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 Reporter |
Summary: This hardly qualifies as a hike. It is less than a mile on a road, but it is certainly a magnificent spot. The views are gorgeous. You can see the entire Santa Ynez Valley, and the San Rafael Wilderness looms large to the north. Lake Cachuma sits in cerulean splendor to the west, while the Solomon and Purisma Hills appear badland-esque in their rolling and crenellated forms. Walk to the "castle" and check out the spectacular ruins. Knapp was the founder of Union Carbide and he had quite a spread here. It burned down mid 20th century and is now available for your viewing pleasure. Trailhead: Take the 154 from the 101 in Santa Barbara. Head up San Marcos Pass until you near the summit. Turn right onto East Camino Cielo. The turn is less than a mile past the turnoff for West Camino Cielo. Don't get them confused. Follow East Camino Cielo to Painted Cave Road. Continue for nearly a mile. There is a gated road on the north side of the roadway with a sign that says, "right to pass revocable by owner." Park on either side of the roadway, and walk down the roadway behind the gate. The ruins are located on private property, watch for signs that may change the right to pass, and check with the rangers before you go. (Lat:34.51852 Lon:-119.79345) Trail Guides for Knapps Castle: Best Hikes With Dogs - Southern California by Allen Riedel (Mountaineers books) California Hiking by Tom Sinestra and Ann Marie Brown (Avalon Travel) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: Los Padres National Forest - Santa Barbara Ranger District (805) 967-3481 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Allen Riedel, who has posted 123 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Bob on 3/6/2010 Love to walk this trail as often as possible. Can only imagine what a fantastic spot for a home with such a view! Easy to get to and a great place to take out of town visitors. It really blows them away!! Only downside is the trash left behind. Would like to see a cleanup which would sure improve things.
Reviewed by Sophie on 9/3/2009 Much to my surprise, while visiting the Chumash painted caves, we met a very kind local volunteer ranger, named Eric I believe. He told us of a place to go for a small walking trail not far from the caves. We never expected such a phenomenal sight and the remains of a castle. It was a beautiful way to finish our vist to Santa Barabra, off the beaten path!! Peaceful, beautiful, and a bit magical. Listen and look with intention. Heads up for snakes. Thumbs down due to litter, broken glass and cigareete butts from local partiers. Put that aside and it's breathtaking. Thanks Eric if you ever read this! Our tires were fine!! 
Reviewed by Jenna on 2/24/2009 Wow! GREAT spot to take pictures, or even a photo shoot. If you're looking to get excercise this is not the hike, but gorgeous views. I really liked the stone work of the "castle." Very interesting. 
Reviewed by David on 7/1/2007 This is definitely not a hike. It is a short walk down a dirt access road. The ruins are just that but they are interesting for a couple of minutes. The view is spectacular but there are plenty of places to see the same view from multiple turnouts along this road. A good side trip would be to see the painted caves just down the road a couple of miles.
Reviewed by OT on 4/16/2007 Grand vistas, longs views, amazing study of the geology of California. Unfortunately, Knapp castle is becoming increasingly covered with graffiti. Wouldn't surprise me if the owners shut the place down.
Reviewed by AS on 11/12/2006 Amazing views. Simply amazing.
Reviewed by Pearl on 10/25/2006 Great views, enchanting ruins, beautiful fresh air/light breeze! Down point: lots of trash--broken bottles, futon, etc. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, Santa Barbara County Hiking, Santa Barbara County Trails, Santa Barbara County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||