A little more than a month ago, I finally graduated from college. I am now starting to realize—with some cynicism—that all graduation gave me was a degree and a starving bank account. God bless my loving parents.
When I was first asked to write a Daytripper story for this issue, I was excited. But then reality set in, and I figured out that whatever activity I chose to do, it would need to be within short driving distance and preferably very cheap—or, better yet, free. I figured that many people (not just the broke kids my age) would appreciate my efforts if I found an activity that met these requirements.
But there was my problem: What could I do that was fun for a low price or no cost at all? In today’s money-driven world, things are rarely cheap. Forget free. After some brain wracking and the tempting thought of just pulling a rabbit out of a hat and making something up, I figured that I could go on a hike. Hiking is free and something I have always loved to do.
I perused the San Luis Obispo online trail guide and came across a trail that boasted some promise at El Chorro Regional Park.
Eagle Rock Trail is about 0.7 miles long and calls for strenuous hiking. For hikers with more experience, the trail is moderately difficult. It cuts a one-way path through dry countryside dotted with old oak trees, making its way steadily uphill and allowing a hiker’s legs a rest on the downhill decline. The trail is open year-round, and—depending on your pace—it’s about a 1 1/2 hour round trip.
While most of the trail is in the sun, it does wind through a charming section of gnarled oak trees. This was one of my favorite parts of the outing, as I found it to be very beautiful. Either side of the trail is filled with trees, lovely yet potentially itchy poison oak, and moonflowers. The breeze whispers through the leaves, and the ground is dappled with sunlight that filters through the branches above.
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After leaving the miniature oak forest (as I have so lovingly decided to name it), the trail hits a steady incline of switchbacks that lead through dry brush. The area here is specked with bright orange wildflowers and waist-high dandelions. The path climbs rolling hills, offering panoramic views of the surrounding valley. All is quiet here, the only sound coming from humming crickets or the occasional scampering of a squirrel or blue-bellied lizard.
I made my way up the rest of the hill, pausing a couple of times to take photos. The trail comes to an end in the shade of a rocky outcropping. Someone was kind of enough to put a bench here so that weary hikers (such as myself) may stop to catch their breath and appreciate the views.
And there are plenty of views to appreciate. My perch on the hillside revealed a wide-open vista of the Chorro Valley and West Cuesta Ridge. From my vantage point, I could also see the ancient volcanic morros of Cerro Romauldo, Hollister Peak, and Cerro Cabrillo.
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One of the unique-yet-philosophical aspects of this trail is that while at the top, you can look down and see where you’ve been and how it brought you to where you are. There was a soft breeze where I was sitting; it carried with it the smell of the oak and dry brush below. To me, it smelled like summer. Hawks circled my head, and I was overcome by the sense of peace I always get from hiking.
The trek back down was easy and painless, and the one-way aspect of the trail permits hikers a second chance to take in things they may have missed on the way up. All in all, this hike is pleasant and although the views are nothing out of the ordinary, they’re no less beautiful or tranquil because of that fact.
I would recommend this trail to hikers of all experience levels. For the beginners, it’s not a hike that will render your legs useless the next day, while for the more experienced it’s merely a peaceful walk.
The best part of all is that the views are endless and the sense of calm comes without a price tag.
Intern Kristina Sewell often stretches her legs. Send comments via the arts editor at scone@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Jun 30 – Jul 7, 2011.