 | WHERE: The Pozo La Panza range, east of
Santa Margarita. |
| WHO SHOULD GO: Hikers, cyclists and
equestrians. |
| HIGHLIGHTS: The area has completely
undisturbed native Indian sites, signs of historic mining camps and tales of
Frank and Jesse James, who tried living a respectable life on the La
Panza. Using the trails in this area gives you a feel of being part of
the past and allows views of the wilderness today. |
| HOW TO GET THERE: Hwy 101 to Highway 58, the
Santa Margarita exit. Follow highway 58 for 1.7 miles and turn right
onto until Pozo Road. Continue 15 miles to the town of Pozo. One
mile past Pozo, turn right to remain on Pozo Road at the junction of
Parkhill. Continue 1.7 miles. At the intersection of Avenales
Road, turn left, remaining on Pozo Road. The pavement ends and Pozo-La
Panza Grade begins as a dirt road entering the Los Padres National forest. |
| WHERE TO PARK: Use the picnic-area parking
at the end of the pavement. To shorten your hike or ride, continue
driving 5 miles to the Pozo Summit and another trailhead parking area is
available. The road is rough and steep in places. |
| TRAIL CHARACTER and DISTANCE: Ten miles of dirt
road with good footing brings you to La Panza summit. Turn right on No.
29S18 to Queen Bee Campground. Water for horses is available.
Continue 2 miles on the road with moderate ups and downs to Chester Spring,
a lovely lunch spot with stock water. Join Pine Mountain Road No.
30S14. A strenuous climb for 3.5 miles will take you past the Machesna
Mountain Wilderness entrance and allow views of the Castle Crags, Carissa
Plains and the Sierra. Take the Pine Mountain Trail No. 16E01 as it
descends through big cone pines and manzanita and emerges onto and exposed ridge top.
The canyon affords some stiff climbs, along with cool shade for 2.5
miles. Intersect at Pozo Summit and retrace your trail to your
vehicle. |
| CAUTION: Poison oak and rattlesnakes are common --
use care. This is an official ORV area. Traffic may be heavy on
weekends. Spring and fall is great in this area; summer is hot.
|
