I hiked up to Gaviota Peak (Jack’s Map) and back via a circuit route, as noted above by the red dots. I began in Gaviota State Park and, following the Gaviota Peak fire road, entered into the Los Padres National Forest and on up to the peak. I returned along the Tunnel View Trail so named because it overlooks the highway tunnel through the mountain at Gaviota Pass.
Looking eastward toward Santa Barbara from the peak.
The view looking toward Santa Barbara.
Looking westward toward Point Conception with Highway 1 seen running through the hills.
A section of prehistoric seafloor seen along the trail. Note the ripple marks created millions of years ago when the rock was sand underwater. This sort of feature can also be seen along Gibraltar Road, as noted here.
Tafonied sandstone seen in a cave along the trail. More examples of tafoni weathered stone have been previously noted here.
I found this odd formation in a cave on top of a ridge. There were several other small columns like this poking out of the stone. I have found similar specimens on Pine Mountain Ridge in neighboring Ventura County, but larger.
If ocean waves could be fossilized. . .
If the rock formation in Santa Barbara County found off West Camino Cielo Road is said to look like a Lizard’s Mouth, then I’ll dub this formation the Barfing Puma.
Looking across the mountain slope that the trail crosses. A section of the trail can be seen leading over the low point or saddle between the mountains.
The red circle notes the location where the previous photo was taken. The section of roadway is U.S. Highway 101 through the Gaviota Pass.
Wildflowers known by the various common names of Milk Maids, Bitter cress and California Toothwort (Cardamine californica).
Jack Elliott's Santa Barbara Adventure 