Cuesta Pass Two Peak Route

This 21-mile route takes West Cuesta Ridge Road (TV Tower Road) to two prominent peaks along the ridge, Tassajara Peak and Cerro Alto. This is a popular area for hikers, mountain bikers and off-road vehicles, and can be highly trafficked at certain times, especially on weekends. Around mile 7.5, there is a gate past which only hikers and bikers are allowed, making for a much more pleasant experience. Before this, the route is along a wide dirt road that is steep at times, full of potholes and ruts at other times. After the gate, the route narrows and becomes more of a path. The turnoff for Tassajara Peak is near this gate. For Cerro Alto, note that the path up the southeast ridge can be choked with poison oak, especially during spring. The easiest route up this peak is along the trail further up, near mile 9.7.  Camping is popular in pull-offs along the road, and the ridge is a great place for sunsets over the ocean. There is a parking lot on the west side of Highway 101.

It is extremely important to note that trail conditions in Los Padres vary drastically from season to season and year to year. Check hikelospadres.com for the most updated trail conditions and water reports, and please share your trip reports on the site upon your return so that everyone can safely explore this wonderful area. This area can be extremely dry and hot, as well as extremely wet and cold. Be prepared! Additionally, check https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/lospadres for current information and important updates in Los Padres National Forest.