Coming this Saturday, December 4th we'll be heading up to Baron Ranch to make up for the volunteer project that was rained out on November 20. We'll be finishing up installation of the trail signs and brushing the upper part of the trail in preparation for opening it to the public the following week.

Project Information
Come join us on Saturday the 4th for a morning dedicated to completing the final work needed to open the new Baron Ranch Trail in the Gaviota area. There are two things that need to be done: first, we have .6 miles of trail in the upper canyon that needs brushing and tread work; second, we have approximately 20 trail signs that need to be installed in the lower canyon.

San Marcos Directions: Meet at 8:30am at the San Marcos High School parking lot on Turnpike Road near the gymnasium. We’ll carpool to the ranch.

Baron Ranch Directions: the turnoff to the frontage road leading to Baron Ranch trailhead is almost exactly two miles past Refugio Beach State Park. Check your odometer as you pass Refugio and as you near the two mile mark look for the turnoff. The turnoff is easy to miss but it does have a yellow diamond-shaped highway sign (“+” sign) that denotes cross traffic. Exit right at the sign onto a frontage road, then turn left on it and continue west on it for .9 miles to the Baron Ranch trailhead.

Clothing: Wear long pants and shirts, sturdy footwear and have glasses for eye protection and a helmet (bike helmets are fine). We also recommend you have gloves as well.

What to Bring:
We'll supply drinks and water. Bring snacks and lunch.

Upper Baron Ridge Project
Check date schedule. On December 18 we've tentatively scheduled a bit of pre-Christmas work on the west ridge of Baron Ranch. Last year the Trails Council received a $15,500 grant to explore a route that would take off from the upper Baron Ranch Trail and extend up to West Camino Cielo. This past spring a good deal of the preliminary route was laid out and we're closing on reaching the crest. Consider joining us if you'd like to help us on what promises to be an exciting day of exploration. Note: one hour climb up the p-line to the work area required. It's spectacular up there but be prepared for a strenuous climb up. More info coming next week.