Sierra Madre Road

	Where:  Los Padres Forest near Zaca Lake, southeast of Santa Maria
	Who Should Go:  Hikers, Mountain bikers and Equestrians
	How to Get There:  From San Luis Obispo, drive south past Santa Maria about 30 miles. Exit on Zaca Station Road (this exit is .25 miles north of the Hwy 154 Junction).  Drive 3.25 miles to a junction with Foxen Canyon Road.  Bear left, heading north 3.5 miles to the sign at the turnoff off Zaca Lake.  Turn right.  The road is paved for 1 mile, then dirt for 5 miles.  Sign in at the lodge and pay the day use fee.
	Trail Character and Distance:  From the picnic ground, walk up the dirt road a half mile to the sign at the beginning of Sulphur Spring Trial.  The trail ascends sometimes moderately, sometimes steeply to the Cedros Saddle, a junction with Zaca Ridge Road.  A 6.5 mile loop can be created by turning right.  For a magnificent view of the wilderness, the Sierra Madre Mountains and the Hurricane Deck be sure to walk down a few hundred feet of the continuing trail on either side of Ridge Road.  For a longer or overnight hike remain on the trail which continues with a steep descend northeast to Manzana Creek and easily on to Manzana School Campground.  This is a great place to camp.  Return up Sulphur Sprint to Cedros Saddle, then continue on Ridge Road to the south end of the trail.  The trail is marked with a ribbon and descend steeply to complete the loop.
	Caution:   Zaca Lake hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m daily.  It is a good idea to call Zaca Lake Lodge, 688-5699 before setting out for a hike.