Our route begins on Trailer Canyon fire road providing broad views over Santa Ynez Canyon and the surrounding mountains. But like nature and vacuums, we abhor fire roads. Thus, shortly after the hike begins we will leave the fire road and take a small, slightly overgrown use trail that passes a clay gully and crosses a lush ridge up to the Temescal Ridge trail. We’ll return along the fire road making a loop in the canyon.
We’ll soon meet up with Temescal Ridge trail and head over to Temescal Lookout. Our “NO FIREROAD RULE” will be in effect.
We’ll find some comfy spots among the ruins of an old ranger station/fire lookout and have our snack break. Our destination awaits us!
Along the way don’t forget to check out an old quarry marked by a single out of place palm tree juxtaposed against the indigenous chaparral.
HIKE IS ABOUT 5.5 MILES WITH ABOUT 1,200 FT TOTAL ASCENT AND IS RATED DIFFICULT DUE TO TERRAIN. SEE THE HIKE RATING GUIDE at https://www.meetuphikes.com/hike-rating-guide/
[Note: This hike was previously scheduled for last May 15. At that time Trailer canyon was closed due to Palisades fire and we had to change our starting point. Today we will hike it as originally planned]
DIRECTIONS
From Sunset Boulevard, half a mile east of PCH, head north on Palisades Drive. After 2.4 miles. Turn left onto Vereda de la Montura, (the same turnoff for the trailhead for hikes in Santa Ynez Canyon and Santa Ynez Falls) and make an immediate right on Michael Lane. Drive half a mile to the trailhead, which will be on the left (look for what looks like a private driveway). There is street parking available on Michael Lane.
Trail statistics are approximate. For safety purposes always assume they are underestimated. But don’t be disappointed if they are overestimated. Bring more water and snacks than you think you’ll need.
Trail descriptions are based on previous hikes. Current conditions are unknown until arrival. Expect the unexpected and plan accordingly.
✔The Organizers and members of Hiking With Dean are not professional leaders, guides, or mountaineers. The function of the member or organizer is only to organize the trip. Each person who shows up for a trip/meetup (and their guest or guests) is responsible for his or her own safety. By attending a hike, or any other event organized by this group, you are acknowledging that you and any guests that you bring are aware of the risks, dangers and hazards associated with the activity and freely accept and fully assume all such risks, dangers and hazards, and further agree to release and discharge the Organizers, Members of the Hiking With Dean Meetup Group from and against any and all liability arising from your participation in the group activities per our ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND LIABILITY WAIVER (see https://www.meetuphikes.com/liability-waiver) and Section 6.2 of the Meetup.com Terms of Service.