Trip Description: Reid will lead the caravan from north county to the beautiful Lake Cachuma, in the Santa Ynez valley of Santa Barbara county. We will run the scenic West Camino Cielo trail. Accessing this trail from the East (Hwy 154) will offer an easy trail that can be navigated by SUVs and some 2WD vehicles. After mile marker five,  the trail changes drastically, and depending on the maintenance of the trail, could be impassible. Turning around on the west half of this trail is very difficult with few pullouts.This trail is used primarily by forest service communication contractors to access the many antenna dishes along the route, and county fire to maintain fire brakes. There is an old camping spot at the five-mile mark that makes a great location for having lunch and getting off the trail for some shade during the hot weather.

Sightseeing/Activities including Nojoqui Falls Park, Wine Tasting lunch or dinner at Historic Cold Springs Tavern.

Camping will be at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area is a 9,000-acre scenic park in the Santa Ynez Valley, California (off Highway 154), offering fishing, boating, and extensive camping options like cabins, yurts, and RV hookups. Managed by Santa Barbara County, it features a nature center, hiking trails, a marina, and a restaurant, making it a popular family destination for outdoor recreation. Join for a memorable weekend!

Make your reservations for you campsite ASAP. Reid and Jonathan have reserved site #573 and #553 in the Mohawk section, a more private area.

Rating: Easy to Moderate.

Time & Place to Meet:

• Saturday, May 30th, 8:00 am, Depart: 8:30 am

• Aliso Creek Rest Area, located on Interstate 5 North, approximately 5.8 miles north of Oceanside. Please arrive fueled up.

What to bring:

• Required:

◦ Camping gear

◦ Meals and snacks for both days.

◦ Drinking water (Gallon per day per person, consider pet’s needs if applicable)

◦ All-terrain tires and full-sized spare

◦ Any necessary tire changing tools, including anti-theft lug nut keys

◦ Any emergency & recovery gear you may have

◦ Sufficient fuel for your vehicle

◦ Firewood for campfire-fueled stories

• Recommended:

◦ Family and dog

◦ Sunscreen and hat

◦ Amateur 2m radio with external antenna (very highly recommended)

Frequency: 2M: 147.580 MHz
RSVP/Register: Sign up below
Trail Leader: Reid Godfrey