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Happy Hikers: Grass Mountain/Lover's Loop

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Happy Hikers: Grass Mountain/Lover's Loop

When
April 13, 2018
7:30 AM
Location
Santa Barbara Mission

No hike if raining. Bring plenty of water. Come see the wildflowers.

Meet at the Mission at 7.30am to car pool or 8.30am at the trailhead

This is a Friday meetup – no need to register.

We're off to see some wildflowers, and there will be two options. For those who enjoy the challenge of a tougher hike, there's Grass Mountain. Although it's only 5.3 miles, this is not an easy hike (2400' of elevation gain ) and is probably more at the high end of the strenuous scale due to steepness towards the end. If you prefer something a little easier, Lover's Loop is 3.7 miles with about 700' of elevation gain. We can't guarantee what the wildflowers will look like this year, but the picture above was taken on April 5th so the timing seems to be good.

Grass Mountain: The Grass Mountain Trail begins at the trailhead at Birabent Bridge on Figueroa Mountain Drive from Los Olivos and wanders a short distance along Birabent Creek. From the creek bed it's a steady and steep uphill grind to get to the top. The payoff is beautiful views of the Figueroa Mountain area and quite possibly the best show of wildflowers in the area--we hope to see fields of poppies and purple lupine. This hike requires an excellent level of trail fitness due to the steep elevation gain . Bring plenty of water, some electrolyte replenishment and some snacks. From the trailhead to the top of Grass Mountain is a steep 2.65 mile uphill climb. This is an up and back trail, and if one wants to avoid the steep part at the end, there is a nice turnaround point under a large, shady oak.

Lover's Loop: This loop shares the same trailhead and we will all walk together for a short distance before the trails diverge. Lover's Loop travels through the foothills, traversing meadows and oak forests. There will be flowers along the way along with views of Grass Mountain in the distance. The full hike is under 4 miles, with moderate elevation gain. This is a very popular hike in the area.

Directions: We will car pool from the Mission at 7:30am, traveling up Highway 154 (San Marcos Pass) beyond the rotary to Figueroa Mountain Road, which is directly across from Grand Ave. in Los Olivos. Turn right and drive approximately 6.7 miles, passing the entrance to Midland School at around 5 miles and continuing to the cattle guard crossing at the sharp right turn. Parking is on both sides of Figueroa Mountain Road. The best parking may be the pullout area just BEFORE the cattle guard. Permits are available at the trailhead. You need to fill out a permit form, leave the tear away part of the one page form in the box and put the top half on your dashboard.

Hike leaders: Janet Martin and Chip Gierhart

This will not be a regular hike, but is a once-a-year hike to see the wildflowers.

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