Gaviota
State Park California
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Gaviota
State Beach is the last stop on Highway 101 before
it turns inland toward Buelton. The Southern Pacific train trestle
travels over the canyon which forms the beach. Amtrak and a
few freight trains roll over the bridge daily. Other that the
occasional train the only noise you will hear is the waves crashing
on the beach. The pier is very popular for fishing and scuba
divers enjoy the surrounding waters. There is a small snack
bar with restrooms and the life guard tower is manned during
the summer season. Activities including hiking, fishing, swimming,
boating and camping. The 41 developed campsites accommodate
tents, trailers up to 25 feet and Recreation Vehicles up to
27 feet. Between October 1 and March 31, the campground is open
Friday through Sunday only. Camping reservations can be made
up to seven months in advance through Reserve
America. During the summer and holiday weekends
camp sites fill up fast so reserve early for best locations.
Gaviota Beach campground is on the the other side of the train
trestle, the beach is a short walk away. There is a hiking trail
near the parking lot where you can head inland and explore the
rest of Gaviota State Park.
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Gaviota
State Park is located 33 miles west of Santa
Barbara, California along U.S. 101. Boating and fishing are
popular activities at Gaviota Beach. There is a public fishing
pier which is is equipped with an electric boat hoist launching
facility. Check with park staff for rules on the use of the hoist
and if the hoist is working. Trails and dirt fire roads and hiking
trails lead into more than 2,000 acres of oak woodland and chaparral
back country. Check with park rangers before starting your hike,
conditions change frequently. This is mountain lion country and
watch for snakes in summer. Safety tips are available from the
rangers. Gaviota State Park offers hiking
on both sides of the pass. Eastside trail attractions include
a hot springs and connections to Los Padres National Forest footpaths.
On the west side of the pass, the parks trail network winds its
way through the back country and offers hikers loops of varying
distances.
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Adjacent
to the park on the west is a large region of private ranches known
as Hollister Ranch, which extends for almost the entire distance
to Point Conception (where the California coast turns to the north).
Access to this portion of the coast is tightly secured, and possible
only by water for non-residents. Singer Jackson Browne owns a
ranch adjacent to the park on the west. You can travel along the
Hollister Ranch road for about a mile which gives you access to
several secluded beaches. Once you get to the Hollister Ranch
gate house its time to turn around unless your an invited guest.
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