Yesterday we (Laural, Kathy, Lorna, Jim, and I) set out to attempt Gaviota Peak. A 6.2-mile hike, following the Trespass Trail to the summit and then descending via the Gaviota Peak Trail. A counterclockwise loop with an elevation gain right around 2,160 feet. Although, with our unintentional detour we added about 330 additional feet in elevation gain and almost an additional 1.8 miles. Making the total elevation gain about 2,500 feet and total miles right around eight miles.

We started our trek right around 7am and made quick time on the dirt road, which was recently grated. However, since I wasn’t really paying attention because I was doing more storytelling than navigating, we missed our intersecting trail that would have taken us directly to the summit. Instead, we embarked on an off-trail journey that included lot of overgrown brush, brush busting, “tons” of ticks, and several tricky washouts and boulder avalanche crossings. Of course, once I realized we missed our turn (.9 miles down a draw), we had to turn back and go back up the draw, traversing the same rough terrain we had just fought through.

Once back on the trail it was an easy uphill trek to Balter Rock, The Wind Caves, Linda Lookout and of course the summit. At this point we were the only hikers on trail and the only hikes at the summit. Looking at the summit register though; it was obvious that dozens of hikers had completed the journey between March and May.

Our route down was quick and easy, although there were several areas that are overgrown. There was one area, where the trail intersected with the dirt road, that was roped off and a ditch about two and a half feet deep and two feet wide cut across the trail. That said, on the left side of the ditch there is a bridge of sorts where you can cross. Just be sure to step over the poison oak. Coming down we ran into about a dozen hikers heading up to the summit using the clockwise route. Personally, I would recommend doing the counterclockwise route.

Once again, a great trail, a great day and another Six Pack of Peaks Challenge Completed. Challenge number three for 2023 (San Diego Six Pack, SoCal Six Pack and the Central Coast Six Pack). One more to go. Las Vegas Six Pack of Peaks Challenge, here I come! 😉 😉