Montecito Peak

Los Padres National Forest, CA

Info

Distance
7.8 mi
Elevation gain
2,500 ft
Route type
Out & back
Duration
3 hr
Crux
Class 1
Quality
4/10

Peaks bagged

1
Montecito Peak
LPC
3,214 ft / Rise 339 ft

Report

Trip report photo for Montecito Peak
Starting along the East Fork Cold Spring Trail.
Trip report photo for Montecito Peak
Trip report photo for Montecito Peak
Trip report photo for Montecito Peak
Trip report photo for Montecito Peak
Junction with West Fork Cold Spring Trail (left). Stay right along the East Fork Trail.
Trip report photo for Montecito Peak
Following the creek.
Trip report photo for Montecito Peak
Gaining some elevation via a set of switchbacks.
Trip report photo for Montecito Peak
The trail crosses the creek at this waterfall. You can see a group of hikers on the other side.
Trip report photo for Montecito Peak
Only a modest flow of water on this late-summer day.
Trip report photo for Montecito Peak
Continuing along the west side of the creek.
Trip report photo for Montecito Peak
A second creek crossing at this popular rest area.
Trip report photo for Montecito Peak
View back as I ascend the east side of the creek.
Trip report photo for Montecito Peak
Arriving at the junction with Ridge Trail. Turn left to stay on the East Fork Trail.
Trip report photo for Montecito Peak
Trip report photo for Montecito Peak
The trail merges with this service road for about 100 yards.
Trip report photo for Montecito Peak
Back on the trail.
Trip report photo for Montecito Peak
View back toward Santa Barbara. Much of the route is visible from here.
Trip report photo for Montecito Peak
Trip report photo for Montecito Peak
Entering the fog.
Trip report photo for Montecito Peak
Trip report photo for Montecito Peak
Wrapping around the west side of Montecito Peak.
Trip report photo for Montecito Peak
A use-trail branches off Cold Spring Trail to the right and leads directly up the north ridge of Montecito Peak.
Trip report photo for Montecito Peak
Montecito Peak, barely visible through the fog.
Trip report photo for Montecito Peak
Steep and heavily eroded.
Trip report photo for Montecito Peak
Trip report photo for Montecito Peak
Montecito Peak summit, facing north.
Trip report photo for Montecito Peak
The rest of the summit area to the south.

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