on the left.

After another third of a mile, stay to the left on the wide road past a path that breaks off to the right. There are a few spurs along Towsley View Loop Trail, but you will always stick to the most worn track.

The trail up Towsley Canyon

As you hike through patches of shade, the canyon walls will gradually become steeper and closer together until you are standing at the bottom of a V-shaped canyon with 200-foot walls on both sides. Things get even tighter as the walls angle into near vertical cliffs. These are the narrows of Towsley Gorge, reached 0.9 miles from the end of the pavement and 1.45 miles from the start. As the canyon bends to the left, look out for a path on the left up to a cave formed on the wall of the narrows. Rock climbers can definitely have some fun exploring this area.

Towsley Creek slips through the narrows

Rock hop across Towsley Creek a couple times to make your way through the narrows. After about 0.2 miles, the narrows suddenly widen to reveal a large backcountry stretch of Towsley Canyon. Follow the dirt single track up the left (east) side of the sage-covered canyon. There will be a trail post directing you this way, leading you away from a path that breaks off up the right side of the creek. While you have already gained 225 feet of elevation over the first 1.65 miles, this is the true start of the steady ascent.

looking back down the trail toward Towsley Gorge

A biker on Towsley View Loop Trail

Towsley View Loop Trail leaves the creek and angles out of the bottom of the canyon, passing a few pools of oil and liquid asphalt that seep out from the wall of the canyon. Towsley Canyon was used by Chevron for oil production for over a century before the land was transferred to the public to become a park. Look down off the right side of the trail to spot dark glossy pools of oil that remind hikers of the area’s active drilling history as well as its robust seismic activity.

A quarter mile past the exit of the narrows, you will reach a horseshoe bend to the left. This marks the start of the switchbacks, but before you launch into the climb, walk straight for a few paces to an overlook. You will have a clear view up the green and wild Towsley Canyon to the south and spot more dark seeps below.

Starting up the switchbacks, you will quickly ascend to views north back toward the narrows, framed by pocketed rock walls of orange sandstone. The views over Towsley Canyon expand as you tackle 2/3 of a mile of long switchbacks, gaining 400 feet. California walnut trees flourish along the trail to provide patches of shade. You may catch a whiff of sulfur as you approach the top of the switchbacks, another sign that Towsley Canyon is active below the surface. In the spring, wildflowers like clarkia bloom along the trail, but the grasses brown in the fall.

A view up Towsley Canyon from the top of the switchbacks

When you reach the ridge above Towsley Canyon, the single track tapers to a gradual ascent. At 2.9 miles from the start you will pass a fallen tree on the left that is a great makeshift bench. Rest your legs and enjoy lofty views over the Santa Clarita Valley to the northeast.

Just past the fallen tree, the trail splits, but only for a couple hundred feet. The track to the left presents more views over the Santa Clarita Valley and looks southeast toward Newhall Pass, while the right split ascends a bump on the ridge, passing a short bench just before the trails come back together.

Towsley View Loop Trail continues across the rippling ridges between Towsley Canyon and Wiley Canyon. Live oaks and other trees offer occasional windows across the Santa Clarita Valley toward the San Gabriel Mountains. When you reach another split in the trail, at 0.3 miles from the fallen tree, bear right. This will present you with a nice view over Wiley Canyon to the south before the trails come back together. This is the high point of the hike, at 2,450 feet, and it’s all downhill from here.

Looking north toward Towsley Canyon

Towsley View Loop Trail passes to the left of a couple grand oaks on a grassy bump on the ridge (that look like inviting places to picnic). The gradually descending trail makes a large U-shaped bend around the end of the ridge, offering panoramic views. Look over the rugged Towsley Canyon to the north, get a sweep of Santa Clarita Valley to the east, and end with views into the oak-covered Wiley Canyon to the south.

Towsley View Loop Trail enters Wiley Canyon

Make your way toward Wiley Canyon. After a horseshoe bend to the left, the trail will make a steep descent, temporarily splitting to explore a few angles down the dusty mountainside. The descent becomes more moderate as you make your way to the back of Wiley Canyon, 4.05 miles from the start. A U-turn will send you down a second steeper section, dropping about 175 feet in 0.15 miles to reach the canyon bottom. There is a bench here if you need a break. The trail angles to the left down the canyon past more oil seeps, including some in the creek that flows down the canyon. The water looks chocked by oil, but the surrounding plants seem to tolerate it, and tall oaks quickly appear to shade the trail. After hiking ¾ of a mile down the canyon from the bench, you will come to a trail junction. Canyon View Loop Trail sets off to the left while Towsley View Trail proceeds to the right, gradually descending another 0.35 miles to Towsley Canyon Road. When you reach the road, turn right to return to the free parking lot.

Looking down Towsley View Loop Trail in Wiley Canyon

Canyon View Loop Trail, which offers a shorter loop in the park (1.9 miles), skirts the ridges between Wiley Canyon and Towsley Canyon. The trail ends near the parking lot at the end of Towsley Canyon Road, alongside Towsley Lodge, an old ranch house that is available for day and overnight rentals.

There is a $7 fee to park a vehicle in the two pay lots (as of May, 2013) but you should be able to visit Ed Davis Park in Towsley Canyon for free. The park is open from sunrise to sunset. No permit is required to hike Towsley View Trail and dogs and mountain bikes are welcome, so get our and enjoy!

To get to the trailhead: Take the 5 Freeway to exit 166 for Calgrove Boulevard (located 7 miles north of the merger of the 5 and 405 Freeways. At the end of the off-ramp, turn southwest on Calgrove Boulevard, which immediatly becomes The Old Road. A quarter mile from the freeway, turn left up Towsley Canyon Road, where there are signs and a mailbox for the park. Drive a tenth of a mile up Towsley Canyon Road to the parking area on the right. The lot is labeled by a sign that reads, “Rivendale Ranch at Towsley Canyon” and the free parking is provided by the City of Santa Clarita.

Trailhead address: 24255 The Old Road, Newhall, CA 91381
Trailhead coordinates: 34.357661, -118.55698

Use the map below to create your own directions:

Photos

 

                                                                                                                               

These photos were taken in May of 2013. Click to enlarge.

 

Nearby Trails

 

	Fish Canyon Narrows This hike of ten miles or more explores an enchanting narrow canyon on the east side of the Angeles National Forest in the Sierra Pelona Mountains, a small mountain range north of Santa Clarita.
	Los Pinetos Waterfall This 5.33-mile round trip hike in Placerita Canyon Natural Area follows Canyon Trail to the ruins of Walker Ranch and Waterfall Trail to an elusive falls in a sylvan canyon.
	Ecology Trail This 2/3 of a mile lollipop loop will introduce you to numerous local plants along with views of Placerita Canyon.
	Rocky Peak This 4.75-mile round trip hike climbs 1,100 feet to a 2,715-foot summit in Rocky Peak Park in the Santa Susana Mountains between Chatsworth and Simi Valley.
	More trails in Los Angeles Explore other hiking destinations around Los Angeles.

 

More Info

 

The official trail map for Ed Davis Park in Towsley Canyon

Towsley View Loop Trail in Afoot & Afield Los Angeles by Jerry Schad

Towsley View Loop Trail on trimbleoutdoors.com

Towsley View Loop Trail on santaclaritaguide.com

Towsley View Loop Trail on localhikes.com

Towsley View Loop Trail on nobodyhikesinla.com

Towsley View Loop Trail on scvhiker.blogspot.com

Towsley View Loop Trail on calihike.blogspot.com

The official website for Ed Davis Park in Towsley Canyon

 

The San Gabriel Mountains are graced by several enchanting canyons with sylvan steams flanked by bays and alders. Monrovia Canyon is no exception, complete with a splendid 30-foot waterfall that tops off the experience. Monrovia Falls can be reached from a few different starting points in Monrovia Canyon Park. Falls Trail presents a gradual 1.6-mile round trip hike with 400 feet of elevation gain. Connect that to Bill Cull Trail for a slightly less gradual 3-mile round trip hike with 675 feet of elevation gain to explore more of Monrovia Canyon Park.

Falls Trail: The short route to Monrovia Falls begins from the Monrovia Canyon Park Nature Center, located at the end of Canyon Boulevard. Find the trailhead in the picnic area behind the Nature Center and begin hiking north. After less than a tenth of a mile descending into the canyon, you will come to a junction. Turn right and continue up the canyon on Falls Trail. The trail to the left, Self Guided Nature Trail, heads downstream for a quarter mile to an alternate trailhead, located at a bend in the road up to the nature center (where there is limited parking). Along the Self Guided Nature Trail, there is a junction with Bill Cull Trail, which is used for the longer hike to Monrovia Falls.

Beyond the first junction, Falls Trail heads upstream for 0.7 miles to the waterfall. Pass a check dam in Monrovia Canyon Creek on the left just before the trail crosses the creek. Rock hop to the other side and continue along the creek through a lush grove of alders.

Falls Trail in Monrovia Canyon Park

There are no further junctions en route to the waterfall and the trail is contained by the U-shaped canyon, so it would be hard to get off course. Relax and enjoy the charming scenery. Falls Trail crosses a few stone steps and some relatively narrow ledges that give the hike a sense of adventure. Cross the rocky canyon bottom next to a small cave and return to the right bank as the trail comes to an end at Monrovia Falls.

Monrovia Falls

Not quite in free fall (except when it’s really gushing), the 30-foot waterfall plunges down two steep slides down the rock face at the back of the canyon, making a slight shift in direction as it cascades. Monrovia Falls flows year-round, but is most robust during the winter wet season.

Boulders below Monrovia Falls (aka Monrovia Canyon Falls) make good places to sit and have a snack. After absorbing the waterfall, simply hike back down the canyon the way you came.

Monrovia Falls

Bill Cull Trail: The long route to Monrovia Falls involves hiking 0.7 miles on Bill Cull Trail, followed by a brief stretch on the Self Guided Nature Trail before joining Falls Trail. Park at the lower lot, alongside the entrance station for Monrovia Canyon Park. Walk a couple hundred feet up the road past the booth and turn left up the marked Bill Cull Trail.

You will quickly climb above Canyon Boulevard for a view south out the mouth of the canyon. After a few switchbacks between live oak trees, the dirt single-track passes through a junction with a new trail that is still under construction (labeled as proposed trail on the park map).

Past the junction, Bill Cull Trail continues along the west side of the canyon. Across the way, above the east side of the green canyon is a long concrete dam, the Sawpit Dam, which is over 150 feet tall, built for flood control in 1927.

Looking up Bill Cull Trail toward the Sawpit Dam

In the spring, the dirt trail passes sun-drenched spring wildflowers like phacelia and wishbone bush. You will have views north up the canyon, spotting an overlook and the nature center at the start of Falls Trail. As Bill Cull Trail comes to a close, it dips beneath a canopy of trees and descends into the canyon. You’ll pass a wooden seat built into a tree right before it is time to rock hop across the creek to reach a T-junction with the Self Guided Nature Trail.

Turn left and hike up the canyon. After a tenth of a mile on the Self Guided Nature Trail, you will reach the junction with Falls Trail coming down from the Nature Center. Go straight to continue up the canyon on Falls Trail. Pass the check dam, cross the creek and hike 0.7 miles up to the waterfall.

A check dam in the creek along Falls Trail

Monrovia Canyon Park is usually crowded on weekend, so arrive early to get a parking space and find some peace on the trail. The park, operated by the City of Monrovia, is closed on Tuesdays, open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on other weekdays, and open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. The entrance fee is $5 per vehicle. Bikes are permitted on the roads in Monrovia Canyon Park, but are not allowed on the dirt trails to the waterfall (there is a bike rack at the start of the Self Guided Nature Trail). Dogs are allowed on the trails to Monrovia Falls, so get out and enjoy!

To get to the trailhead: Take the 210 Freeway to Monrovia (east of Arcadia and Pasadena). Take exit 34 onto Myrtle Ave. and drive north for 1.1 miles to Foothill Boulevard. Turn right, drive four blocks to Canyon Boulevard and turn left. Drive north for 1.6 miles to the park entrance station, making a pair of right turns to stay on Canyon Boulevard. The lower lot for Bill Cull Trail is to the left of the entrance station. The nature center is another 0.6 miles up the road.

Trailhead address: 1200 North Canyon Boulevard, Monrovia, CA 91016
Trailhead coordinates: 34.176584, -117.989521

Use the map below to create your own directions:

Photos

 

Falls Trail
                                                                                     

Self Guided Nature Trail
         

Bill Cull Trail
                                               

Monrovia Canyon Park
               

These photos were taken in April of 2013. Click to enlarge.

 

Nearby Trails

 

	Hermit Falls This 2.5-mile heads down canyon away from Sturtevant Falls toward a 30-foot waterfall. The lush canyon and the babbling creek are quite calming.
	Sturtevant Falls This 3.25-mile hike visits a 60-foot waterfall and a lush cottage-lined canyon.
	Santa Anita Canyon Loop This 9.5-mile loop visits a two peaceful creeks, a 60 foot waterfall and plenty of beautiful wilderness.
	Fish Canyon Falls This 4-mile hike starts at a rock quarry with restricted access and ends up at a multi-tiered 80-foot waterfall.
	Azusa Peak (and Glendora Peak) via Garcia Trail This 2 2/3-mile or 4 2/3-mile hike ascends Garcia Trail to “the A” and one or two picturesque summits along Glendora Ridge Motorway.
	More trails in the San Gabriel Mountains Explore other destinations in the range.

 

Similar Trails

 

	Switzer Falls This 4.5-mile hike starts out above and finishes below a 50-foot tall waterfall.
	Millard Falls This one mile hike visits a 50-foot waterfall up one of the most scenic canyons in the range.
	Eaton Falls This 3-mile hike visits a 40-footer.
	Trail Canyon Falls This 4-mile hike visits a 40-foot beauty on the east side of the San Gabriel Mountains.
	Cooper Canyon Falls This 3-mile hike leaves from Buckhorn Campground and visits a short waterfall in an enchanting glen of tall pines.
	Rubio Canyon Trail This 1.3-mile round trip hike ventures into a rustic canyon to a double waterfall.
	More waterfalls around Los Angeles Explore other waterfalls in the Santa Monica and San Gabriel Mountains.

 

More Info

 

The official trail guide for Monrovia Canyon Park

Monrovia Falls in Afoot & Afield Los Angeles County by Jerry Schad

Monrovia Falls on Dan’s Hiking Pages

Monrovia Falls on world-of-waterfalls.com

Monrovia Falls on nobodyhikesinla.com

Monrovia Falls on opadventureteam.com

Monrovia Falls on myown100hikes.blogspot.com

Monrovia Falls on trimbleoutdoors.com

The official website for Monrovia Canyon Park

 

Located along the Pacific Ocean, twenty miles west of Santa Barbara, Refugio State Beach has 66 standard sites and one group site that can be reserved in advance for a ocean view camping experience. Palm trees line the beachfront campground, which is split down the middle by the leisurely flowing Refugio Creek. The meeting of the Refugio Creek and the Pacific Ocean makes the campground a haven for birds. For those seeking relaxing beach camping and the opportunity to fall asleep to the sound of the waves, Refugio State Beach Campground is an ideal destination.

The campground is open year round. Individual sites may be reserved for $45 per night and accommodate groups of up to eight people. Sites at Refugio State Beach can facilitate RVs up to 35 feet in length and tents. Reserve a campsite online and expect Refugio State Beach Campground to be full every weekend.

Refugio State Beach Campground

Campground amenities include picnic tables, fire rings, flush toilets, pay showers, potable water, and a general store. The big draw of course is the beach where you can swim, play in the sand, and walk along the shore. A bike path on the inland side of the campground serves as a starting point for a ride along the coast. You can easily bike to the 132-site campground at El Capitan State Beach, a couple miles to the east.

For those who aren’t camping, there is a day use parking area with picnic tables and charcoal grill near the beach. A $10 fee to enter the state park (as of April, 2013) will be charged for each vehicle using the day use area. This is also the fee to add an additional vehicle to a campsite.

A picnic table, grill, and palm tree at the Refugio State Beach Day Use Area

Refugio State Beach has an intriguing past, as a park sign explains:

In the early 1800s, this land supported a successful cattle rancho, but it concealed an even more profitable activity – smuggling. The land had been granted to an early California explorer, Jose Francisco Ortega, after his retirement in 1795. When he died in 1798 his son, Jose Maria, took charge of the rancho, called Nuestra Señora de Refugio. The smuggling business soon began. Spain had forbidden her colonies to trade with foreign countries, but Spanish supply ships were often unreliable. It became very convenient for Californians to trade with the well-stocked foreign ships that visited their coast.

As the Ortega smuggling wealth grew, so did the stories about it. In Monterey, a pirate named Hippolyte de Bouchard heard these reports and decided to “visit” Refugio in 1816. Warned of his coming, the residents of Refugio hid themselves and their valuables inland. Bouchard burned the ranch house and the smuggling station, but departed with no booty.

Today, the only thing you’ll smuggle from Refugio State Beach are memories from a campground with ocean views and a picturesque beach.

To get to the campground: From the 101 Freeway west of Santa Barbara, take exit 120 for Refugio Road. Drive a short distance down the road toward the ocean and turn right into Refugio State Beach.

Photos

 

                                 

These photos were taken in April of 2013. Click to enlarge.

 

Nearby Trails

 

	Gaviota Wind Caves This 2.5-mile hike just off the 101 visits wind-carved caves with great ocean views.
	Gaviota Peak This 6.5-mile loop mounts a 2,458-foot summit two miles from the Pacific then descends Trespass Trail to explore the wilds of the Santa Ynez Mountains.
	Gaviota Hot Springs This short hike visits a warm hot springs along the trail to Gaviota Peak in Gaviota State Park.
	Tunnel View and Trespass Trails Loop This 2.6-mile loop steals a view over the 101 Freeway and the Gaviota Tunnel.
	Gaviota Pass Overlook Loop This 6.5-mile loop tours scenic ridges in Gaviota State Park to arrive at a soaring overlook above the Gaviota Tunnel.
	Nojoqui Falls This short 0.65-mile hike visits an 80-foot tall fern-lined waterfall.
	More Central Coast Hikes Explore other destinations along the California coast between Ventura and Monterey.

 

Nearby Camping

 

	Wheeler Gorge Campground This 70-site campground in the Los Padres National Forest outside Ojai is complimented by a 1-mile nature trail.
	Emma Wood State Beach Campground This 90-site campground in Ventura is only for RVs, offers ocean views but few amenities, and does not allow tents.
	Sycamore Canyon Campground This 58-site campground in Point Mugu State Park sits at the mouth of a beachfront canyon and has access to trails through the west end of the Santa Monica Mountains.

 

More Info

 

Refugio State Beach Campground on reserveamerica.com

Refugio State Beach Campground on campsitephotos.com

Refugio State Beach Campground on examiner.com

Refugio State Beach Campground in California Camping by Tom Stienstra

Refugio State Beach Campground map and guidelines on parks.ca.gov

The official website for Refugio State Beach

 

If one park is good, than two parks are better, and a trail between those parks brings out the best of both. Opened in the spring of 2013, the Connector Trail between Johnson Ranch Open Space and the Irish Hills Natural Reserve links two of San Luis Obispo County’s great parks. The new trail also connects hikers with grassy slopes and oak-covered ridges with views across San Luis Obispo and Edna Valley. The hike is 5.05 miles long from trailhead to trailhead (Johnson Ranch Trailhead to the Madonna Trailhead in the Irish Hills) with options to trek even further. The Connector Trail makes a good two-car shuttle hike, or a serious out and back hike (or bike ride) of 10.1 miles round trip. There is 575 feet of elevation between the high and low points of the hike, which you will climb twice if you hike out and back on the Johnson Ranch – Irish Hills Connector Trail.

You can start the hike from either end, but if you are only planning to hike one direction, it is recommended that you start from Johnson Ranch Open Space and hike north to the Irish Hills Natural Reserve. The trailhead for the 242-acre Johnson Ranch Open Space is conveniently located just off the 101 Freeway between San Luis Obispo and Pismo Beach. To reach the Connector Trail, you will first hike up the main Johnson Ranch Loop Trail. There is a dirt easement road and a dirt single-track trail leaving from the trailhead. Take the single track, which is to the right of the road and begin hiking up a grassy slope. The hillside browns in the summer and fall, making spring an ideal time to hike in Johnson Ranch when the grass is green and poppies, vetch, and chocolate lilies bloom along the trail.

Vetch blooming along Johnson Ranch Loop Trail

The trail switches up the right side of a draw in the grassy hillside, passing through a cattle fence after a quarter mile. Round another bend closer to the freeway, and hike up into the former ranch to a trail split, 0.65 miles from the start. To the left is a Shortcut Trail for the larger Johnson Ranch Loop Trail. Turn left here to cut a quarter mile off the distance to the Connector Trail (0.6 miles vs. 0.85 miles). Straight ahead, the Johnson Ranch Loop Trail meanders down a hillside to the north, eventually weaving up to the junction with the Connector Trail in an oak grove. To spare yourself the extra effort, turn left on the Shortcut Trail. After just 0.15 miles, the Shortcut Trail rejoins the larger loop trail. Turn right to head north toward the Johnson Ranch – Irish Hills Connector Trail.

Johnson Ranch Loop Trail runs along a hillside with views across Johnson Ranch. Passing through a grove of shading oaks, you will descend to the unmarked junction with the Connector Trail, 0.45 miles from the Shortcut Trail and 1.25 miles from the start. Turn left and begin up the Connector Trail. At this point, you are leaving Johnson Ranch Open Space and entering the privately held Filipponi Ranch. Stay on the agreed upon trail to ensure that the easement is upheld and hikers and bikers can continue to enjoy the Connector Trail.

Looking up the Connector Trail toward a line of oaks

You will immediately pass through a livestock gate, following the dirt single track up a grassy ridge toward a line of oaks. As you ascend the new trail, there are sweeping views over Johnson Ranch to the south. You will be thanking the trail builders of the Johnson Ranch – Irish Hills Connector Trail because the views on this new trail beat anything that has come so far, and there seems to be fantastic scenery around every turn. For example, as you pass through the oaks you will reach the end of a grassy ridge with panoramic views looking north and east over San Luis Obispo and the Edna Valley. Cerro San Luis, the South Hills, and Islay Hill are all in sight, backed by the Santa Lucia Mountains. This viewpoint is just a quarter mile from Johnson Ranch Loop Trail, and even if you aren’t hiking the entire Connector Trail, it would be worth it to hike just this far.

Looking up the 101 Freeway toward Edna Valley

Beyond the grassy viewpoint, 1.5 miles from the start, the Connector Trail bends to the left, heading up the ridge into a grove of live oaks. Lace lichens hang from the oaks like enchanting tinsel. The Connector Trail temporarily widens into a dirt road as you pass some rugged rock formations and come to a saddle between two ridges. The trail curves to the right at the saddle, which offers new views west over the Irish Hills. Here, you will pass through a junction with a private dirt road, 2.15 miles from the start. The dirt road drops into the canyon to the east. Clesi Winery is at the bottom of this road, and while you’re not permitted to hike down this road through Filipponi Ranch, you may want to drive to the winery after the hike (open for tastings on weekends).

Looking east down the canyon

Continue hiking up the Connector Trail, which aims north across the rocky rim of the canyon. The single-track trail maintains a gradual uphill course through sage and chaparral with views east over the canyon and south over the ridge you came up. Cross a spring that flows over the trail and hike up to the ridge at the north end of the canyon, 2.85 miles from the start. This is the high point of the hike at an elevation around 660 feet.

The trail bends to the left, crossing through a livestock gate to enter a grove of short oaks, similar to those you would find in the Elfin Forest near Morro Bay. Hiking downhill, you will come to a wide dirt road, just over three miles from the start. Turn left and continue into Irish Hills Natural Reserve. The wider dirt road turns uphill and passes a couple trails breaking off to the left. Stick with the road, which makes a horseshoe bend to the right and descends to the east to offer another excellent view over Edna Valley.

Looking down the Connector Trail

As the road curves to the left around the mountainside, the views expand to the north toward downtown San Luis Obispo and Cerro San Luis. After about 2/3 of a mile on the road, and 3.7 miles from the start, you will reach a junction with a trail breaking off to the left across a saddle at the end of the ridge. You have the option to turn right or left here for equidistant routes to the bottom of Froom Canyon. If you stay hiking down the jeep road to the right, it will curve around the bottom of the ridge and become faint. From there, turn left following footpaths up to Froom Creek Trail. The better bet is probably to turn left, cross the saddle, and hike down into Froom Canyon. You will get a nice view up the canyon before descending through tall oaks on the side of the canyon. After a quarter mile, the trail bends to the right, heading down the canyon along Froom Creek. Cross the creek after another quarter mile to reach a junction with Froom Creek Trail, 4.3 miles from the start.

For a longer hike in the Irish Hills, you could turn left and venture up the canyon. Otherwise, turn right down Froom Creek Trail, passing through a gate and curving to the left to leave the canyon. From here it is 3/4 of a mile to the Madonna Trailhead, 5.05 miles from the start of the hike.

Lupines along Froom Creek Trail

After less than a tenth of a mile, you will pass through a fence and spot a path descending to the right toward the Costco parking lot. This well-worn track reaches the parking lot after another 0.15 miles (4.5 miles from the start of the hike in Johnson Ranch) and is another place to consider ending your two-car shuttle hike. However, Costco has posted ‘private property – no trespassing’ signs near the bottom of the path.

For the full hike, continue toward the Madonna Trailhead on Froom Creek Trail, which makes its way along a grassy slope just above the houses and businesses on Los Osos Valley Road. Bear right when you reach a junction with King Trail and hike another 0.28 miles to the Madonna Trailhead. Turn right at the trail kiosk and walk down to the cul-de-sac at the end of Madonna Road.

Hiking down King Trail

If you parked a second vehicle here, your hike is over. Otherwise make your way back through Irish Hills Natural Reserve to Johnson Ranch Open Space. Those hiking out and back on the Connector Trail, may wish to turn around upon reaching the ridge above Froom Canyon, saving the effort of the final descent without sacrificing many views for a roughly 7.4-mile round trip hike. Dogs and mountain bikes are welcome in both parks and on the Connector Trail. No fee or permit is required to park at the trailheads in both parks, so get out and enjoy!

To get to the Johnson Ranch Trailhead: From San Luis Obispo, take the 101 Freeway south to exit 198 for Higuera Street. At the bottom of a horseshoe bend in the off ramp, turn left into a parking area for Johnson Ranch.

Trailhead address: South Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Trailhead coordinates: 35.223448, -120.693313

To get to the Madonna Trailhead: Take the 101 Freeway to exit 200, Los Osos Valley Road, three miles south of downtown San Luis Obispo. Drive northwest on Los Osos Valley Road for one mile and turn left on Madonna Road. Drive 1/3 of a mile to the intersection at the end of the road and park. The trail continues from the end of Madonna Road. There is a short paved walkway between houses up to a map of the park at the junction with King Trail.

Trailhead address: Madonna Road & Devaul Ranch Drive, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Trailhead coordinates: 35.254311, -120.69525

Use the map below to create your own directions:

Photos

 

                                                                                                                     

These photos were taken in April of 2013. Click to enlarge.

 

Nearby Trails

 

	Johnson Ranch Loop This 2.5 to 3.7-mile loop explores a grassy open space just south of San Luis Obispo.
	Froom Creek Trail This 3-mile loop explores a canyon on the east side of the Irish Hills, ascending 500 feet to a nice view over Laguna Lake, Cerro San Luis, and Bishop Peak.
	Morro View This 3.15-mile hike in the Irish Hills Natural Reserve delivers panoramic views over Los Osos Valley and the full chain of Morros.
	Cerro San Luis This 4-mile hike summits one of the Nine Sisters just west of downtown San Luis Obispo.
	Lemon Grove Trail This 2.2-mile loop visits a historic lemon grove on the eastern slopes of Cerro San Luis.
	South Hills Ridge Trail This 1.5-mile round trip hike ascends 450 feet to the highest point in a cluster of hills near downtown San Luis Obispo, offering fine views over the city and surroundings.
	Islay Hill This 1.8-mile round trip hike climbs 550 feet to the top of San Luis Obispo’s easternmost Morro.
	Bob Jones Bike Trail This easy 5-mile round trip hike or ride follows San Luis Obispo Creek to Avila Beach.
	More hikes in San Luis Obispo Explore other trails around San Luis Obispo including Montaña de Oro State Park and the Morros.

 

More Info

 

The official topographical map for the Johnson Ranch – Irish Hills Connector Trail

The official website for Johnson Ranch Open Space

The official website for Irish Hills Natural Reserve

 

Of all the Morros in San Luis Obispo County, Black Hill is the easiest to summit (even easier than Islay Hill. This 661-foot volcanic peak in Morro Bay State Park can be reached by hiking 0.6 miles round trip up a dirt single track with 175 feet of elevation gain and views over the city of Morro Bay. For those looking for more, there are longer hikes to the summit starting further down Black Hill.

For a short hike: Start from a trailhead parking area in Morro Bay State Park just up the hillside from Morro Bay Golf Course. As you begin up the dirt trail, you will come to an immediate junction. To the right, Black Hill Trail angles along a water tower, before dropping down the hill. This route is used by those opting for a longer hike. To reach the summit, turn left, heading uphill on Black Hill Trail. There are no other junctions on the trail to the top.

Morro Rock above the city of Morro Bay

After a few switchbacks beneath Monterey pines, the trail reaches sage-covered slopes with open views. You will be treated to sights of Morro Bay and Morro Rock, an iconic 578-foot tall pyramid-shaped peak that rises above the beach. Morro Rock is the westernmost of San Luis Obispo Country’s Morros, also called The Nine Sisters, a string of volcanic plugs that run from Morro Bay to Edna Valley. Not all of the Morros are open to the public. Black Hill is the westernmost Morro that you can summit. Also open for hiking is Islay Hill, the last Morro to the east in Edna Valley. The two tallest Morros, located near downtown San Luis Obispo, can also be hiked, Bishop Peak and Cerro San Luis. The only other Morro that is open for hiking is Cerro Cabrillo, also in Morro Bay State Park, which you will see from the summit of Black Hill because it is the next Morro to the east.

Continue up the sage-lined trail past pockets of sticky monkeyflower that bloom in the spring to reach the boulder-covered summit of Black Hill, 0.3 miles from the start. The trail ends at the top, where it splinters to explore different outcroppings that each present a slightly different view.

Looking north from the summit of Black Hill

To the south there are views across the natural network of canals in the estuary on the east side of Morro Bay, which flood and reemerge with the tides. Beyond the bay, the Irish Hills form a wall to the south, capped by the summits in Montaña de Oro State Park at the ocean end of the range. Cerro Cabrillo rises to the southeast, with a long jagged summit ridge that can be reached via an off-trail hike. Highway One passes below the east and north sides of Black Hill and the foothills of the Santa Lucia Mountains are visible to the east and north. The most alluring angle of the summit 360 is probably to the west, where Morro Rock rises above the Pacific.

Cerro Cabrillo from the summit of Black Hill

Stick with the worn paths on the summit as there are a few hidden patches of poison oak. When you have fully explored the view, return the way you came.

For a longer hike: You could choose to set out from a number of places below Black Hill. If you are staying at the campground in Morro Bay State Park (140 sites) you can hike from the campground to the summit via a lower section of Black Hill Trail or a combination of Exercise Trail and Grove Trail. Both single tracks, Grove Trail and Black Hill Trail, cross Park View Road where non-camping hikers can hop on either trail.

One option, for a 1.9-mile out and back hike with 625 feet of elevation gain, is to begin up Grove Trail from the intersection of Park View Road and State Park Road. Find the unmarked and unpronounced dirt trail on the northwest side of the intersection and begin hiking up a field and through a grove of eucalyptus trees. After just over a quarter mile you will come to an unmarked junction with Black Hill Trail. The section of the trail leading down to Park View Road splits off to the left, looking even less-traveled than Grove Trail. Straight ahead, Black Hill Trail continues up Black Hill. Take it past a few more unmarked junction.

Head straight though an intersection with Pipeline Trail, followed quickly by yet another junction. When you come to a wooden gate at a T in the trail, a third of a mile from the start, turn right to continue up Black Hill Trail. Almost instantly, the forest changes from eucalyptus to oaks. Stay to the right through one more junction and hike up through the oak grove along a draw in the mountainside. Slip through a few additional wooden bike gates before circling around the water tank to meet up with the shorter route to Black Hill, just above the upper trailhead.

Any hike up Black Hill Trail is bound to be a pleasant one. Dogs and mountain bikes are allowed on these trails. No fee or permit is required to hike to the summit of Black Hill, so get out and enjoy!

To get to the trailhead: From Highway 1 in Morro Bay, take exit 277, following signs for Los Osos and Baywood Park. Turn south on South Bay Boulevard, drive 0.7 miles to State Park Road, and turn right. Go a tenth of a mile to Park View Drive and turn right (this is the trailhead for the Grove Trail). Drive 0.6 miles, entering Morro Bay Golf Course, and turn right at the first junction up the unsigned Black Hill Road. Proceed 0.8 miles up Black Hill to the trailhead at road’s end.

Trailhead address: Black Hill Road, Morro Bay, CA 93442
Trailhead coordinates: 35.358059, -120.833378

Use the map below to create your own directions:

Photos

 

                                                           

The longer hike
                                     

These photos were taken in April of 2013. Click to enlarge.

 

Nearby Trails

 

	Morro Rock via Morro Strand Trail This level one to 3.5-mile round trip starts from Coisters Park and crosses Morro Strand State Beach to reach Morro Rock.
	Cerro Cabrillo This tough 2.5-mile hike summits the highest mountain in Morro Bay State Park, a 911-foot member of the Nine Sisters.
	Turtle Rock This easy 2.1-mile hike reaches a short rise between Black Hill and Cerro Cabrillo in Morro Bay State Park.
	Portola Point This 2-mile loop explores a short hill just east of Morro Estuary in Morro Bay State Park.
	Elfin Forest Natural Reserve This easy 1-mile loop on a boardwalk explores a pygmy forest on the edge of Morro Bay.
	Morro Dunes Ecological Reserve This 2.6-mile loop serves up panoramic views over Morro Bay as it ascends 800 feet from Los Osos to Montaña de Oro State Park.
	More hikes in San Luis Obispo Explore other trails around San Luis Obispo including Montaña de Oro State Park and the Morros.

 

More Info

 

Black Hill on wikipedia.org

A panoramic view from the summit of Black Hill on cayucosbythesea.com

Black Hill on santalucia.sierraclub.org

Black Hill Trail on parks.ca.gov

The official website of Morro Bay State Park

 

Hollywood Reservoir (Lake Hollywood) is circled by a paved service road that walkers, joggers, and bikers can use to get lakeside exercise with Hollywood views. The reservoir is located in the hills west of Griffith Park below Cahuenga Peak and Mount Lee (whose summit is world famous for the large white letters that spell HOLLYWOOD). There are numerous views of the Hollywood Sign on the 3.5-mile loop around Hollywood Reservoir (with 100 feet of easy elevation gain). Unfortunately, most views of the reservoir come through chain-link fences that separate the trail from the water everywhere except Mulholland Dam, which offers clear, classic views across the lake toward the Hollywood Sign.

There are a few places to start hiking around Hollywood Reservoir. This trail report begins from the northwest side of the lake where there is available roadside parking on Lake Hollywood Drive (just down the road from where you would park to hike to Cahuenga Peak). Pass through an imposing looking entry fence labeled Gate 2. On the other side, there is a water fountain and a map of the lake with its public access hours and rules. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) uses Hollywood Reservoir as an emergency water source, and you may see their vehicles along Lake Hollywood Reservoir Walking Trail.

Begin hiking south along the wide paved road. The Upper Reservoir comes into view through pine trees and an imposing 10-foot tall chain-link fence. Proceed down the road along the Upper Reservoir, which is just north of the larger Lower Reservoir. Through the fence, you can catch a glimpse of lush shores and inlets that ducks seem to be enjoying in the absence of public access. Across the lake, the Hollywood Sign is visible in the mountains of Griffith Park.

Looking through the fence toward the Upper Reservoir

Pass the dam between the two reservoirs, 0.4 miles from the start, and continue down the walking trail. After 1.1 miles of hiking, when the frustration of only being able to see the lake through the fence becomes almost unbearable, the road will turn left and cross the thousand foot long dam at the south end of the reservoir. The beautifully constructed Mulholland Dam was built in 1924 with 172,000 cubic yards of concrete.

There will be fewer views of the Hollywood Reservoir going forward, so linger on Mulholland Dam and enjoy an unchained perspective across the blue water. The broad view from Mulholand Dam includes the Hollywood Sign, impossible to miss in the mountains above the large elegantly shaped lake. Unlike other nearby urban reservoirs, Lake Hollywood has several inlets and bends that give it a natural looking form. In the opposite direction, you can look south from the dam over pines toward the tall buildings along Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard.

Hollywood Reservoir from Mulholland Dam

The Hollywood Sign above Hollywood Reservoir

Cross Mulholland Dam and come to an alternate trailhead at the Weidlake Gate, which provides access to Hollywood Reservoir from the top of Weidlake Drive. Turn left before reaching the gate and take the paved road heading up the east side of the lake. Hiking the loop in this counterclockwise direction, you will be in a position for great views of the Hollywood Sign, which lines up just above the trail.

The Hollywood Sign above Lake Hollywood Reservoir Walking Trail

The best view of the Hollywood Sign comes about a mile from the Mulholland Dam. After that, the trail circles around a canyon above one of the reservoir’s major inlets and proceeds to the Tahoe Gate near the northeast side of Hollywood Reservoir.

After 2.75 miles on Lake Hollywood Reservoir Walking Trail, pass through the gate, cross Lake Hollywood Drive, and turn left. The good news is that you will get to walk along a dirt trail for about half a mile. The bad news is that the trail hugs Lake Hollywood Drive and turns into a sidewalk. Follow Lake Hollywood Drive west back to the trailhead at the north end of the Upper Reservoir, finishing the loop where you started after 3.5 miles of walking.

Note: In 2005, a huge storm dropped 35 inches of rain over Los Angeles, causing a major landslide on the west side of Hollywood Reservoir. The massive clean up and repair effort that followed closed the trail on that side of the lake until April of 2013. The trail around Hollywood Reservoir has fully reopened, making it possible to hike the entire loop!

Access to Hollywood Reservoir is closed at night. The gates around Hollywood Reservoir open daily at 6:30 a.m. and are locked around sunset. Check the photo below for specific seasonal closure times and don’t get locked in! The LADWP may also periodically deny access for maintenance and other operations. Dogs are not permitted on Lake Hollywood Reservoir Walking Trail, but bikes are. No fee or permit is required to stroll around Hollywood Reservoir, so get out and enjoy!

Public access information for Hollywood Reservoir

To get to the trailhead: From the 101 Freeway exit on Barham Boulevard and drive north for 1/3 of a mile. Turn right at the light onto Lake Hollywood Drive. Take this winding road for half a mile up to the intersection with Wonder View Drive and continue down Lake Hollywood Drive for a quarter mile to the trailhead gate. There is free roadside parking on the right side of the road.

Trailhead address: Lake Hollywood Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90068
Trailhead coordinates: 34.128716, -118.336355

Use the map below to create your own directions:

Photos

 

                                                                               

These photos were taken in April of 2013. Click to enlarge.

 

Nearby Trails

 

	Cahuenga Peak from Wonder View Trail This 3-mile hike ascends 925 feet to Cahuenga Peak and the adjacent Mount Lee, home of the Hollywood Sign.
	Mount Lee and the Hollywood Sign via Hollyridge Trail This 3.5-mile hike ascends 750 feet to reach the summit of Mount Lee behind the Hollywood Sign.
	Mount Lee and the Hollywood Sign via Brush Canyon Trail This 6.4-mile hike crosses Griffith Park from Canyon Drive to the top of Mount Lee directly behind the landmark Hollywood Sign.
	Mount Chapel, Mount Bell, and Mount Hollywood This 5.7-mile loop tops three prominent summits on a panoramic tour of Griffith Park.
	Bronson Cave This short easy hike visits a man-made cave recognizable as the Batcave from the 1960s Batman TV series and hundreds of other locations on TV and film.
	Bee Rock This hive-shaped point on the east side of Griffith Park is reached via a 1.7 to 4-mile round trip hike.
	Old Zoo Picnic Area This half-mile hike explores the abandoned exhibits and animal cages in the ruins of the old LA Zoo in Griffith Park.
	Beacon Hill This 2.75 to 3.9-mile hike in Griffith Park climbs 500 feet to the easternmost summit in the Santa Monica Mountains.
	Amir’s Garden This one-mile hike reaches a relaxing garden on the east side of Griffith Park that is a pleasant retreat for hikers.
	More trails in the Santa Monica Mountains Explore other destinations in the range.

 

More Info

 

A kcet.org article on the reopening of Lake Hollywood Reservoir Walking Trail

A nbclosangeles.com article on the reopening of Lake Hollywood Reservoir Walking Trail

A cbslocal.com article on the reopening of Lake Hollywood Reservoir Walking Trail

Lake Hollywood Reservoir Walking Trail on hike-la.com

Lake Hollywood Reservoir Walking Trail on modernhiker.com

 

If you are looking for a peaceful stroll in the peaceful Central Coast city of Montecito, examine Ennisbrook Trail. This 1.85-mile lollipop loop with 150 feet of elevation change explores an oak woodland in the 44-acre San Ysidro Creek Preserve. The easy trail is charmed by old stone bridges spanning San Ysidro Creek, which you will follow on this creekside hike. In the spring, there are bursts of orange and yellow nasturtiums along the trail, as well other flowers that make the experience even more pleasant.

Set out from a trailhead on San Leandro Lane, just a few blocks from the 101 Freeway. In this classy neighborhood, even the trailhead has a white picket fence! Walk through the gate next to the trail sign, and pass a small green building on the other side to begin up Ennisbrook Trail. The short hike crosses dirt, pebble, and paved trail, both wide and narrow, and there are a few junctions to be mindful of along the way. The first comes 0.05 miles from the start. Just after you cross a stone bridge, you will come to a T-junction. To the right a trail extends east to connect with Coffin Trail and Valley Club Trail. For the Ennisbrook Trail loop, turn left and head upstream above the bank of San Ysidro Creek.

The first stone bridge along Ennisbrook Trail

After another tenth of a mile, the trail runs briefly along a chain-link fence as it borders a few backyards. This is a neighborhood hike, so the trail will pass some houses and roads along the way. Fortunately the roads are low traffic and the homes are impressive. The trail proceeds between San Ysidro Creek and Ennisbrook Drive. This roadside path is the least scenic stretch of the hike, but press on, there is more pleasant woodland just ahead.

Ennisbrook Trail

An impressive oak on Ennisbrook Trail

Ennisbrook Trail bends to the left, leaving the road to cross a second stone bridge over San Ysidro Creek, just under half a mile from the start. The old stone bridge is a charming entry into more lush oak woods with an understory punctuated by ferns. Walk 0.15 miles from the bridge through the forest to reach the start of the loop at the top of Ennisbrook Trail, which is 0.6 miles long. You can proceed in either direction at this split.

Turning right, you will drop down to San Ysidro Creek. Rock hop across and continue up a dirt single track beneath a canopy of oaks. A quarter mile from the split in the trail, you will come to another junction. Turn left to keep with the circle. You will pass through an area that displays a massive amounts of nasturtiums in the spring. Nasturtiums are a flower native to South and Central America that seem to thrive in this corner of Montecito. The bright flowers come in a variety of colors and patterns in dazzling yellow, orange, and red.

Nasturtiums along Ennisbrook Trail

Nasturtiums along Ennisbrook Trail

The loop will then reach East Valley Road. Turn left, walking south down a trail along the road for 0.15 miles to a cul-de-sac. Venture back into the forest and proceed another 0.07 miles to close the loop. Continue hiking south, following the trail you came in on to hike 0.63 miles back to the start.

To trek further up San Ysidro Creek, check out the hike to McMenemy Overlook. No fee or permit is required to hike Ennisbrook Trail in San Ysidro Creek Preserve (sometimes called San Ysidro Creekside Trail). Dogs and mountain bikes are allowed on this 1.85-mile lollipop loop, so get out enjoy!

To get to the trailhead: From the south (Ventura), take the 101 Freeway northwest to exit 92 for Sheffield Drive. At the end of the offramp, turn right and make an immediate right, following signs for Sheffield Drive. After a horseshoe bend to the left, Sheffield Drive will head north. Make the next left on San Leandro Lane and proceed 0.6 miles to the trailhead, which will be on the right. From the north (Santa Barbara), take the 101 Freeway southeast to exit 93 for San Ysidro Road. Turn left and the end of the offramp, cross over the 101 Freeway and turn right on Jefferson Lane. Drive 0.3 miles and turn left on Hixon Road. After 0.2 miles continue straight on San Leonardo Lane. Go another tenth of a mile and turn right to stay on San Leandro Lane. Drive another 0.3 miles to the trailhead, which will be on the left. There is roadside parking outside the white picket fence next to the trail sign.

Trailhead address: San Leandro Lane, Montecito, CA 93108
Trailhead coordinates: 34.425482, -119.622238

Use the map below to create your own directions:

Photos

 

                                                                                         

These photos were taken in April of 2013. Click to enlarge.

 

Nearby Trails

 

	Carpinteria Bluffs Trail to Carpinteria Seal Sanctuary Overlook This 1 to 2-mile hike goes from Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve to a viewing area above a harbor seal rookery, offering beach access and beautiful oceanfront hiking.
	Carpinteria Salt Marsh Nature Park This level 1.2-mile round trip hike explores El Estuaro, a vital ecosystem for shorebirds.
	Tangerine Falls This 2.5-mile hike visits a beautiful waterfall on the edge of Los Padres National Forest near Santa Barbara.
	Montecito Peak This 7.1-mile partial loop climbs to a panoramic summit in Los Padres National Forest overlooking Montecito and Santa Barbara.
	McMenemy Overlook This 3.7-mile hike uses four trails to form a loop through the mountains behind Montecito, California.
	Jesusita Trail to Inspiration Point This 7.7-mile round trip hike ascends 1,400 feet to a landing in the Santa Ynez Mountains with a panoramic view over Santa Barbara.
	Chumash Painted Cave This very short trail looks in on Native American rock art in the Santa Ynez Mountains.
	Knapp’s Castle This easy 0.8-mile hike visits the scenic ruins of an estate home built atop the mountains behind Santa Barbara.
	Lizard’s Mouth This half-mile hike visits a unique rock formation with amazing views over Santa Barbara and the Pacific.
	More Central Coast Hikes Explore other destinations along the California coast between Ventura and Monterey, including trails in Los Padres National Forest.

 

More Info

 

Ennisbrook Trail in Best Easy Day Hikes Santa Barbara by Bryn Fox

A Los Angeles Times article about Ennisbrook Trail

A Santa Barbara Independent article about Ennisbrook Trail

Ennisbrook Trail on sites.google.com/site/daykations

 

Labeled simply as the “Village Site” on park maps, the Kumeyaay Village in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is an easy to visit location where Native Americans lived for thousands of years. Take a short stroll around a pile of boulders along Mine Wash Road and spot grinding holes amongst the rocks. A sign at the Kumeyaay Village reads:

Native desert people have been attracted to the cave of this bouldered hillside for thousands of years. The last group to live here were the Kumeyaay (ku-may-eye), a nomadic people who lived off native plants and hunted game such as jackrabbits and bighorn sheep. They made camp here from October through May until the late 1800’s.

Walk a few yards ahead to the village site. See if you can find the large flat rocks which still show signs of seed grinding. Native women spent many hours upon these rocks working on the metates and in the deep morteros.

Broken tools, pottery and bits of charcoal hold the story of a people who loved for centuries in the rock shelters of Mine Canyon. Please respect this ancient habitation site of those who came before us.

Morteros at the Kumeyaay Village Site

Walk into the boulders behind the sign and spot morteros, Native American grinding holes still carved into the rocks. You can walk about a quarter mile around the old site before continuing your exploration of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. To learn more about the Kumeyaay Indians, make your way to Morteros Trail and Pictograph Trail.

A sign at the Kumeyaay Village Site

To get to the trailhead: From Christmas Circle in Borrego Springs, drive 5 miles southwest on Borrego Springs Road. Turn right on Route S3 (Yaqui Pass Road) and drive 6.9 miles south on Yaqui Pass Road to Route 78. Turn left and drive 2.7 miles east to Mine Wash Road, a sandy dirt road on the south side of the road (there is a Mine Wash sign at the intersection). Turn right up Mine Wash Road, which is in good condition. Pass bathrooms on the right after 0.3 miles. At 1.6 miles up Mine Wash Road, you will reach the Village Site. There is a sign on the left side of the road next to the boulder pile.

Address: California 78, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Borrego Springs, CA 92004
Coordinates: 33.113076, -116.34512

Use the map below to create your own directions:

Photos

 

                       

These photos were taken in March of 2013. Click to enlarge.

 

Nearby Trails

 

	Yaqui Well Trail This 1.6-mile out and back hike on a self-guided nature trail explores area botany and history, crossing a wash to reach a rare desert water source.
	Cactus Loop Trail This 0.75-mile loop on a self-guided nature trail explores cacti and other plants that have adapted to survive in the Anza-Borrego Desert.
	Kenyon Overlook Trail This 1.15-mile loop sets out from Yaqui Pass to reach an incredible viewpoint across Mescal Bajada.
	Narrows Earth Trail This 0.5-mile self-guided hike explores the geology of the park.
	The Slot This short hike descends through a narrow canyon beneath a natural rock span that is among the most photographed landmarks in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.
	Hellhole Canyon Trail to Maidenhair Falls This 5.5-mile hike visits a 20-foot waterfall in a canyon near Borrego Springs, making it the perfect place to cool off on a hot day in the California Desert.
	Hikes in the California Desert Explore more trails in Death Valley National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, and Mojave National Preserve.

 

Camping

 

	Tamarisk Grove Campgrounds This shaded 27-site campground is one of four developed campgrounds in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and the start of two self-guided nature trails.
	Anza-Borrego Desert Campgrounds There are four developed campgrounds, eight primitive campgrounds, and extensive roadside camping to accommodate your visit to California’s largest state park.

 

Wildflowers

 

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Wildflowers The desert bloom brings bursts of color to barrel cactus, beavertail cactus, ocotillo, and more.

 

More Info

 

The official website for Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

 

Tamarisk Grove campground is one of four developed campgrounds in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, with 27 sites, plenty of shade, amenities, and nearby hiking trails. Tamarisk Grove has interesting history too, originally serving as a San Diego County prison camp. Thanks to numerous park improvements, it won’t feel like you are doing hard time to spend a little time at Tamarisk Grove Campground.

Tamarisk Grove Campground is bordered by paved roads on two sides, so you will hear and see limited desert traffic while camping. The tall tamarisk trees, an unusual import from the Middle East, give the campground lots of shade. Additionally, each campsite has a picnic table covered by a shade ramada. To add to your comfort, there are charcoal grills, fire rings, and flat ground for a tent at each side. Sites can also accommodate trailers up to 21 feet in length. There is non-potable water and coin operated showers at the campground (along with flush toilets). Drinking water is available for purchase from a small store and visitor information area staffed by the campground hosts.

Tamarisk Grove Campground is a convenient base camp for casual hikers. Two nature trails, Yaqui Well Trail and Cactus Loop Trail, begin just across the road from the campground entrance. Kenyon Overlook Trail, which is just 2 miles away, makes a great end of day hike, when golden hues from the disappearing sun spread out across Mescal Bajada and light up Sunset Mountain. A Kumeyaay Indian Village Site is also just a few miles from the campground.

Tamarisk Grove Campground

Tamarisk Grove Campground has 27 sites at $25 per night, reservations accepted. If you are planning to camp at Tamarisk Grove Campground and find it full, there are two nearby primitive campgrounds to serve as backup (and both are free). Yaqui Well Primitive Campground is the closest, located along a dirt road near Yaqui Well (at the end of Yaqui Well Trail. Yaqui Well Primitive Campground has vault toilets, but no other amenities. The other primitive Campground, Yaqui Pass Primitive Campground is located two miles up Yaqui Pass Road at the start of Kenyon Overlook Trail, and is nothing more than a large dirt parking area (no bathrooms) must suitable for RV campers.

To get to the campground: From Christmas Circle in Borrego Springs, drive 5 miles southwest on Borrego Springs Road. Turn right on Route S3 (Yaqui Pass Road) and drive 6.5 miles south on Yaqui Pass Road. The campground is located on the left (southeast) side of the road marked by a large sign (if you reach Route 78, you went about 0.4 of a mile too far).

Photos

 

         

These photos were taken in March of 2013. Click to enlarge.

 

Nearby Trails

 

	Cactus Loop Trail This 0.75-mile loop on a self-guided nature trail explores cacti and other plants that have adapted to survive in the Anza-Borrego Desert.
	Yaqui Well Trail This 1.6-mile out and back hike on a self-guided nature trail explores area botany and history, crossing a wash to reach a rare desert water source.
	Kenyon Overlook Trail This 1.15-mile loop sets out from Yaqui Pass to reach an incredible viewpoint across Mescal Bajada.
	Narrows Earth Trail This 0.5-mile self-guided hike explores the geology of the park.
	The Slot This short hike descends through a narrow canyon beneath a natural rock span that is among the most photographed landmarks in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.
	Hellhole Canyon Trail to Maidenhair Falls This 5.5-mile hike visits a 20-foot waterfall in a canyon near Borrego Springs, making it the perfect place to cool off on a hot day in the California Desert.
	Panoramic Overlook Trail The 1-mile round trip hike ascends a ridge on the south side of Borrego Palm Canyon to sweeping views of the San Ysidro Mountains and Borrego Valley.
	Borrego Palm Canyon Trail This 3.25-mile loop visits a popular palm tree oasis in a canyon west of Borrego Springs.
	Hikes in the California Desert Explore more trails in Death Valley National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, and Mojave National Preserve.

 

Camping

 

Anza-Borrego Desert Campgrounds There are four developed campgrounds, eight primitive campgrounds, and extensive roadside camping to accommodate your visit to California’s largest state park.

 

Wildflowers

 

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Wildflowers The desert bloom brings bursts of color to barrel cactus, beavertail cactus, ocotillo, and more.

 

More Info

 

Tamarisk Grove Campground on reserveamerica.com

Tamarisk Grove Campground on campsitephotos.com

Tamarisk Grove Campground on desertusa.com

Tamarisk Grove Campground on eatstayplay.com

Camping in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park on desertusa.com

The official website for Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

 

Broadly speaking, the desert is where you go to find cacti. Speaking specifically, Cactus Loop Trail is where you go in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park to see lots of cacti. True you can spot these prickly plants throughout the park, but this self-guided nature trail explores a rocky ridge that is utterly blanketed with a variety of cacti. A state park provided trail guide pamphlet offers a crash course in the area’s unique plants on this 0.75-mile loop with 250 feet of elevation gain.

Pick up a nature trail guide at the well-marked trailhead just across from Tamarisk Grove Campgrounds on Yaqui Pass Road south of Borrego Springs. Start hiking up a rocky ravine, where you will quickly pass the first of fourteen numbered markers along the trail that correspond with short entries in the trail guide pamphlet. The first marker is next to chuparosa, a bush with red tubular flowers that are popular with humming birds. Along the trail you will also pass ocotillo, cholla cacti, beavertail cacti, and other desert plants described in the guide.

Looking up Cactus Loop Trail

After 0.2 miles, you will hike out of the ravine and up onto a rocky slope with clear views back down toward Tamarisk Grove Campgrounds. The trail goes further up the slope toward the mountainous wall of Pinyon Ridge. Before it gets too far up, the trail levels out, curves to the right, and passes a knoll at the high point of the loop. Take the short spur, a third of a mile from the start, and walk out to onto the bump on the slope with the hike’s broadest views, looking east down Mescal Bajada toward Sunset Mountain.

A blooming barrel cactus above Mescal Bajada

Continue around Cactus Loop Trail, which now runs downhill along the rim of a small trench that was cut into the slope by flashfloods. A couple of markers on the back half of the loop seem to be out of position. There was no hedgehog cactus at marker 12 and no fishhook cactus by marker 14 to correspond with the readings in the pamphlet (as of March, 2013). If you look around though, you should be able to spot these cacti in other places.

The guide gives examples of how each plant has adapted to survive in this difficult climate. Doing so, it is filled with interesting factoids about several cacti. For example, a barrel cactus can change its shape dramatically with water weight.

After a rain, this amazing cactus can hold up to 90% of its weight in water. Its accordion shape allows it to swell as it absorbs water after a rainstorm. By storing moisture when it can, the barrel cactus survives months without rain.

Agave is another common plant along the trail, most easily identified by the impressive flower stalks that rise high above some of the plants.

When the plant reaches a critical size and weight, it sends up a flower stalk. These stalks shoot up quickly and grow to ten or more feet tall. Each plant flowers only once, usually when it is fifty, sixty or more years old. After flowering, the agave dies.

Agave at marker 13

At the bottom of the descent, the loop ends on Yaqui Pass Road, about 150 feet from the trailhead at the start of the loop. The nature trail guide is available at the trailhead, Tamarisk Grove Campgrounds, and the park visitor center an no charger. You are encouraged to return the pamphlet when you finish the hike so that it can be reused. To explore one of the other self-guided nature trail in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, check out Yaqui Well Trail, Elephant Trees Trail, or Narrows Earth Trail. The start of Yaqui Well Trail is just a few hundred feet down the road from the trailhead for Cactus Loop Trail and the two hikes can be easily combined for a great lesson in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park plants and history. Dogs and mountain bikes are not allowed on this trail. No fee or permit is required to hike Cactus Loop Trail, so get out and enjoy!

To get to the trailhead: From Christmas Circle in Borrego Springs, drive 5 miles southwest on Borrego Springs Road. Turn right on Route S3 (Yaqui Pass Road) and drive 6.5 miles south on Yaqui Pass Road. The trailhead is located on the right (west) side of the road across from Tamarisk Grove Campgrounds (if you reach Route 78, you went about 0.4 of a mile too far). There is roadside parking available at the trailhead.

Trailhead address: Yaqui Pass Road, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Julian, CA 92036
Trailhead coordinates: 33.138755, -116.37494

Use the map below to create your own directions:

Photos

 

                                                                           

These photos were taken in March of 2013. Click to enlarge.

 

Nearby Trails

 

	Yaqui Well Trail This 1.6-mile out and back hike on a self-guided nature trail explores area botany and history, crossing a wash to reach a rare desert water source.
	Kenyon Overlook Trail This 1.15-mile loop sets out from Yaqui Pass to reach an incredible viewpoint across Mescal Bajada.
	Narrows Earth Trail This 0.5-mile self-guided hike explores the geology of the park.
	The Slot This short hike descends through a narrow canyon beneath a natural rock span that is among the most photographed landmarks in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.
	Hellhole Canyon Trail to Maidenhair Falls This 5.5-mile hike visits a 20-foot waterfall in a canyon near Borrego Springs, making it the perfect place to cool off on a hot day in the California Desert.
	Panoramic Overlook Trail The 1-mile round trip hike ascends a ridge on the south side of Borrego Palm Canyon to sweeping views of the San Ysidro Mountains and Borrego Valley.
	Borrego Palm Canyon Trail This 3.25-mile loop visits a popular palm tree oasis in a canyon west of Borrego Springs.
	Hikes in the California Desert Explore more trails in Death Valley National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, and Mojave National Preserve.

 

Camping

 

	Tamarisk Grove Campgrounds This shaded 27-site campground is one of four developed campgrounds in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and the start of two self-guided nature trails.
	Anza-Borrego Desert Campgrounds There are four developed campgrounds, eight primitive campgrounds, and extensive roadside camping to accommodate your visit to California’s largest state park.

 

Wildflowers

 

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Wildflowers The desert bloom brings bursts of color to barrel cactus, beavertail cactus, ocotillo, and more.

 

More Info

 

Cactus Loop Trail in Hiking California’s Desert Parks by Bill and Polly Cunningham

Cactus Loop Trail on sandiegoreader.com

Cactus Loop Trail on mammaquail.blogspot.com

Cactus Loop Trail on thejoysofsimplelife.com

The official website for Anza-Borrego Desert State Park