Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Beyond the saddle, you'll meander past tilted sandstone layers and descend into
Wildcat Camp
(1.1 miles, 2750'). This small camp is limited to one tent site along a
narrow bench shaded by bays, elderberries, alders, and sycamores. The reliable creek
dwindles to a trickle in summer and fall.
Past camp, you'll cross the creek and begin a moderate climb past chaparral,
chamise, sage, and bush poppies. Over the next 0.6 mile the trail wriggles across two
divides, crosses a seasonal creek (dry by late summer), and reaches the
third divide
(1.7 miles, 3240'), offering a view southeast toward
Junipero Serra Peak,
which
lords 5862 feet over the
Santa Lucia Range.
You'll continue between sandstone outcrops featuring smooth overhanging rims
and convex floors and walls. A honeycomb pattern along the sandstone faces is the
result of weathering, which forms deep cavities known as
tafoni.
Archaeological
evidence proves the Esselen used larger tafoni caves for shelter from the sun, wind,
and rain.
The trail briefly strays from the formations and descends half a mile past brushy
slopes, crossing a small reliable
creek
(2.2 miles, 2760'). Past the gully, the trail steep-
ens for a 0.2-mile descent to a large arroyo, or dry boulder-strewn creek bed, lined
with yuccas, Coulter pines, sycamores, sage, and poison oak. Onward, the trail climbs
200 feet to the fourth divide along broad grassy slopes, radiant in spring with bloom-
ing owl's clover, lupines, poppies, and popcorn flowers. From this divide, you can see
the trail along the east canyon wall past the fifth divide to
Church Ranch Road.
At points over the next 0.3 mile the tread grows faint and confusing, particularly
where a large fallen live oak blocks the trail. Clear deer trails lead down to the creek,
while the less distinct main trail contours northwest above the creek. You'll cross a
shallow gully and small seasonal creek, then ascend a minor ridge past oak- and pine-
clad slopes to the fifth divide.
Labeled
THE MESA
on the USFS map, this broad, flat-topped divide lies just be-
low the junction with Church Ranch Road. Climb the steep, oak-studded grassy slopes
past a dilapidated sign a few feet from the junction (3.4 miles, 2690'). The trail joins
this private road and contours past
The Mesa
0.8 mile to
Church Ranch Bridge
.
Cross the bridge for views across the canyon of sprawling black oaks, Coulter pines
and their massive cones, and recently charred Santa Lucia firs.
You'll soon enter
Bruce Church Ranch
through an open wooden gate posted
PRIVATE PROPERTY
(4.2 miles, 2580'). For the next 1.5 miles the trail crosses the ranch
past grazing horses, wooden barns, and fences. From the entrance gate, the road ab-
ruptly turns after 0.2 mile, crosses the creek, and leads to private homes. At this turn,
the Church Creek Trail continues straight along a vague trail (4.4 miles, 2590').
