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| Caliche Forest Trail |
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Handicapped Accessible:
No
Usage:
Heavy
Reservation Status:
Required
Reservation Contact:
805.642.1393
Usage:
Light
Recommended Season:
Late Spring
Elevation Gain:
831 Feet
Difficulty:
Moderate
Beginning Elevation:
Sea Level
Length, Round Trip:
7 Miles
High Point:
831 Feet
Reservation:
Yes
Season:
Year-round
From Camarillo, Campers must secure passage to San Miguel Island before making camping reservations. Year-round public transportation is available through the park concessionaire Channel Island Aviation.
Location Information
The trail leading to the Caliche Forest lies on San Miguel Island, the farthest island from the mainland. The trail begins at the Cuyler Harbor landing. Visitors hike eastward along the beach for less than a mile until they reach the mouth of Nidever Canyon. The trail begins here and leads one half mile through the canyon. The path is steep, gaining 500 feet, through the canyon and the surface of it is rough. Once on top of the island plateau hikers will soon come to the monument that commemorates Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo. Legends claim that the Spanish explorer is buried on the island, but his grave has never been found. From the monument the trail leads southward past the campground and Lester Ranch site to the ranger station. Hikers who want to continue along the trail must have a guide. Rangers are available to lead groups into the forest. They are knowledgeable about the history, lore and plant and animal life on the island. From the ranger station to the Caliche Forest is approximately two miles, one way. The trail leads westward and climbs San Miguel Hill, en route. This is the main trail on the island and it continues to the western side of the island, Point Bennett. Approximately one half mile from San Miguel Hill is the trail leading northward into the Caliche Forest Area. The forest is made of caliche-covered tree trunks, that stand a few feet high. Caliche is a mineral sandcasting and protected by federal law. Like all resources, natural and man-made, it may not be removed from the park.
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