Rocky Pine Ridge, the short way.
Rating:
[out of 5] |   |
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| For: | Some boulder-hopping involved, and possiblity to lose the trail. |
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Mist in the boulders and pines on Rocky Pine Ridge
Warning: Short does not mean it easy.
It is short and steep, vs. long and steep which is how to describe all
the other ways to get to Rocky Pine Ridge, of which there are many. And
this hike offers many oppportunities to get lost. Don't try this hike
if your navigational abilities are doubtful.
A little exploration on Tunnel Trail and the Rattlesnake Connector and
you just may find some of the other ways to get there. But those trails
are left to your own discovery.
Rocky Pine Ridge is one of the most beautiful places that overlooks
Santa Barbara. The rock formations are amazing - smooth, rounded sandstone
boulders that jut into the sky along the top of the mountains surrounded
by large pine trees. You can explore the rocks and do a little boulder
climbing. Find a cave and imagine the native Americans from long ago inhabiting
the same places. Or just sit and look at the sweeping views that stretch
from Oxnard to Gaviota and out into the Channel Islands and beyond while
enjoying the sound of the wind in the pines.
The trail begins at the junction of Gibralter Rd and East Camino Cielo
Rd.
The trailhead is not marked and is a little hard to find. But once found,
the trail is easy to follow most of the way, until you get to the boulders
where you have to do a little climbing and keep your eyes alert to signs
of the trail. A good way to stay alert is to look for the signs that others
have come this way, such as looking for bootprints in the sand.
Blue Canyon Updates
Update trail conditions
Posted: March 19, 2007, 12:59 pm
by: bobcat
My family did a quick overnight down into Cottam from the west end of Blue Canyon (via Forbush) over Presidents weekend. Lots of boyscouts at Forbush and major evidence of motorcycle abuse all the way into Cottam, definitely some trail damage. Would be great to catch the perpetraitors in the act! Otherwise, trail is in great shape, good H20, good ticks, POak just starting to come on.
Posted: February 18, 2007, 6:52 am
by: axel
I hiked the trail from Forebush, to Cottam, then down to the Santa Ynez river. The trail is easy to follow and plenty of water is flowing in the creeks. The ticks are the only distraction. I followed the river down to the Mono/Forebush trail then back up to the crest via the Forebush trail. A great loop trip during low water flow conditions at the river. The trail up to Forebush is in generally excellent condition and the water is flowing to create some beautiful clear pools.
Posted: April 25, 2006, 8:37 pm
by: Beerman67
Took my wife on her first backpack trip, I wanted her to experience the great outdoors. So we started on upper blue canyon off east camino cielo. We hiked into blue canyon camp. The upper portion you can tell is barely traveled due to the trail being less maintained and less traveled. Saw fresh scat, and then heard a growl above cottam. On our way out, we saw 2 turkey vultures feeding on a dead skunk. Found a large jaw bone, not sure what it was from. Saw a few snakes and of course the ticks. All in all, a great Earth Day...
Posted: January 17, 2006, 2:10 pm
by: BSA Troop 42
We backpacked part of Blue Canyon on 16 January 2006. Cross-country from Camuesa Road near P-Bar Flats to the end of Blue Canyon, where it meets the Santa Ynez River. The Blue Canyon Trail from the River to Cottam Camp is in reasonable shape. The trail up to Forbush Flat Camp and then on to East Camino Cielo is very good overall. Flowing water at Cottam and Forbush Flat Camps; some of Fred’s apples are still on the tree. Thank you to those who maintain the trails and camps.
Posted: March 23, 2005, 7:24 pm
by: Diane
Post your update here.
