On a late April weekend, three different groups from San Luis Obispo to Monterey
headed to the top of Junipero Serra Peak along the Santa Lucia Trail
to explore a potential new wilderness area.

       Our destination is ahead 6 mile and 3800 foot elevation gain.

The morning was crisp and cool with frost still on the ground.

An old tractor that has been here for years marks the way on a familiar path.

After climbing 800 feet or so we come to an open meadow
and a sign marking the Santa Lucia Trail.

Darlene stops to pose and eat a morning snack.

    From here we hit the wall and climb 1200 feet to the Saddle
and trail junction to Junipero Serra Peak.

Juniper Serra is still another 1800 feet above us.
It looks so close.

Tom passes us as he heads towards Junipero Serra Peak.

Rounding a bend we get a good view of the Santa Lucia Trail drainage
with the Ventana Wilderness in the background.

Crossing another saddle the vegetation changes to pine trees
on the northeast slopes of the mountain.

We made it.
Tom is contemplating the view after a long climb from below.

Look who else made it. Phil, Debbie, and Judy.

Here is the Monterey Group eating lunch and talking up a storm.

Here is the view from the top. Cone Peak is in the middle.
Indians and the Arroyo Seco River are below.

The lookout tower has been ravaged by the wind.

Some people are still brave enough to climb to the top for a better view.

An old storage shed which makes good shelter during inclement weather.

We are heading down with a view of the forest below.

Almost home as we head for the trailhead.

After a long day the end is near.

Indians Ranger Station now used as a caretakers residence for
Memorial and Escondido Campgrounds.

A long and wonderful hike for all to enjoy.

       The End!!!!!!!!