327-San Clemente Ridgeline, Rock Snake Mystery! 6 Mi, Bring a Painted Rock, 1PM
Details
RANCHO SAN CLEMENTE RIDGELINE, 6 Mi, approx 500-700 gain (option), 1:00 PM
PARK ON RESIDENTIAL STREET NEAREST TO “721 Avenida Salvador” (near Calle Monserrat), San Clemente CA.
MOSTLY ASPHALT, STROLLER & DOG FRIENDLY. Perfect hike after any rain or when temps are high, to beat the heat.
Beautiful views!
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Back in June 2024 Jack gave me a new rock to paint for the head of Rock Snake. Done! Someone kept stealing them 😂. Try and try again!
We returned twice since and it was still there. It’s been over a year now, is it still there?!!! JOIN THE HIKE in November to discover this with us!
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Bring a painted rock of your own if you wish, it’s really fun, but totally optional! See photos below.
Rancho San Clemente Ridgeline Trail is a six mile out-and-back mostly paved trail with wide angle views of the coastline from Dana Point Headlands to the San Diego County beaches, along with broad vistas of inland hills, valleys and mountains. There are several short steep grades, but the majority is easy, long grades.
There is a choice to climb the steepest part of this hike at the halfway point. Totally optional, group’s choice.
Around the two mile mark you'll find the San Clemente painted rock snake. Bring a painted rock to add to the nearly 1,000 existing rocks. From that point, continue down the hill to Calle Del Cerro. Watch for the signs guiding you right and then across the street to continue on to the mid point at Knob Hill.
The wide trail is mostly asphalt except for one short hill where the surface is covered with loose rock and another (Knob Hill) where it is safer to walk on the dirt.
Directions from I-5:
Take the Ave. Presidio exit and turn inland for two blocks to Ave. Presidio (yes, the same street name). Turn right and continue up the hill to Salvador. Turn right again and continue to the top of the hill. Park on the right across from the trail entrance at number 721. The gate is easy to miss since it's located between two houses.
HIKERS CHECKLIST
- WATER AND SNACKS
- WEAR SHOES OR BOOTS WITH GOOD TREAD
- HAT, GLOVES optional
Feature Photo by Christine :)
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Release Statement: Outdoor sports and activities are rewarding and pleasant, but there are certain dangers you should be reminded of, such as accidental injury, that simply happen in life. Practicing safety is priority.
By signing up for events in this Meetup group, you assume the risks of the outing and agree to release the organization, the event organizer and other participants from claims for any and all injuries or other losses sustained during any event.