Photosphere from the summit of Redrock Mountain
Approaching Cienega Campground
First view of Redrock Mountain
Rock outcrops on the ridge
The summit is some 800' above the saddle, gained in roughly a half mile. Dima was first on the summit filled with namesake red colored boulders. The benchmark was in pristine condition despite being set in 1930. While reading the register, Dima noted one group had completed a loop with Redrock Canyon as the other segment. We kicked around the idea of returning that way, facing some unknowns in that canyon. The consensus was to tackle the loop.
Dima on the first major rock outcrop
Cobblestone Mountain in the Los Padres National Forest. White Mountain to the right.
Sean and Cecelia on the summit
After descending to the saddle, we continued along the trail away from Fish Canyon and turned left at a junction that led down into Redrock Canyon. The canyon was mostly clear at first, then started to get clogged with trees, boulders, and poison oak. We tried following some trail bypasses, but soon found ourselves out of the canyon in deep vegetation with thorny brambles and hungry ticks. We found our way back to the canyon and made slow progress through the wild upper section. I became concerned about time, since I needed to let my wife know I would not be able to pick up our son. At one point, I wanted to turn around and head back but the group convinced me to push forward. Fortunately, the worst was already behind us. The canyon opened up a little and offered some short waterfall down climbs and entertaining formations. With about a mile and a half to go, where Falls Creek joins Redrock Canyon, we found a use trail marked with cairns and ribbons leading the way out.
Into Redrock Canyon
Sean and Cecelia fighting through some evil greenery
Wild upper section of Redrock Canyon
Dima on a section of smooth rocks
Large conglomerate boulders in a fun section with 10-15' waterfalls
