Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sprawling oaks and buckeyes line the carpet of wildflowers each spring in Buckeye Mead-
ow.
Trip Description
See
TRIP 70 Cruikshank & Silver Camps
for the first 2.2 miles of this route to the
signed
Buckeye Trail junction
(1440').
Turn right at the junction and head south on the
Buckeye Trail.
You'll climb the
north slopes of
Villa Creek
canyon past oak and pine woodlands and across redwood-
lined dry gullies. Unfortunately, trail conditions deteriorate, as encroaching plants ob-
scure an already diminished tread.
In scattered shade, the trail climbs to an open saddle along
Redwood Gulch.
On
my hike, red and pink flagging marked this indistinct stretch, which climbs south from
the saddle toward a pine-rimmed minor ridge (3.1 miles, 2200'). Pause atop the ridge
for far-reaching views.
From here the trail contours through dense coastal scrub past five gullies, dry in
all but the heaviest rains. It's best to wear long pants along this stretch, as ticks are
common during the wet season and poison oak is a year-round nuisance. Past the fifth
gully, the route drops along poor tread to a small creek (4.1 miles, 1890') that's usu-
ally dry by summer. An easy hop across leads quickly to a second creek that also runs
