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This run takes you along the southern edge of Cachuma Lake.


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Map Key

2.5

Miles

4.0

KM

92%

Runnable

902' 275 m

High

761' 232 m

Low

353' 108 m

Up

280' 85 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

18%

Max Grade (10°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Lake · Views

Description

Starting from the parking area at Harvey's Cove on Cachuma Lake, this trail heads westward along a paved, wheelchair access route for about 100 yards. You'll quickly reach a picnic area on your right that lies just ahead of the Harvey Cove dock. Passing the picnic area, you'll continue along the Sweetwater Trail by following the path, which is now dirt, as it borders the cove for 1/4 of a mile. The trail will then angle to the left into a forested oak area.

After running for a little over a mile you'll reach Sweetwater Cove, which hosts a picnic area above the lake. From here the path joins a dirt road and starts to make its way back to Highway 154 before once again becoming a footpath and turning back toward the lake. You'll then run through another small oak forest before reaching Vista Point, which offers great views of the lake, the Santa Ynez Mountains, and the the San Rafael range. This point also marks the end of the trail. You can then return to Harvey's Cove along the same route.

Thanks to John McKinney, The Trailmaster, for sharing this trail description. To learn more about trails in California, check out his guides at The Trailmaster Store.

Flora & Fauna

Depending on the season you could see any of these birds: bald eagles, geese, canvasback ducks, buffleheads, woodpeckers, goldfinches, juncos, sparrows, western bluebirds, and the great blue heron.

Contacts

Shared By:

John McKinney

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 3 votes

#12081

Overall
  4.0 from 3 votes
5 Star
33%
4 Star
33%
3 Star
33%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#1,192

in California

#12,081

Overall
10 Views Last Month
1,742 Since Aug 2, 2017
Intermediate Intermediate

0%
33%
67%
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Photos

Sweetwater Trail wildflowers at Cachuma Lake.
Aug 2, 2017 near Santa Ynez, CA
Sweetwater Trail at Cachuma Lake.
Aug 2, 2017 near Santa Ynez, CA
Beautiful views out across Lake Cachuma!
Aug 2, 2017 near Santa Ynez, CA

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 28 days ago
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