The Treasure of the Sierra Madre

FIFTY ONE POINT SEVEN.  Not 44, as some of our trail guides and maps seemed to suggest.  That's the final tally of miles we covered in our four-day foray through the heart of the incomparably wild and scenic San Rafael Wilderness.  And many of those miles were slow-going, trudging through some fifty waist-high stream crossings and scouting ahead for the faintest signs of trail.  But we made it. The weather and wildflowers were glorious, and we had the greatest luck in finding good, scenic, comfortable trail camps - all to ourselves.   

Unlike Humphrey Bogart, we’ll have no fear of bandits and corrupt federales, and we’ll even stay on this side of the border as we seek out the springtime treasures of the Sierra Madre Mountains, the rugged backbone of the 149,170-acre San Rafael Wilderness, deep in the Santa Barbara backcountry. Rushing rivers and green meadows full of wildflowers will greet us. On our four day foray, we’ll explore mysterious caves painted with ancient native American art as well as the deep canyon and impressive waterfalls of the federally-designated “Wild and Scenic” Sisquoc River, and we’ll even skirt the northerly edge of the Sisquoc Condor Sanctuary, scanning the skies for the big primeval birds.

This will be a very strenuous backpack, covering 44 miles in four days at an aggressive pace over challenging terrain, so this trip is suitable only for experienced backpackers in very good shape. We’ll cheerfully face the possibility of bushwhacking, several shin- to thigh-deep stream crossings, ticks, rattlesnakes fresh from hibernation, and abundant poison oak and stinging nettles. Signup preference will be given to GayOutdoors “Full Members”. Per-person cost of $85 (carpool gas & mileage) must be pre-paid and will be refunded only if the leader cancels or if a replacement signup is found. This is a consciously low-impact outing, so carpool participation is required.

This trip is strictly dependent upon a favorable weather forecast. A National Weather Service forecast of rain within 72 hours of our start will cancel this trip, as will fewer than four confirmed and paid signups as of 8:00pm, Monday, April 11. This trip will be by individual commissary, and we’re not planning any potluck meals, so please plan to provide your own four-day supply of food.