![]() In an ideal world, one would hike from Castro Crest up Newton Road to Castro Peak and take Castro Motorway back to Corral Canyon Road. (Read the Latigo Canyon Road to Castro Crest trail report for more details.) As an alternative, hikers may park along Latigo Canyon Road and venture to Castro Crest from that trailhead, for a shorter less-rustic experience that is still quite enjoyable. The Backbone Trail drops down the other side of the crest, continuing another 1.4 miles to Latigo Canyon Road. A postcard perspective to the west exhibits the highest peaks in the range. Looking down on Upper Solstice Canyon from Castro CrestĬastro Crest provides partial ocean views beyond the mountains to the south. After ascending 540 feet from the canyon bottom, the trail reaches the saddle named Castro Crest. The trees give way to broader views of Upper Solstice Canyon, offering an exceptional perspective over the world you’ve been hiking through. Half a mile before Castro Crest, and 2.25 miles from the start, the Backbone Trail begins to climb out of the canyon, switching up the western slope. The Backbone Trail through the forest at the bottom of Solstice Canyon Even as Upper Solstice Canyon widens, the dense woods feel surprisingly isolating. The trail turns northwest toward Castro Crest, crossing several small (and usually dry) creeks as it travels through an enchanting forest at the bottom of the canyon. After 1.3 miles, you will reach the canyon floor at an elevation of 1,725 feet. Looking down the trail toward Castro Crest Looking down into Upper Solstice Canyonĭescend the chaparral-covered slopes toward a narrow section of the canyon. There are no further junctions between here and Castro Crest. To continue on the Backbone Trail, head straight through the intersection and pick up the trail on the other side. To the right, the road ascends to Castro Motorway, a fire road that connects to the top of Corral Canyon Road. Strung out switchbacks lead to an unmarked intersection with a wide fire road, 0.6 miles from the start. Lace up and start hiking west.Īt the start, the Backbone Trail is wide enough for an ATV, but shrinks to a more standard single-track farther into the canyon. Park at road’s end and locate the sign for the Backbone Trail to the left. There are trails going in a few directions at the top of Corral Canyon Road, making it a popular starting point for mountain bikers.
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