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Hiking, backpacking, and camping throughout Southern California and beyond

Knapp's Castle - A slice of the past with a great view

Knapp's Castle - A slice of the past with a great view

Knapp’s Castle
Date Visited:
12/07/2013

Santa Ynez Peak from Knapp's Castle

Santa Ynez Peak from Knapp's Castle

12/07/2013
Since the weather turned very cold for the weekend, Sophia and I canceled our trip to Carrizo Plain National Monument. We still wanted to go on a little adventure, so we decided to go somewhere local. We decided Knapp's Castle. Depending on where you look, the area is either off-limits or open for hiking.

During my research, I determined that while the castle is on private property, the owner is allowing hikers to visit, as long as there is no vandalism. He has posted a sign stating that he can revoke that access at any time, thus preventing the prescriptive easement that likely existed at some point in time.

The gate to Knapp's Castle

The gate to Knapp's Castle

We parked on East Camino Cielo and made our way on the dirt road to the gate, which we went under and around. The day was cold enough that we encountered ice in some of the shady areas.

In no time at all, we encountered the castle and walked around. There were other groups of hikers, who commented on how we were better prepared with our down jackets and gloves. Some of them were wearing shorts.

Even though there was a sign that indicated 24 hour surveillance, I was still surprised at how clean and litter-free the site was. I didn't see the usual beer cans and broken glass that I usually see in easily accessible sites.

The views to the north were amazing.

Warning sign at Knapp's Castle

Warning sign at Knapp's Castle

The ruins of Knapp's Castle

The ruins of Knapp's Castle

Santa Ynez Peak from Knapp's Castle

Santa Ynez Peak from Knapp's Castle

Sage Hill, McKinley Mountain, and Santa Cruz Peak from Knapp's Castle

Sage Hill, McKinley Mountain, and Santa Cruz Peak from Knapp's Castle

Lake Cachuma from Knapp's Castle

Lake Cachuma from Knapp's Castle

Chimney at Knapp's Castle

Chimney at Knapp's Castle

Blue Jeep at Knapp's Castle

Blue Jeep at Knapp's Castle

Soph at Knapp's Castle

Soph at Knapp's Castle

We hung out there for a while. Running around, playing with ice, and chatting with other hikers, one of whom was scouting locations for a film.

It was a pleasant short hike and the perfect remedy for an otherwise rainy weekend.

Stay tuned - plenty of things on the way

Stay tuned - plenty of things on the way

Getting perspective on Ka'ala Ridge in Oahu

Getting perspective on Ka'ala Ridge in Oahu