Search for the El Camino Real to Mision Santa Maria

Ahead is the entrance to the Santa Maria canyon. The El Camino Real stays out of the canyon and goes into the hills to the north (right) to avoid it. A vehicle can drive to the canyon entrance from the Las Palmitas road. Then it's by foot or hoof from there.

Here it is!!! N29°41.733' W114°28.175' (NAD27)

Three cattle trails cross Arroyo Santa Maria and converge at the only place where a climb out of the arroyo is possible. This was on my second day searching, and the reward was worth it!

This second climb takes you out of the Santa Maria river valley and into a higher side side valley heading northwest. Ocotillos line the trail just ahead.

In case you had any doubts...

This sign says it all! It was laying along the El Camino Real about a half mile up from Arroyo Santa Maria. I continued hiking, with a big smile on my face!

previous page	next page