No hike if raining.  Bring plenty of water. 

Meet in front of Starbucks La Cumbre Mall at 8am to carpool or 8:45am at  the trailhead.

Gaviota Peak – 8:45 at the trailhead.  This hike has been a big hit the times we've done it.  This is a very scenic but strenuous, longer hike to the 2,450 foot summit in the Santa Ynez Mountains, overlooking the Pacific coast west of Santa Barbara. Two trails form a loop: the steeper, more enclosed Gaviota Peak Trail on the way up and the slightly longer, more exposed, but scenic Trespass Trail on the way down.  Hikers can do the loop or do an out & back hike on Gaviota Peak Trail.

It is a about a 30 min drive from 101/154 to get to the trailhead (see the carpool information below), but you won't be disappointed by the spectacular views. It is more of a workout than most of our hikes, but not crazy by any means. Length: 3.1 miles (up the Gaviota Peak Trail), 3.4 miles (down the Trespass Trail) for a total of 6.5 miles. Elevation change: 2162 feet. We should be back a little after noon (~3 hour hike).  Also, it's only 15 minutes to Industrial Eats in Buellton for those interested in lunch.

Trail Map

Trail head directions

Directions:  We will meet in front of Starbucks at La Cumbre Mall at 8am to carpool.  If you prefer, you can meet us at the trailhead, which is about a 30-40 minute drive. The parking area is off of US 101 just past the tunnel--a right exit onto Hwy 1 at Vandenberg, then an immediate right on a short, no-name road to the trail head.  There is a $2 parking fee per car (cash only) and no dogs.  Use lots of sunscreen and bring a snack.

 Hike leader: Mike McCourt

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