Little Pine Mountain via Santa Cruz Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Commonly Backpacked · Geological Significance · Historical Significance · River/Creek · Spring · Views · Wildflowers

Want to experience the the best of the southern Los Padres National Forest in one trail? This is your run! Begin by a creek with unique geology, climb up thin trail along rock walls built by hardy crews during the 1930s, and camp in a hollow depression atop a peak among the pine trees.

There is an $8 parking fee, paid at the kiosk upon entering the USFS area.

Beginning at Upper Oso campground, hike up the fire road labeled as Camuesa Rd for .5 mile before splitting off onto Santa Cruz Trail. The next 2 miles are beside the creek, offering views of serpentine rock, big sandstone walls, and the occasional volcanic plug.

Once leaving the river bottom, the trail begins to climb up towards the peak via many long switchbacks on shales and sandstones. Some sections are quite steep, and the tread can be unstable in places. The conditions can also change a lot from season to season, as storms can wash out parts of it. Be aware of this and use caution.

When you finally reach Alexander Saddle you'll get another huge view into the valley to the north. From here, Pine Mountain is well within reach. A steep but manageable set of switchbacks leads into Happy Hollow campground--set amidst pine trees in a depression near Little Pine's summit. Camp here, using the convenient fire pits and tables (no water). In the morning, then head back down the trail the way you came for a sunrise looking over the Santa Ynez mountains and Pacific Ocean.

Begins near a creek with flowers, heads up into chaparral and sage scrub, and into pine forest at the very summit.

Built during 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps.