Cachuma Mountain & Hells Half Acre

 

Cachuma Mountain Summit

As many of you have noticed my online presence has begun to diminish. Not answering as many emails nor responding to messages in a timely manner, limiting Facebook/Instagram posts, yes indeed guilty as charged. Life has been busy, juggling a hectic work schedule, family and various other projects (of which I always have too many going on) has amounted to a serious lack of forest time and perhaps even more reclusiveness than normal for an introvert such as myself. I will admit I do grow tired of people at times not everyone but a good majority. Also much of late has not made the blog as I just don't know if I want everybody outside my small circle always knowing where I'm going or have been. Much of the places I seek are of a sensitive nature and I don't trust that those coming behind me will treat such sites with respect. (Prime example the ongoing BS taking place up Santa Paula Canyon). With all that said and out of the way I am going to continue with the blog. I do feel a need to document the things I find important across the Los Padres, perhaps just be more scrutinizing with what makes the cut. Alright enough of that gibberish, let's get on to the days events you all actually came here to read about.

Cachuma Saddle 34° 43.595' -119° 55.179' 

David Gordon (a trusted compadre) and I met up at Cachuma Saddle around 8am. From there we crossed the intersection to the east and drove the 500 feet or so to the parking area at the locked gate For McKinley Mountain Road. (Forest Route 8N08, 28W01) Call it what you will it's a fire Road with no vehicle access to the public. Most walk or Bike it. Quite popular amongst backcountry enthusiasts for it's direct access to Cachuma Mountain, Hells Half Acre, Mission Pine Springs and beyond. Our shared itinerary for the day was to thoroughly explore Hells Half Acre and for myself the extra bonus of knocking out Cachuma Peak. While in the neighborhood no sense in passing up the opportunity right? 

McKinley Parking Area 34° 43.600' -119° 55.127'

The road is a consistent uphill slog. Steady gaining elevation before somewhat mellowing out near the use trail for the final stretch up to the summit of Cachuma Mountain. In the last few months I've lost a good bit of weight practicing intermittent fasting, curbed my drinking and have been more devoted to a steady workout routine. The regime clearly is paying dividends as I felt unstoppable this morning, light on my feet, fast, a man with ever lasting vigor. David and I agreed we would meet up later toward the top somewhere just before HHA (Hells Half Acre). I then proceeded to fly up that mountain, it felt great. 

Just absolutely stunning views of the Hurricane Deck and the Sierra Madre.

About 3 miles in is a large water tank and your first views of Lake Cachuma and the Santa Ynez. Here I paused to poke around and have a drink under the shade of the concrete behemoth. 

Approximately .4 of a mile beyond the Water tank is a great lookout spot that provides unobstructed views of the Manzana and surrounding area along the deck. Upon arrival I found myself in such great spirits I thought it would be rad to attempt the Peak from here, possibly climbing the northern side then exiting the summits south face to get back down onto the road. After a few minutes of a healthy brush thrashing, some blood drawn and feet off the ground shrub climbing I quickly abandoned the idea and resolved to just climb it the way most everyone else does a bit further up the trail. 

Great little look out spot 34° 43.822' -119° 53.940'

Climb the .2 of a mile Spur trail to Cachuma Mountain Summit here 34° 43.406' -119° 53.918'

Summit Views

I was all smiles when I pulled out the summit register and seen a couple of my other very close amigos were just here a few weeks prior. Love when that happens. 

Summit Selfie, the new hat sorta gives my ears an elfish look

After much loitering up on the peak I made out David far below passing my position along the road. I yelled out, we made contact, agreeing that he should not wait for me that I would catch up. Once down from the mountain top and back on McKinley it's a very short distance (.3 of a mile) to the spring tank and trough where David and I re-connected. 

Spring Tank & trough 34° 43.174' -119° 53.816'

Round a few bends and just past the spring tank is a lone conifer shading a picnic table and fire rings. An excellent spot for lunch and or a snack. 34° 43.040' -119° 53.845'

Santa Ynez Valley, so damn pretty up here.

DG coming through a pine corridor

Continuing on and just under 2 miles further you come upon Hells Half Acre. (Though the views appear well before that). Here a vast display of large rock formations dot the landscape just north the road. Rugged, beautiful, inviting especially to a couple of rock outcrop junkies such as ourselves we couldn't wait to dive in.

Hells Half Acre

Upon entering our playground we did what a couple of boys do. Climbed sandstone, busted brush, beat back ticks, searched for treasure, I take it you get the idea. With the added bonus of beautiful weather it made for a damn fine day and I was grateful to have been able to spend it in good company. We exited the same way we entered. I had our total day at around 14 miles. 

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