Trespass Trail

Dogs No Dogs

Features Cave · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Trespass Trail starts from the Gaviota Peak Fire Road and heads to the top of Gaviota Mountain, then descends back to Gaviota Peak Fire Road. The first part of the trail features some doubletrack sections, but those lessen in frequency as you ascend, and by the half way point, it is all singletrack. There are great views all along the trail of the valley, mountains, and the ocean. While the trail starts in Gaviota State Park, it quickly crosses into the Los Padres National Forest.

Most of the trail in is in the good shape aside from a few sections that are a bit washed out. There is an especially bad section located next to the small set of wind caves near mile 2.5. Prior to the mountain peak around mile 3, the trail narrows as scrub brush attempts to take over the trail. There is also and old barbed wire fence hiding in the brush on the north side of the trail, so be sure not to wonder off.

At 3.2 miles, you reach the apex of Gaviota Mountain at an elevation of 2,458 feet. From the start of the trail to its highest point, you'll have ascended almost 2,000 feet. This vantage point offers 360-degree views of the ocean and valley below.

The last 0.2 miles is a rocky descent before the Trespass Trail ends at the Gaviota Peak Fire Road.