Los Angeles: Gaviota Peak
Scale rugged coastal hills to a solitary peak in the Santa Ynez Mountains on this 6.7-mile loop. Bonus: Soak in the natural hot springs.
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Trail Facts
- Distance: 10.4
Waypoints
GPK001
Location: 34.5046310424805, -120.225799560547
Head E from lot in Gaviota State Park. Tip: It’s warm and sunny here; bring 2 liters of water and 30+ SPF sunscreen
GPK002
Location: 34.5042190551758, -120.222602844238
R @ Y onto unsigned jeep trail
GPK003
Location: 34.5037994384766, -120.224098205566
L @ Y onto Trespass Trail; wrap around manzanita covered ridgeline
GPK004
Location: 34.4965286254883, -120.221000671387
L @ T along doubletrack for climb W; enter two gates into Los Padres National Forest. Pacifi c Ocean views abound in this stretch
GPK005
Location: 34.4930801391602, -120.205299377441
L @ Y, then L @ next Y, ascending on Gaviota Peak Trail over rutted terrain
GPK006
Location: 34.4959983825684, -120.203903198242
Hike N past two-chambered sandstone cave
GPK007
Location: 34.5018005371094, -120.198799133301
Gaviota Peak (2,458 ft.): On clear days, see from Channel Islands to Point Conception, where the CA coastline turns sharply N. Golden eagles coast seaborne thermals
GPK008
Location: 34.5038414001465, -120.197196960449
Reach saddle, go L @ T onto Gaviota Peak Fire Rd. for descent to creek; re-enter Gaviota State Park
GPK009
Location: 34.5025100708008, -120.214401245117
Follow switchbacks down through oaks
GPK010
Location: 34.5034790039062, -120.218101501465
L @ unsigned spur for short side trip to thermal pool
GPK011
Location: 34.5034103393555, -120.217903137207
Soak in shallow Gaviota Hot Springs; return to WPT 10 and turn L
GPK012
Location: 34.5029907226562, -120.219902038574
Go R around bend to WPT 2; backtrack to car