Use Marker Groups Wolf 2002
Piru 2003
Day 2006
Zaca 2007
Gap 2008
La Brea 2009
Snyder Trail - Los Padres National Forest
Trail Distance 2.82 Miles
The first half mile of the Snyder Trail actually follows a dirt road which leads to a water tank—the Forest Service water supply. Beyond this it rises up through chamise chaparral to a shaded oak section which is quite unexpected. Switchbacks up through this allow you to enjoy an extended section of this, along with ferns, California bay, and other plants that prosper in the shade of the oak canopy.
In a mile the trail opens to grassy slopes, an environment that occurs here because of its proximity to the Santa Ynez Fault. The ground along the fault has been pulverized into a clay that grasses thrive on. At the two mile point from Paradise Road the trail ends and Knapp’s road begins. Heading to the left takes you down into Lewis Canyon. Though you’ll find old rusty pipes from the days when the Knapp Bathhouse was located here and two waterfalls, erosion and the intrusion of the chaparral makes it almost impossible to get to them.
The route up to the Castle leads to the right. It is another 1.25 miles to the ruins but the road is open and the climb gradual, making this part of the hike thoroughly pleasurable.
Ray Ford - www.SBOutdoors.com
Trail Details
- Trail #: 28W02
- Wilderness Area: Non Wilderness Area
- County: Santa Barbara County
- Ranger District: Santa Barbara Ranger District
- Trail-head Latitude: 34.54149
- Trail-head Longitude: -119.79438
- Trail Condition: Good - Trail is easy to follow and is in good shape
- Topo Maps:
Activities & Features: - Day Hiking
- Horseback Riding
- Mountain Biking
- Picnic Area
- Wildlife Viewing
Trail Stats
- Total Elevation Gain: + 313 feet.
- Total Elevation Loss: - 1887 feet.
- Overall Average Slope Gain: + 7 %.
- Overall Average Slope Loss: - 15 %.
- Kilometers: (km)
- Meters: (m)
- Miles: (mi)
- Feet: (ft)
- Average Slope: (%)
Survey Photos:
Michel Giroux - 02-19-2017
Michel Giroux - 02-19-2017
Michel Giroux - 02-19-2017
Submitted Trail Reports
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Snyder Trail Survey - 03-25-2023 - by Los Padres Forest AssociationLink: Snyder Trail Date: 03-25-2023 Surveyor Name: Los Padres Forest Association Trail description: The LPFA partnered with the Forest Service and local scout troop #37 to restore the lower portion of the Snyder Trail. Most of the work was fixing busted erosion control and drains along the trail. Fun was had by all! We are always looking for scout troops to help with projects like these. Email us at VOLUNTEER@LPForest.org if you know a scout troop who might want to join in on the fun.Mode of transport: Array Trail condition: Needs some work - Snyder Trail Survey - 05-25-2020 - by Los Padres Forest Association
Link: Snyder Trail Date: 05-25-2020 Surveyor Name: Los Padres Forest Association Trail description: In addition to logging current trail conditions, HLP is also setup to record the history and changes within the Los Padres. Here is a great article about Knapp's Castle, located near the top of Snyder: Mode of transport: Hike Trail condition: Good shape and easy to follow - Snyder Trail Survey - 04-10-2018 - by Los Padres Forest Assocation
Link: Snyder Trail Date: 04-10-2018 Surveyor Name: Los Padres Forest Assocation Trail description: SBMTV (Santa Barbara Mountain bike Trail Volunteers)Â worked on water control along Snyder trail in April 2018. Trail is in good shape for bikes and hikers alike. Thank you volunteers! Happy riding.ÂRead more here:SBMTV BlogMode of transport: Bicycle Trail condition: Good shape and easy to follow - Snyder Trail Survey - 02-19-2017 - by Michel Giroux
Link: Snyder Trail Date: 02-19-2017 Surveyor Name: Michel Giroux Trail description: The trail sustained some damage from the recent storm. Two trees are blocking the trail and I removed a lot of branches that fell into it. The water breaks were not enough to retain all that water and it created ruts in a lot of places. There is also a few landslides, mostly minor besides one that might be dangerous for mountain bikers. See pictures. Mode of transport: Hike Trail condition: Needs some work Images:
34.541268,-119.791119
34.536769,-119.789044
34.529484,-119.791155 - Snyder Trail Survey - 02-08-2015 - by FP
Link: Snyder Trail Date: 02-08-2015 Surveyor Name: FP Trail description: This trail is very popular with mountain bikers on weekends. For that reason, it's not that enjoyable as a hiking trail. There are better options if you want to hike from Camino Cielo to Paradise Rd. The Fremont trail and the Arroyo Burro Trail are much nicer and with no bikers. Mode of transport: Hike Trail condition: Good shape and easy to follow
Leave A Trail Report
Survey / Report Form - Please click this box to open the form.Last Updated: Monday, February 29, 2016
