Grass Mountain Trail is a 5.2 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Santa Ynez, California that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. The trail is primarily used for hiking. Dogs are also able to use this trail.
Starting off easy, this trail steadily increases in difficulty until the final mile directly up the side of the mountain to the peak. It is not the highest mountain in the area, but still has commanding views over most the surrounding area. A permit is required. (See contact information.)
Midland School asks that hikers obtain permission before hiking on the property. There is a web site to do so at https://www.mymidlandschool.org/public/resources/uploads/Midland_Hiking_Permit_1505180017.pdf
January 13, 2021Great hike, finished (2) liters of water, packed a turkey sandwich, banana, and protein bar. Very sore but worth the views at the top, have good shoes
January 9, 2021Nice hike with good views at the top. Definitely deserves its hard rating. Not much shade past halfway up the trail.
January 5, 2021HIt was more difficult than I expected but worth it! My Apple Watch said 7 miles total. The last mile of pretty much straight up hill was challenging and totally worth the sore calves, quads and balls of my feet! We got some epic pics at the top. Does anyone know what the significance of the number 46 is?
January 1, 2021December 22, 2020Saw four people the whole time. Most of the hike is all up hill, especially the last section. Bring lots of water and a snack / sand which
December 19, 2020Loved it. Trail in okay shape. Awesome ass kicker turn around trip
November 21, 2020
November 14, 2020November 3, 2020The trail was nice, a little more overgrown in some parts than usual but I’m sure that there has been less maintaining of the trail. The final ascent and descent are always quite the leg burners but worth it for the views both up and down. Make sure to bring plenty of water as there is no shade cover for the last quarter up and first quarter down. Cleaned up trash on the trail and happy to report not too much on the trail but the parking areas were pretty bad. Walked away with over 12lbs of trash. Remember when you’re out enjoying nature to pack out what you brought in and leave it better!
August 14, 2020The trail is tough (especially the top quarter), but the views are worth it. Highly recommend if you find pratically climbing on rocks fun.
August 9, 2020Hard and challenging but beautiful!
July 17, 2020This trail is difficult, especially the end. Make sure bring plenty of water and a pair of gloves. As you get towards the top of the climb some of the plants could poke your hands. Took us about one hour and 40 minutes to make it from the bottom to the top and that's with taking pictures. Make sure you bring some good hiking shoes because it's very easy to slip. Go early, because the mountain blocks the sun and not many people travel this path early. Bring food to eat at the top of the mountain, there is a great little area on tops with the shade of trees.
June 22, 20202nd time I did this one. The first time I did it when it when the trail was wet, and it was actually easier because the rain made it easier to get a grip on the way down, but when the soil and rocks are super dry, it is hard not to slip, even with trekking poles. It is best to start this hike pretty early because the area gets pretty hot during the Summer and there is little shade. Trekking poles definitely help with how steep the trail is, especially going back down. There are multiple stream crossings near the beginning but no water further on. The views are pretty nice and even nicer when you take the trail further up to Zaca Peak, which is even more of a challenge. on IG as @picbynathan
June 20, 2020Nice spot to watch the spring bloom but can definitely get hot during the day, most of the hike is exposed.
June 7, 2020Beautiful trail, uphill the whole way, my legs felt the burn. I only ran into two different parties along the way. I heard the pur of a bob cat at the top of the trail, or growl I should say, and saw it’s tail as it ran into a bush. After that encounter I made good time getting down I would certainly do the hike again! Stream at the bottom to jump in after the hike
June 4, 2020May 28, 2020This is the second time hiking this trail and it never ceases to amaze me how beautiful the scenery really is. First half of the trail is pretty easy. Trail goes through a small forest next to a steady stream. Second half is literally a steep incline with very little shade with the exception of a few oak trees till you reach the top. Went the first during the super bloom a few years ago. Second time, pretty warm and a lot of bugs! Be sure to plan accordingly for weather and brings snacks! Definitely a trail that isn't for beginners.
May 14, 2020Gorgeous view
May 7, 2020Hiked this today (early May). Definitely not for the faint of heart. It is gorgeous the whole way though, easy beginning, but has 3 major steep sections as you climb to the top which can be deceiving. The views are INCREDIBLE the whole way up! Would 100% recommend sturdy hiking shoes, at least 2 water bottles and some snacks. Got light headed at the top! So beautiful, but watch for snakes, we accidentally stepped on a garden snake crossing over and heard what we thought were a few rattlers. Would recommend to anyone who loves a good challenging hike!
