Jesusita Trail to Inspiration Point
Rating:
[out of 5] |   |
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| For: | 1200 ft. elevation gain, some steep parts |
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One Baby Blue Eye on the North side of Arroyo Burro Trail
This hike starts at the Cater water treatment plant at the end of San Roque Rd. It's possible to start at the other end of the trail, which junctions with Tunnel Trail (see Inspiration Pt). Since the end of the trail is just a junction with another trail, this hike description goes to an overlook called Inspiration Point instead of covering the entire trail.
This hike can be a challenge at 7 miles round trip. It's a beautiful hike in the shade that starts in riparian environs and ends up in the lower chaparral on a level ridge with a lovely and close view of Santa Barbara.
The hike is moderately steep at times 7 miles round trip with an aproximate 1200ft
elevation gain.
Jesusita and Inspiration Point Updates
Update trail conditions
Posted: October 5, 2007, 9:22 pm
by: BillV
The text in the description "It gets a little confusing right away as you come around a curve" isn't as clear as it could be. It's more like "as you reach an open meadow". The narrower path to the left looked like a side trail so I went ahead on the wider path that gradually becomes a road. This was a mistake. The trail goes to the left and runs between the creek and the meadow.
The trail was in generally good condition. I was impressed with the picnic table (which isn't submerged any more) and the drinking fountain but I'm unimpressed with people who think it's enough to bag the poop and leave it next to the trail. I've also seen this on other trails. I hike with a dog and it's a minor inconvenience to carry the bag out.
Posted: August 13, 2007, 9:52 am
by: jkercher
Zaca Fire Update *Tunnel Trail Closed as of 8/11/07*
Be Advised - The county announced the closure of tunnel trail in this news release dated Saturday, 8/11:
http://countyofsb.org/documents/07_08_11ZacaUpdate200pm.pdf
Posted: June 25, 2007, 6:14 pm
by: dylyluv
Not exactly challenging for experienced hikers, it's easy accessibility for Santa Barbarans (particularly downtown dwellers) makes this a popular, though not crowded hike. Dog owners are generally very responsible, though at times I'll see deposits along the Edison paved road. Generally a very clean trail.
Dramatic examples of root wedging along near-vertical stratified siltstone and sandstone exist along the paved section as well, and few striking, huge, aloe-looking plants along the ridge on the way to the trail section of the hike.
Lots of canopy cover at the beginning of the trail, so I suspect this is a safe hike even if the temperature hits 90 degrees F.
Occasional snakes populate the top third of the trail, but I haven't seen anything dangerous. Lots of cute lizards.
I haven't seen mountain bike treads along the path for a while.
Posted: January 1, 2007, 9:09 am
by: gogirlzz
Beautiful,slightly hazy, cool day(46 degrees at 8am) with no breeze,near perfect conditions. Jesusita Trail to Inspiration Point was busy but not crowded. Saw a lot of well behaved dogs, and people were courteous and cheerful.Trail was cleared and well maintained, with a new switchback cut into the hill to replace the older eroded trail. It made the climb a lot smoother.Creek crossings were comfortable, with enough water to make the woods sparkle.Fun to crunch though the golden sycamore leaves blanketing the trail creekside. Saw a hillside of cape ivy (I think) blooming and some chapparal nightshade, I'm trying to learn the flowers so be patient. Also a suprise on the path was a baby gopher snake.Breeze came up as we left around 1pm. Commendation to the responsible dog owners who keep the trail nice and clean.
Posted: April 24, 2006, 1:01 pm
by: jbaysurfer
This trail is still passable, but try to wait 3+ days after a rain, otherwise it can be treacherous. Lot's of rain = lots of growth= beautiful foliage and lots of poison oak! This trail is notorious for Poison oak anyway, so this year will be itchy! In a couple of spots it's growing right across the trail. If you don't know what to look for, check the photos linked from this site. Keep 'em clean, pack out what you bring in (and maybe some other trash you find along the way).
Posted: June 7, 2005, 9:00 pm
by: Anonymous
Just wondering if anyone knows if there are any upcoming plans to work on the lower section of this trail. It's getting REALLY overgrown with thistle! Would love to be involved in helping to clear it, as my dogs and I hike it nearly every day.
Posted: April 25, 2005, 4:09 pm
by: Anonymous
There are a couple places where the trail has slipped down the hill leaving a narrow passage - still totally manageable. Near the top there are spots where the trail is a little overgrown - both high and low - but not too bad. I like this trail because there's tons of shade.
Posted: March 23, 2005, 7:15 pm
by: Diane
Post your update here.
