This trail beckoned like the road less traveled!!!

The last time I was in this area was back when I had my 2010 OR. I thought I was heading back the right way, but actually went up a different road and ended up in a campsite I never visited. Aliso, but I was looking for Bates Can which was further down the 166. I didn’t realize it till I saw the map at Aliso. I had a strong feeling I was not at the same place as it didn’t look familiar.

It has a trail head, 10N10 that goes up into the Dick Smith Wilderness range.

Anyone ever take this trail, or took 32S13?

I’m curious if Painted Rock is the area that has exposed granite rock that can be seen from the 166. That area looks like a bucket list for sure..

BTW, drive through Pine Mountain Club and the trails on the north side of Mil Potrero are now open.

 

I've been through that area a couple times by mountain bike. Our route went up past Aliso CG, up trail 27W02 and then east along Sierra Madre Ridge, up and over Big Pine Mtn and then down into Santa Barbara. Super cool area, and awesome in spring when wildflowers are out.

32S13 Sierra Madre Ridge is not open to vehicles east of McPherson Peak as far as I know. I believe everything west of there is open but I haven't been anywhere west of Aliso.

Painted rock is so named because of a rock outcrop that has some petroglyphs on it. They were pretty underwhelming compared to what you'll see in Utah.

 

Excellent intel. Thank you for your response.

So it appears perhaps that granite boulder cropping is on private land. Or only accessible by foot/bike.

Makes sense why 10N10 ends on the map before 32S13.

 

I don't think it's private land but you're right, only accessible by foot or bike (or horse).

The road 10N10 just goes up to the Aliso campground and then it is a singletrack hiking/biking trail beyond that, up to 32S13.

 

Good stuff, as it looked like some crazy bushwhacking to continue 10N10 beyond Aliso.

 

@evdog, have you ever taken forest road 9N11?

I just took the time to search the area for the granite outcroppings and man, that country looks absolutely amazing!

 

9N11 is Big Pine Road. That's the one we took over Big Pine Mtn and down towards Santa Barbara. It's another one that is partly open and partly closed to vehicles. The part we rode from 32S13 is closed. From the bottom up to Cox Flat is open as far as I know.

The rock formations in your screen shots are about half way between the spots you can drive to. It's a cool area. Not sure you can actually get down into the granite area. It's pretty thick brush and tons of poison oak. But you get a great view from the 32S13 road.

 

Looks like a trip to the jurisdiction office is in order to get current closures.

Thank you so much for your time. Greatly appreciated and super good intel!!!!