Beach to Back Country Trail Head
Beach to Back Country Trail
This trail is your access to the ever popular Gaviota Wind Caves. It’s a short walk with a steep start to get to the first cave. Please be careful as you explore the caves and be courteous by removing any trash or refuse. The caves are protected by law so defacing them in any way is a crime. Please be respectful.
Few people venture beyond the wind caves to explore the back country that makes up the vast majority of Gaviota State Park. This native oak woodland offers stunning views along the trail system if you’re willing to hike beyond the caves to the Overlook Fire Road Trail and explore the numerous trails on the Las Cruces side.
Make sure that you bring plenty of water, especially during the summer months, as the inland trails can be much warmer than the coast. However, you’re likely to find that the effort is well worth the reward in scenic views and an entirely different natural environment from the coast.
NEARBY TRAILS →
Overlook Fire Road Trail and Hollister Trail
Both the Overlook Fire Road and the Hollister Trail begin approximately 1.7 miles from the Beach to Back Country Trail Head. The Beach to Back Country Trail ends at the Overlook Fire Road Trail. If you turn right (east) at the junction you can follow the road to a point overlooking Highway 101 at Gaviota Pass. Heading left (west) you can continue down into woodland trails or continue up to the Hollister Ridge Fire Road Trail for some spectacular views of Hollister Ranch and the Pacific Ocean
LEARN MORE →
Gaviota State Park Brochure and map (PDF)
Article by Seth Smigelski at Hikespeak.com
OTHER PARK TRAIL HEADS →
Las Cruces Trail: Enter on the north of the park and west of Hwy 101
Gaviota Peak Trail: Enter on the north of the park and east of Hwy 101
