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A wonderful run up the mountain on an old fire road to Gaviota Peak.


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Map Key

3.0

Miles

4.9

KM

66%

Runnable

2,298' 701 m

High

317' 96 m

Low

2,036' 621 m

Up

54' 16 m

Down

13%

Avg Grade (7°)

23%

Max Grade (13°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Description

Gaviota Peak Fire Road runs from a small parking area just off the 101 up to Gaviota Peak. Along the way, you pass Trespass Trail at 0.25 miles and Gaviota Hot Springs trail at 0.5 miles before ending near the peak of Gaviota Mountain.

The trail is almost entirely wide doubletrack fire road which is closed off to motor vehicles. The only exceptions are two shortcuts early on. Those sections are optional and you can stay on the gravel road if you so choose.

The trail eventually crosses into the Los Padres National Forest at 1.5 miles where some maps show the name of the trail changing to Nina Pl, but it is all the same trail. As you climb there are multiple vantage points that offer views of the valley below. Each spot offers a higher perspective than the next. There is not much shade on this route, so be sure to wear sunscreen and bring plenty of water.

You'll know the trail has ended when you crest the hill and see the ocean. In total, you'll have ascended almost 2,000 feet. From here, you can take Trespass Trail to the southwest or continue on the fire road further into Los Padres National Forest.

Contacts

Shared By:

Luke Brisk

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 5 votes

#8480

Overall
  4.4 from 5 votes
5 Star
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4 Star
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3 Star
20%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#744

in California

#8,480

Overall
4 Views Last Month
1,483 Since Jul 9, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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Photos

Gaviota Hot Springs
Jul 16, 2015 near Buellton, CA
A view of the ocean from the top of the Gaviota Peak Fire Road
Jul 21, 2015 near Buellton, CA
View of the valley from the Gaviota Peak Fire Trail
Jul 21, 2015 near Buellton, CA
A view of the valley from a high vantage point on the Gaviota Peak Fire Raod
Jul 21, 2015 near Buellton, CA
Rocky section leading up the peak of Gaviota Mountain from Gaviota Peak Fire Road
Jul 21, 2015 near Buellton, CA
Fence closing off access to motor vehicles.
Jul 21, 2015 near Buellton, CA

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