Grass Mountain - Peak #27 - A rainy day on the trail

Grass Mountain
Elevation: 3,685′
Mileage: 4.6
Trailhead: Grass Mountain Trailhead
Agency: Los Padres National Forest
Date Hiked: 02/02/2014
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02/02/2014
It was Superbowl Sunday. I don't have cable. I had a free day. I checked the weather report and it was pretty much guaranteed to rain. No problem. My last hike was on Oahu around Thanksgiving. I needed this. I had the rain gear. I decided to head out to Grass Mountain.

I drove out past Los Olivos, the rain was pretty steady once I got over San Marcos pass. I knew I was going to be in for a wet day. I was happy for the forest and happy for California. We were still going to be way behind in our annual precipitation, but any little bit of rain will help our situation.

At the trailhead with Grass Mountain behind me

I was a little confused at first, since there are so many trails that lead up Birabent Canyon, but they all appear to lead to the same place. Within a half mile, I completely soaked my feet while crossing Alamo Pintado Creek.

It had been raining a while, the creek was rushing strongly, and the rocks were slippery. Within a few minutes, my feet were warm again; the benefits of wool hiking socks.

Once emerging from a clearing, Grass Mountain became visible again. I started to realize how steep its flanks were. I could tell my lungs were tired. I was on the tail end of the flu, but I should be able to do this.

Most of the top portion of the mountain was covered in grass, and it became clear why it's called "Grass Mountain."

Staying dry, with Grass Mountain behind me

Just before a large grove of oaks, a small trail led upward to my left. Double-checking my map, I started upward.

Before long, I was sliding back down a steep part of the trail, my feet each carrying a pound or two of mud. I used my poles very carefully, and gingerly made it up the steepness.

The area is beautiful. I definitely would like to come back here on a clear day. As I got higher on the mountain, the views got better. About a third of the way up the mountain, the rain stopped and the wind picked up.

Due to the steepness, I was gasping. I guess I was more out of shape than I thought. I started counting 100 steps and then resting.

I looked upward to the trail above me and saw a large bobcat on it, staring motionless at me. We locked eyes for a good 30 seconds before I started reaching for my camera. A little movement, and it was gone. That answered the question as to the type of scat I had been seeing on the trail, some of it with bones in it, likely squirrel.

Feeling like I had climbed a 14er, I made it to the top. The views were amazing. Zaca Peak had some snow on it, as did some of the distant ridges I could see.

The sun started to emerge and I felt like I could see forever. The views from mountaintops after storms are the best and this was no different. After a few moments of hacking coughs and a snack.

I headed back down, enjoying the views to the south, seeing the wet winding road shine gold in the setting sun. I turned back to see the top of Grass Mountain glowing yellow. It was a great hike.