Caliente Mountain Ridge Trail

visited on a really clear, cold january day. the road in was thankfully dry, but you still need to be careful with the narrow sections and those deep ruts everyone talks about. once on the ridge, the views were just insane, like you could see forever. soda lake looked like a silver mirror. hiked all the way to the summit post, had it all to myself. definitely bundle up if you go this time of year, that wind can be biting, but the solitude is unbeatable.

Road to trailhead was fine, views from the summit post were incredible.

crisp air on the ridge, quiet. good for a quick escape.

a bit muddy in spots near the start today, but nothing my jeep couldn't handle getting to the trailhead. the air was clear, you could see the distant pine mountain peaks. peaceful.

loved this trail! we went in mid-october, and the temperatures were just perfect, a nice breeze balancing out the direct sun. didn't see many wildflowers but the goldenbush was pretty. the double track sections were easy to cruise. reaching the top where the old hut used to be was cool, really makes you think about the history. so much open space and solitude, it's amazing. just remember to fill up your water bottles way before you head out, there's nothing out there. and the road to the trailhead, yeah, it's a bit gnarly but doable if you go slow.

What a phenomenal day exploring the Carrizo Plain, capped off by this ridge hike. The road to the trailhead was a bit daunting, particularly a few steep stretches that had some serious ruts, but our high-clearance SUV navigated it carefully. Once on the ridge, the conditions were great – hard-packed dirt for the most part. The highlight was reaching the summit and seeing the impressive sweep of landscape from the front door of the Sierras to the back side of Pine Mountain. No crowds whatsoever, just peace and quiet for miles.

Amazing views from the ridge, especially Soda Lake!

Wonderful clear day on the ridge. Saw some interesting bird species, making it great for birding. The old hut site provided a cool historical stop before reaching the summit.

No shade, bring water. Wildflowers were sparse, but still beautiful.

What an adventure getting to the trailhead after a recent light rain! The adobe silt on those steep access road sections was like driving on grease. My 4WD was useless, had to practically walk up rocks to get traction. Once on the main trail, it was mostly firm but still had a few sticky, muddy spots. The payoff? Incredible, sweeping views of Soda Lake and the entire Carrizo Plain, even if the clouds lingered a bit. The old WWII hut site was a cool photo op. Definitely check road conditions before you go, especially off-season.

This was an ambitious undertaking for my mountain bike, but totally worth it! The mix of doubletrack and singletrack sections keeps it interesting, though some of the silty spots required careful navigation. Climbing up towards the Caliente Mountain peak provided a good workout, and the descent back was exhilarating. The views of the Carrizo Plain and distant snow caps were the ultimate reward. Just make sure your tires are good for varied terrain, and bring plenty of spare water – it's exposed!

My first time tackling Caliente Mountain, and it certainly lived up to the hype for views. The drive up to the trailhead on Soda Lake Road was an adventure in itself, definitely a bit rough and narrow in places, but my AWD handled it okay on a dry day. The trail itself is an undulating ridge walk, offering incredible vistas of the Carrizo Plain and distant mountain ranges. I loved finding the summit post and imagining the old WWII watchmen here. Be prepared for zero shade and bring plenty of electrolytes, not just water, for this long trek.

The length of this trail makes it a true endurance test, but the views are simply unparalleled. Seeing the Carrizo Plain stretch out below, with Soda Lake shimmering in the distance, is a sight you won't forget. I started at Selby Campground and made my way up, which added a bit more to the total distance but saved me the worry of the access road in my sedan. The trail itself is a steady climb, not overly steep, but consistently upwards towards the Caliente Mountain summit post. Definitely recommend for anyone looking for a long, scenic day hike without extreme technical difficulty.

Don't underestimate the length of this one. It's not steep but it's a long haul, especially the return climb up to a few false summits. The views over Soda Lake are your reward.

This trail is more about endurance than technical skill. The double track sections roll easily, but the constant sun means water is key. Glad I packed enough for the entire length.

A truly unique geological experience. I spent ages looking for fossilized shells, and actually found a few on the trail itself! The sweeping views of Soda Lake are a constant companion, shimmering under the sun. It's a long day out there, and the sun is relentless, so layers and sun protection are essential. The trail surface varies from smooth doubletrack to more uneven singletrack near the summit, but it's always easy to follow. Don't forget to check out the old WWII structure remains.

We decided to take on Caliente Mountain Ridge Trail as a longer run, and it was a fantastic challenge. The initial double track allows for a good pace, but as you approach the Caliente Mountain peak, it gets a bit more rugged with some rocky and silty sections. The expansive views really open up towards Soda Lake and the Cuyama Valley, giving you something breathtaking to focus on during the climbs. The return journey always feels longer with the gradual uphills, so conserve energy. The road in was bone dry, making access relatively smooth.

The access road really needs a high-clearance vehicle. Once on the trail, it's a mix of doubletrack and singletrack, great for running. Views of the Cuyama Valley were stunning.

My primary objective was birding, and Caliente Mountain Ridge Trail did not disappoint. I spotted several raptors soaring over the Cuyama Valley and various smaller birds in the sparse vegetation. The trail provides excellent vantage points. Be aware of the sun exposure; I went in early June, and it got quite warm by midday. The access road was a bit bumpy in sections, but my SUV handled it with no issues. The path itself is well-defined, making it easy to focus on spotting wildlife.

Fantastic trail with expansive views in both directions. The hike to the fallen WWII hut was longer than expected but very rewarding. Parking was easy enough by the road.

I was worried about the 'hard' rating from other sources, but Komoot's 'moderate' felt more accurate for me, assuming you're prepared for the distance. It's a long, exposed hike without much steep climbing. The wildflowers were absolutely spectacular around mid-May; vibrant carpets painted the hillsides, especially looking down into the Cuyama Valley. Make sure you start early to beat the heat, and load up on water. Access road was manageable, just take it slow around the sharp turns.

Long day, but worth it for the Carrizo Plain panoramas.

Came for the wildflowers in spring, wasn't disappointed! The trail itself is pretty straightforward, mostly hard-packed dirt. Definitely needed my wide-brimmed hat; full sun the entire time.