by riatch » Mon Feb 05, 2018 6:16 pm
Date Hiked: February 2, 2018
General Condition: Passable (some brush and/or deadfalls, tread evident)
We started at Highway 1 and hiked up to Coast Ridge Road and back. I would rate the trail as somewhere between "Passable" and "Difficult." Unlike the section of trail awaiting you, the beginning section of road has a reasonable grade. It's been a few years since I've done the de Angulo and I don't remember some of the domiciles being so trashy. There's also seems to be more non-native invasive plants than before, but maybe I'm more aware of such things in my old age.
Shortly after turning left (north) off of the road and onto the well-marked trail, we encountered genista and slipping tread. There's been some good work on the trail, but the removal of the genista looks to be a significant challenge. It needs to be pulled out by its roots which requires an uprooting tool for the larger shrubs. The genista can harbor ticks, so be sure to check yourself periodically. Once past the genista sections, the hiker will encounter various forms of detritus (such as a child's toy ATV and an old rusted panel truck) before dropping down into the shaded canyon. Recently placed flagging will help you to stay on the trail as your climb begins again in earnest. We clambered over a few deadfalls along the way. It's always the middle sections of Ventana trails that need the most work. The last mile up to the coast ridge is in pretty good shape though the brief faltering section of an exposed rocky outcrop requires focus ... especially on the way down. I took time to admire the views west towards Torre Canyon and the Boronda trail up to Timbertop. One can see how Jaime de Angulo fell in love with the area. As you approach the ridge, you can't help but notice how repeated fire cycles and back burns have decimated the ponderosa pine population. Massive snags, while pretty in their own way, bear testament to a landscape altered by climate change and the ravages of wildfire.
Mercifully, the final approach to the coast ridge contours to the west allowing the hiker to catch his breath after what has been a nearly relentless climb on a steep grade. Once on the ridge, you are now rewarded with awesome views revealing Pico Blanco to the north and the iconic Ventanas in the interior. Mt. Olmstead, now nearly devoid of trees, looms above Logwood Creek.
- Attachments
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- snags
[b]Date Hiked:[/b] February 2, 2018
[b]General Condition:[/b] Passable (some brush and/or deadfalls, tread evident)
We started at Highway 1 and hiked up to Coast Ridge Road and back. I would rate the trail as somewhere between "Passable" and "Difficult." Unlike the section of trail awaiting you, the beginning section of road has a reasonable grade. It's been a few years since I've done the de Angulo and I don't remember some of the domiciles being so trashy. There's also seems to be more non-native invasive plants than before, but maybe I'm more aware of such things in my old age.
Shortly after turning left (north) off of the road and onto the well-marked trail, we encountered genista and slipping tread. There's been some good work on the trail, but the removal of the genista looks to be a significant challenge. It needs to be pulled out by its roots which requires an uprooting tool for the larger shrubs. The genista can harbor ticks, so be sure to check yourself periodically. Once past the genista sections, the hiker will encounter various forms of detritus (such as a child's toy ATV and an old rusted panel truck) before dropping down into the shaded canyon. Recently placed flagging will help you to stay on the trail as your climb begins again in earnest. We clambered over a few deadfalls along the way. It's always the middle sections of Ventana trails that need the most work. The last mile up to the coast ridge is in pretty good shape though the brief faltering section of an exposed rocky outcrop requires focus ... especially on the way down. I took time to admire the views west towards Torre Canyon and the Boronda trail up to Timbertop. One can see how Jaime de Angulo fell in love with the area. As you approach the ridge, you can't help but notice how repeated fire cycles and back burns have decimated the ponderosa pine population. Massive snags, while pretty in their own way, bear testament to a landscape altered by climate change and the ravages of wildfire.
Mercifully, the final approach to the coast ridge contours to the west allowing the hiker to catch his breath after what has been a nearly relentless climb on a steep grade. Once on the ridge, you are now rewarded with awesome views revealing Pico Blanco to the north and the iconic Ventanas in the interior. Mt. Olmstead, now nearly devoid of trees, looms above Logwood Creek.
