19 Oaks Backpack

 We start from the trailhead at the end of Upper Oso campground with full packs.  Elevation 1,193 ft.  Hiking up to the Santa Cruz trail that takes us to 19 Oaks trail camp in 2 miles.  Elevation 1,709 ft.,  with a trail elevation gain of 516 ft.  There will be a dayhike from 19 Oaks trailcamp on Saturday farther up the Santa Cruz trail to Little Pine Mountain, a hike of 5 miles.  Elevation 4,459 ft., with a gain of 2,750 ft.  Spectacular views at the top all the way to the Channel Islands over the ridgeline of the Santa Ynez Mountains.  This hike takes us up through the different biomes of the mountains in the San Rafael Wilderness.  We will be following Oso Creek from the trail head which has water for drinking and wading to the trail camp area with interesting geology along the way.  Rain cancels.