Lower Oso Trail -
Overview
Difficulty: Easy •
Mileage: 1
Elevation Gain: 100 ft. • Location: Lower Santa Ynez River
Features: Canyons, Creeks, Family Friendly, Out & Back, Picnicking, BBQs
User Type: Hiking, Equestrian Trail, Mountain Biking, Dog Walking, Trail Running
Elevation Gain: 100 ft. • Location: Lower Santa Ynez River
Features: Canyons, Creeks, Family Friendly, Out & Back, Picnicking, BBQs
User Type: Hiking, Equestrian Trail, Mountain Biking, Dog Walking, Trail Running
Highlights
Though a short hike, this trail provides a nice walk from the Lower Oso area and because it is fairly level, is nice for children. It can be extended into a longer hike by continuing through Upper Oso campground into Oso Canyon or by taking the connector trail up to the Aliso Canyon Nature Trail.
The Basics
- Length : 1 mile from Lower Oso to Upper Oso.
- Gain : 100'
- Difficulty : Easy
- Path : Single track in reasonably good condition.
- Season : All year.
- Restrictions : Multi-Use; expect to encounter mountain bikes and/or equestrians.
- Canine : Ok for dogs off leash.
- Points of Interest : Canyons,Creeks,Family Friendly,Out & Back,Picnicking,BBQs
Marker GroupsTrail Facts
Difficulty: Easy
Points of Interests: Canyons, Creeks, Family Friendly, Out & Back, Picnicking, BBQs
User Types: Hikers, Equestrians, Mountain Bikers, Dog Walker, Trail Runners
Locations: Lower Santa Ynez River
Get Directions To The Lower Oso Trail Trailhead
Driving Directions
Get Directions to Lower Oso which is located at 34.547358,-119.770374.
Print Directions
Access / Getting There
- Follow Highway 154 over San Marcos Pass to Paradise Road.
- Turn right on Paradise and follow it for 5 miles to the first Santa Ynez River crossing. You will need to have an Adventure Pass or purchase one there to park anywhere inside the Lower Santa Ynez Recreation Area.
- The Lower Oso Day Use Area is just across the river.
- Park there and look for the trail to Upper Oso just across the road.
Download Directions: Download PDF Map Directions
Get Directions To The Lower Oso Trail Trailhead
Driving Directions
Get Directions to Lower Oso which is located at 34.547358,-119.770374.
Print Directions
Things to Know
Background
Trip Log
On The Trail
This short trail winds its way through the soft chaparral and a series of meadows to the lower end of the camp at Upper Oso. If you would like to continue further, walk to the upper end of the campground until you get to a road that leads across Oso Creek to the horse camp. The trail to Nineteen Oaks begins here, crossing and re-crossing the Oso Narrows numerous times before intersecting with the Santa Cruz Trail.
On the west side of the horse camp you will find the connector trail leading to Aliso Canyon. The gain is substantial—about 350’ over the next half mile, but does provide access to high country overlooking the Santa Ynez Valley and San Rafael Mountains.
If you’ have plenty of energy and time you can continue on to Sage Hill campground area and then look for the river trail which follows the north side of the Santa Ynez River and then crosses over into the First Crossing day use area. From there you can take off your shoes and wade across the river and back to Lower Oso.
On The Bike
On The Run
On The Walk
Last Updated: Sunday, November 9, 2014
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When heading out on any of our local trails always remember to bring plenty of water and take care while you are out there.