Hurricane Deck (Western Part)

Start at Nira, up Potrero Trail and turn west toward Manzana Schoolhouse along Hurricane Deck, then from Manzana Schoolhouse, return along Manzana river.

About 18 miles

There is something about Hurricane Deck that fascinates everyone. Maybe it is the name. Maybe it is the way it looms over anyone who hikes in the area for miles and miles. Maybe it is the element of the "extreme adventure" because it is so hard to get to, so dry and hot, and without water. You really push your body and mind to the limit up there, while also enjoying beautiful 180 degree views.

The trail is barely maintained at all. I think the Forest Service would prefer that the trail fall into disrepair and close up with brush permanently. They probably get tired of sending rescue squads, and they probably sit behind desks so much that it's too hard for them to get there themselves to keep it maintained.

Some things to consider while hiking the Deck:

• Should you decide to camp on Hurricane Deck and make it a two day hike, do not make a fire. This place will set on fire like a blowtorch!
• Don't forget to bring a few gallons of water for your camp. There is no water on Hurricane Deck. You can fill up at the Schoolhouse end or down on Lost Valley trail or at the White Ledge end, but on top, you will have no water at all any time of year. You can stash water on Hurricane Deck a week in advance if this concerns you.
• You should probably consider bringing a pair of clippers or even a small saw. You will most likely need to hack your way through here or there. The brush is very scratchy, so bring appropriate clothes and gloves, too.

You will need an Adventure Pass to park at the trailhead.

Hurricane Deck (the entire thing) Updates

Update trail conditions

Posted: January 31, 2012, 6:32 am
by: toejam

Jan 29 I hiked up the Deck using the Potrero Trail. At the top I hiked east to the second-highest point enjoying the views. Then back down the west end and was lucky enough to have Manzana Schoolhouse camp to myself. The trail on top of the Deck is generally a faint but well-trodden path that stays close to the edge of the cliff. Way down the west end it veers to right (north) through the brush and is narrow but easy enough to follow. When it finally leaves the ridge line in the oak trees and grass, it gently switches back down the steep slope and is criss-crossed by game trails.

It's a great overnighter from Nira to the Schoolhouse via the Deck and back up the Manzana. As stated previously, the counter-clockwise loop is advised. It's a tough hike and you'll be thinking of the luxuries of camp when you are still miles away, but don't lose your concentration!

Posted: November 27, 2011, 11:33 am
by: Bernard Mines

Hiked Hurricane Deck yesterday starting at Davy Brown. As a post Thanksgiving adventure with my friends Terry, Henk, and Angie. I told them this was a moderate difficulty for a long day hike.


Since everyone else was taking pictures, I just hauled my butt down to the School House all by myself. Ate an early lunch and took a nap. The others finally met me there. Trail was smooth sailing all the way down to the School House. I usually complain when I'm sold hiking shoes or boots with goretex as I figure its mostly unnecessary around here. Well today for a change I was very glad. I did not count the crossings but there must have been 20, and my feet were dry.

I wonder about that Mr. Wheaton the crazy religious wacko who started this community. Apparently he was the post master for a little while that is until they discovered he was illiterate. Odious enough so that his neighbors closed the road which finally drove him and his clan out of the area. Apparently back in the 19th C. they used to call all these odd religious types under the collective name of Mormon. Thus Mormon camp on the Sisquoc. I wonder if they practiced snake handling and speaking in tongues. Or like the mormons of that era murdering people passing buy that were not armed to the teeth and careful.

Anyhow from School house up was really nice as I remembered it. Its much more overgrown since the last time I hiked it. The ground kind of squishes under your feet as you compress it. Shady green with these amazing views as you get towards the top of the Sisquoc down below.

Eventually we get towards the sun exposed part. And start pushing thru. This time around was much tougher going than I remembered it last year. I think a big part of that was who I was hiking with. Everyone else was much faster than me so I was struggling to keep up. If I'd been by myself I would have set a slightly slower pace and it would not have been as tiring. That upper section is looking less and less like trail. I'm not sure I'd call it a trail exactly anymore. Not with all the growth on it, and the uncompressed tread. It reminds me of those trails like way way back that never get hiked anymore like the one going by Bill Farris. Its not that there is not a trail, but without maintenance it just sort of degenerates into this archaeological relic of a trail. In this case I'd say 80% is easily defined but you have to constantly push thru shrubs and that bushy post fire stuff. The chaparral is starting to grow back now so its tougher going, I got plenty of scrapes on my legs. I think what it is too is I'm in worse shape, so when you're climbing up those steep sections pushing thru the shrubs and branches its much harder than just hiking up a steep trail.

When we made it to the final hill near the intersection with the Potrero trail we took a break feeling really tired. But water and cheese can do amazing things for you. When we got up to do the rest of the trail it was really magic. We had this beautiful pink sunset and the sky turned violet, and as I looked over to that golden grassy hillside crowned in sage green chaparel growing on top, with a violet sky and bright pink contrails, it felt like I was in Marioland.

So we turned the corner and started heading down the Potrero trail eventually making it to the creek. I retreived my can of beer relaxing in the river and it went down very nicely. We made it to the cars at 7 PM. Where I shared pumpkin pie bars with everyone.

I'd say I was glad we had the extra 5 miles or so from the top to the cars, because otherwise it would have felt like a really difficult trail. But after walking out the last 5 miles it seemed easier.

I'd say the next time I hike this I'm going to do it the opposite direction. That way the up hill section is all on a fairly well maintained trail. That way you hike the deck going mostly downhill, so it will be much less tiring.

Posted: February 9, 2011, 8:21 am
by: Gravityh

Here are the tracks from the fastpack. You can download the GPX file from Garmin Connect.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/67415091

Posted: February 7, 2011, 11:36 pm
by: Gravityh

Hiked in from Cedros Saddle on Saturday 2/5 on the Sulphur Springs Trail. Some washouts gullies up top and some deadfall on this trail toward the bottom but passable. Made our way to Manzana Schoolhouse and then followed the Sisquoc all the way to South Fork. Too many stream crossings to count with most knee deep, placed a number of flags for those that will follow, spectacular views and managed to finish the hike on the first day in about 11 hours. Day 2: up with the sun and made our way to White Ledge and then up to the Hurricane Deck. Navigation was challenging on the lower section of this trail but found the trail using the GPS and some old flags. We placed a number of flags as well. Much of the trail goes through thick Chaparral and it was very slow going to Lost Valley Trail.. Found this next section challenging, including a nice size Southern Pacific Rattlesnake, although the flags placed a few weeks prior by Bryon helped... even the orange tape on the towel was interesting....We arrived at Potrero trail close to 2Pm and decided that we were low on water, had enough bush wacking for the day and wanted to get back to the car before sunset. We ran down this well maintained trail finding two more rattlers, although smaller, and finally down to Manzana Creek to rehydrate and cool down. A casual run back to the junction of Sulfur Springs trail and back up the long climb to Cedros Saddle. First day way about 27 miles, second day about 25. We traveled relatively light with packs at about 17-20 pounds depending on our water volume. We will have to go back to finish the Deck in the coming months. Pictures can be found here:
http://jonathanstewart.smugmug.com/Sports/Ultra-running/San-Rafael-Wilderness-Sisquoc/15747065_JuqVp#1180577806_AdByk

Howard

Posted: January 19, 2011, 12:36 am
by: Bryan

Hiked the Central Deck Loop from Lost Valley west and down Potrero on Jan 15,2011. I was expecting much worse. There is still plenty of brush to plow through but all in all the trail is followable and doesn't require much if any crawling, which is a great thing when talking about the Deck. The key is to look low in the brush for old cuts and follow those through the tricky sections. If you think you are lost, backtrack to where you know you aren't and then look for the correct route. That and bring loppers, if you can, to help out for the next group.

Posted: November 14, 2010, 2:44 pm
by: Bernard Mines

Terry and I hiked Hurricane Deck yesterday.

Started out going to the School House. Had lunch and decided to investigate Mr. Vaca's trail plow work. He has bragged about dragging the entire Western section from the Potrero trail intersection down to the School House.

Its funny bc the last time I was actually able to even find the trail was about 25 years ago when I did this with my mom's church group, what I remember were a bunch of green horns that got so dehydrated they were dry heaving. I was the only one who brought water. And when we made it up to the deck, the chaparal very quickly led us to turn around. That was the last time.

This time it was very different. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the trail was exactly where it should be, and it was paved in 4 inch green grass and just beautiful shady trail climbing up to the more exposed section. Its very reminiscent of the 40 mile wall as you come down to Santa Cruz station. This time I brought really very little water as I had not really anticipated hiking the deck, we just thought we'd poke around a bit. In fact for the trip I only had 1 liter of water, and I drank 3/4 of it at lunch so I did not have much water. But I'm pretty used to this sort of thing and a little dehydration is not that big a deal for me. Anyhow we thought this was a good opportunity, and since Mr. Vaca's excellent plow work had redefined the trail I wanted to see if we could make it to the Potrero trail and then down to the Manzana. Due to lack of water though if the going got too tough I was going to turn around.

The trail was clear and great for the first 1.5 miles or so. Then it just sort of disappeared. The going was pretty easy all in all. Most of the trail was in an exposed type area which is dominated more by grass and there were not those burned tough branches that are always so difficult to get through, instead just big bushy post fire growth, with a bit of chamise just now starting to grow out. When we lost trail I told Terry that if we were not able to find trail I was going to turn around. If we had to bushwack it becomes so much more difficult. Terry really really wanted to push forward, she said: "Bernard, lets give it 10 minutes or so." I agreed. And we pushed up the first big hill like rise and found the tread again. From here to the Potrero it was pretty straight forward. The tread was either visible, or if it was not visible, you could push through without too much difficulty. The last climb was the hardest. And I changed out of my teva sandles for the downhill section to Potrero Camp. We got down at about dusk, and I spotted a herd of goats. This was Mike and his crew. Not the Mike Smith of the LPFA but the other Mike. The guy that says he likes to do the cooking, but not the raking. We chatted amiably. I drank a liter of Manzana river water after treating it with my steri pen, and then Mike offered me more that his pack carried. I had another half liter and we made it back to the trail head an hour after dark.

All in all a great day. If I'd had the forsight to bring more water I would have rated this on the easier side of strenuous day hikes. Not quite as hard as Whitney Portal, but a good long slog. Really enjoyable.

Thank you Mr. Vaca you've done an excellent job. But it could and should be rescraped. I'd also like to see more people hike this trail, as the tread needs some compression so if a few groups hiked this this season the tread would be better established. Particularly that lower section that goes down to the Schoolhouse.

Posted: May 10, 2010, 10:00 pm
by: codycolor2

I started out my venture on Sunday hoping to be able to to do a in and out all day hike of 25.1 miles starting at Nira and proceeding on the Lost Valley Trail to Hurricane Deck Trail to White Ledge Trail to Manzana Trail which ends at Nira. There is lots of "hunting" for the trail after the final creek crossing on the Lost Valley Trail. I made a arrow out of rocks pointing towards the trail which takes you up the mountain. I got all the way to the Hurricane Deck Trail then boom! where did the trail go? I got frustrated and since I had never been in that area before no need to push my time limits so I turned back. Next time I will start on a Saturday and over night it at White Ledge if I need to. I will also bring some pruners and handsaw for the 4.4 miles of Hurricane Deck Trail. Luckily no encounters with rattle snakes; although I did come across a garder snake and a gopher snake and 3 horny toads. If anyone wants to do this loop with me hit me up.

Posted: April 12, 2010, 8:45 am
by: toejam

I walked the Deck from Whiteledge to Manzana Schoolhouse April 10. The trail from Whiteledge to where it finally hits the ridge about 3 miles up is not easy to follow. Then there are some badly overgrown spots all the way to the Big Bend Trail, which I never saw cuz I got off route. I stumbled to the high point about 1:00 and stopped for lunch exhausted. The rest of the hike was more enjoyable and there was no problem following the route all the way to the Sisquoc.

The view from most of the ridge is world class and the western half had a nice display of wildflowers. I saw nobody on a Saturday, although there were about a dozen groups of scouts on the Manzana. Dress in heavy clothes and bring loppers and a saw if you are hiking the eastern end.

I really enjoyed camping at Whiteledge and Manzana Schoolhouse, but hated hiking in soggy boots all the way back to Nira. Running shoes would have been a better choice on the lower Manzana this time of year - had to cross it 30 times.

Posted: March 15, 2009, 4:09 pm
by: scottgrafton

Four of us ran the Potrero/Deck/Lost Valley loop March 14, 2009. The trail was in good shape. A million times better than both recent rumors and the last time I was on it (1977).

Potrero meadow is greening up nicely, but no spring. Trail up to the deck is wide open and burn section is easy to follow. Washouts are repaired beautifully, although it would still be unwise with a pack animal.

The western 2/3 of the deck is passed pretty much "on the edge", usually staying as far to the south as possible within the fire clearings, and without falling off. FUN!

From Big bend trail junction (Near the mystery bedframe) one traverses through the manzanita and white oak across the North side, but it is not that bad. We ran with clippers and opened up some of the overgrowth, and left plenty behind for others to cut in the future.

The only true nasty section is the double switch back on the north side of peak 4000', 1/2 mile west of the Lost Valley/Hurricane junction. It needs big loppers or a hand saw to get cleared properly. However, with some ducking and patience it is readily passed.

Lost Valley is wide open all the way down if you don't mind dodging burnt manzanita. There was water at the Pine tree, at the waterfalls heading into the valley above Castle, at the Spring on the road and in the creek all the way down Lost Valley.

9 hours of run/walking/clipping. A gorgeous day!

Wild Peonies everywhere.

Bring pants!

Posted: January 12, 2009, 10:32 am
by: ptsal

Hiked from Manzana Schoolhouse up the deck trail to Potrero trail and back to Nira. The trail is in great condition except for losing my way a couple of times on the north facing slopes as the trail switchbacks up out of the Sisquoc river valley. There were some downed oak trees or big fallen branches on the trail. The trail scars themselves became hard to follow as you approach the burn area. It needs to have a little TLC in that area and then the West Deck will be stellar! The switchback section was also "tick city" so keep that in mind. Zero ticks in the burn area so that's a plus. The burn area trail is wide open and very little difficulty following the trail. I was extremely dismayed though that the star thistle is absolutely EVERYWHERE, even on the deck. It's too bad and it seems like we are stuck with this nasty invader. I was up there Jan 11, 09. The flowers are starting to open. The honeybees were going nuts on the flowering manzanita bushes. Only saw one mushroom, a puffball on the Potrero trail. Not in edible condition, too old. No wind, bright sunshine temps were about 80 degrees. Brought 3 liters of water and drank every drop. Great hike!