As rugged as the big trails

In 1984, I started hiking with a bunch of guys and gals on Wednesdays after work. That’s how long I’ve been going up Tequepis Trail, my favorite trail near Lake Cachuma. You’re rewarded with quite a beautiful sight, but you pay your dues to get there.

The elevation gain over four miles is about 2,300 feet. On the way up, there are panoramic views of Lake Cachuma. The trail eventually crests the Santa Ynez Mountains, where you see the lake to the north and the Channel Islands to the south.

The trail starts climbing almost immediately, but gradually, and the trail is well-maintained. Much of it is shaded, and at the bottom are live coastal oak and sycamore. Within an hour, you’ll be at about 1,000 feet. There’s a clearing on a knoll where you can sit and rest and gaze at the lake.

Just before the lookout is the steepest part. After the rest spot, the trail is very forgiving. There are gradual, long switchbacks for the next 1,300 feet, and the vegetation is nice. Shady, overarching trees provide relief in summer, but at that time of year you should start at 7 a.m. to beat the heat.

From the trail you often see deer, and near the summit are madrono and tan bark oak trees. Once you get to the top, there are places to enjoy the view on both sides. Then you come down the same trail.

It takes about 2 1/2 hours to go up and 1 1/2 to come down. It’s a good workout to get ready for a 10-day backpacking trip, which my hiking group does every year. I’m a serious hiker, but I’m also nearly 58 years old, so I’m not going to be on a trail for six months.

Last summer, we trained on the Tequepis because it has an elevation gain we’d find on a big trek, then we hiked the Great Divide Trail in the Canadian Rockies.

The particulars

Where: The Tequepis Trail is in the Los Padres National Forest near Lake Cachuma, about 22 miles northwest of Santa Barbara.

What: An eight-mile round-trip hike on the north slope of the Santa Ynez Mountains that crests at 3,520 feet.

How: From Los Angeles, take the 101 Freeway north to Santa Barbara, to the Highway 154 exit, which goes over the San Marcos Pass to Lake Cachuma. Watch for the Rancho Alegre sign on the left, then turn onto a narrow road that leads to the St. Vincent de Paul camp parking area. Walk south past the swimming pool to the Tequepis Trail marker at the newly constructed log cabins.

Back story: “Tequepis” is the Chumash word for “seed gatherer.” In spring, the top of the trail can double as a lookout point for the abundant wildflowers that surround Lake Cachuma. While mountain lions are seldom spotted, they do inhabit the area.