San Ysidro - McMenemy - Hot Springs Loop, Santa Ynez Mountains
Saturday, 6 May 1989  - this Saturday!!!

BRIEF: Moderate, 6.2 miles Round trip, 1000 feet elevation gain.  Starting 
elevation: 500 ft.

TOPO MAPS: Carpenteria, Santa Barbara, 7.5 Minuet Series (most of the trail is 
not on the map).

WHEN: Saturday, 6 May 1989.  Meet at the trailhead at 9:30 am.

DESCRIPTION: The trail starts gradually up San Ysidro Canyon and in about half a 
mile turns to cross San Ysidro Creek.  This is an easy stream crossing and the only 
one on this trip.  After about a quarter of a mile the trail starts steeply uphill on a 
series of switchbacks.  At the top of the ridge there is a hitching post and a stone 
bench dedicated to Colonel McMenemy who deeded the land for the trail.  For 
about the next mile the trail cuts through chaparral with heavy growth of Isurel 
sumac, manzanita, ceanothus, chamise and black sage.  This part of the trail is 
fairly level with some moderate changes in elevation.  The most challenging 
part of this hike comes at the junction with the Saddle Rock Trail.  Here we will 
head up the very steep, but short, trail to Saddle Rock Bluff, the highest elevation 
of the hike.  From this point there are excellent views of the city and the ocean.  
The trail then begins a gradual decent for about a mile into Hot Springs Canyon 
and the ruins of the Hot Springs Club, where we will have lunch.  Many introduced 
plants from the time the resort was in operation are still growing, including fig, 
banana, and avocado trees, huge agaves and blooming ground cover.  There are 
several pools still in good condition.  We will have time to explore around the 
ruins before we head back down.  For the return trip we will follow the trail 
down Hot Springs Canyon then rejoin the McMenemy trail to San Ysidro Canyon 
and back to the trailhead.

TRAILHEAD: Take northbound Highway 101 to the San Ysidro exit (just past 
Summerland).  Turn right on San Ysidro Road and go 1.1 mile to East Valley Road 
(State Highway 192).  Turn right on East Valley Rd. and go 0.9 mile to Park Lane 
(just after crossing San Ysidro Creek).  Turn left and go 0.4 mile to East 
Mountain Dr..  Bear left at the fork onto East Mountain Dr. and continue to the 
end of the pavement.  Park wherever space is available.  Do not park near the 
horse stables or on the San Ysidro Ranch Property.  The trailhead
is marked by a sign on the east side of the road.  Drive time is about two hours 
from El Segundo.  Check on freeway conditions - there has been Saturday 
morning (and lane closures) on 101 in the Woodland Hills - 
Calabasas area, an alternate route may be necessary.

BRING:  At least one quart of water, lunch, camera, sunglasses, etc.  Tennis shoes 
should be okay, but sturdier footwear  is recommended as much of the trail is 
uneven and rocky.  Most of the trail is exposed (i.e. unshaded) so sunscreen is 
recommended for thoes with a tendency to burn.  Also bring along a 
windbreaker or sweater just in case.  There are no toilet facilities either at the 
trailhead or on the trail.

BACKGROUND:  The hot springs were "discovered" in the 1850s by Wilbur Curtiss 
who came to Santa Barbara suffering from an incurable disease and given only six 
months to live.  After repeated visits to the springs, his health began remarkably 
to improve.  Six years later, still alive and doing well, Wilber Curtiss filed a 
homestead claim fro this part of Hot Springs Canyon.  the site slowly evolved as a 
resort - from a camping spot to a tent camp and eventually to a cottage.  By 
1877 there was a large plunge, showers, and three bath houses with large tubs, 
enough in all to handle forty persons.  In the early 1880s a three story hotel was 
completed on a beach above the springs.  Anyone with a bank account of less 
htan seven digits was not considered substantial enough to apply for 
membership to this private club.  The hotel was destroyed by a forest fire in 1920 
and rebuilt in 1923.  The hotel was again destroyed by the Coyote Fire of 1964.  
Today most of the hot sulphur spring water is piped out by the Montecito Water 
Company.

QUESTIONS?  Call Randy Ortland - work: (805) 961-7327 (7:30 - 4:00)
home: (805) 966-9422 

Sign-up or cancel attendance for the hike by calling Randy 
or call  (213) 373-4689 and leaving a message on Jeanne's answer machine.  


jka