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Camuesa Connector Loop

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.2 (43)
  1. Areas
  2. CA
  3. …Southern California
  4. Hiking Santa Barbara
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“The best mid length loop in the Santa Ynez River area. ”

Kevin Fox
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Map Key

10.6

Miles

17.0

KM

30%

Singletrack

2,302' 702 m

High

1,005' 306 m

Low

1,559' 475 m

Up

1,558' 475 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (3°)

25%

Max Grade (14°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Features Views

A National Forest Adventure Pass is NOT required any longer to park at the trailhead. Instead there are envelopes and a place to drop the money and a label to put on your windshield. No fee is required if you park off the pavement on Paradise Road or Camusa Road.

Overview

This is the best, and hence the most popular, intermediate trail in the Santa Ynez River area. It combines a fire road climb, A singletrack section that will have you smiling from ear to ear, and an easy paved spin back to your car.

If you are in the area and only have time for one ride this is the one to do! You won't regret it!

Need to Know

Be careful on both the dirt road and the paved road. ATV's and motorcycles use the dirt road. Listen for their approach and stay out of the way. On weekends there can be significant traffic from the many picnickers and fisherman along the Santa Ynez River. Be especially careful once back on the paved road.

While you are in the area make sure to check out the many nearby swimming holes in the Santa Ynez. You can drive up the road and find one to your liking or ask the locals where the more hidden holes lie.

During the rainy season the road is frequently gated at the river crossing just west of the Lower Oso paring area. You can still ride these trails but use EXTREME caution should you choose to cross the river. The water can be fast and the footing is very slick. Also remember that if you cross the river EMS will have much more difficult time assisting you in case of an emergency.

Finally - Use a bell to alert others to your presence.

Description

Park at the Lower Oso Picnic area. Begin by taking the Lower Oso Trail up through the valley. It crosses back and forth across the road and makes a more interesting alternative to ridng the pavement. Once the trail ends find your way to the Upper Oso Trailhead. Skirt the right side of the large metal gate and begin your trip up the Buckhorn/Big Pine Road.

The dirt road starts off gradually with only a gentle incline for about the first 0.75 of a mile. Once the Santa Cruz Trail is passed on your left the gradient increases significantly. The steepest sections of the road come low in the ride but the grade never fully eases off. Wind your way up the road enjoying the views into the Santa Barbara backcountry. About 2.5 miles after going around the locked gate the road reaches a large flat area and the start of the Camuesa Connector Trail.

The Camuesa Connector trail takes off east from the Big Pine Buckhorn Road. There are no junctions or turns to make, just fast and fun singletrack. There are a few Rocky sections that can easily be walked, and some exposure you'll want to be wary of, but most of the trail is very suitable to the intermediate rider.

4 miles comes too soon as the trail drops down and crosses the Santa Ynez River before ending at Paradise Road. Turn right and cruise about 2.5 miles back to your car. If you're looking for an alternative to the road, try to pick up the river trail just on the left after the first river crossing on Paradise Road.

Contacts

Local Club: Santa Barbara Mountain Bike Trail Volunteers

Land Manager: USFS - Los Padres National Forest Office

Shared By:

Kevin Fox with improvements by Michael Sebastian and 5 others
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.2 from 43 votes

#1

in Hiking Santa Barbara

#465

Overall
  4.2 from 43 votes
5 Star
40%
4 Star
49%
3 Star
7%
2 Star
5%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Hiking Santa Barbara

#64

in California

#465

Overall
107 Views Last Month
16,104 Since Dec 2, 2013
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
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27%
44%
29%
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Photos

Camuesa Trail, Santa Barbara CA
Feb 2, 2021 near Mission…, CA
Cross country smoothness...still mostly up then mostly down.
Apr 17, 2022 near Mission…, CA
Camuesa connector upper trailhead on a sunny winter morning.
Feb 16, 2018 near Mission…, CA
Shredding Camuesa Trail with Friends Feb 2021
Feb 28, 2021 near Mission…, CA
Lots of debris/slides on the fire road up.
Jun 4, 2023 near Mission…, CA
Meadow looking back at Upper Camuesa trailhead
Aug 4, 2014 near Mission…, CA

10 Comments

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Minor Issues 86 days ago
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Check-Ins

Aug 26, 2023
Christopher Goodson
Weeds are overgrown (wished I had leg protection). A few branches dangle in the trail about head high, so watch out.
Jun 4, 2023
Trevor Broesamle
Hefty amount overgrowth, thigh high river crossing at end and a couple of ticks.
May 29, 2023
Mike Champion
Dec 19, 2022
Mariah Olczak
w Tim. Better than that first time in 2020. 12mi
Oct 30, 2022
Mariah W
10.6mi
Oct 29, 2022
Chris Cavalieri
May 8, 2022
Daniel Halmrast
11mi — 2h 30m
Oct 10, 2021
Hector Ortiz
10.6mi

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