Trail Overview
This alternate beach route branches off from the Santa Fe Playa trail and quickly climbs a silty ascent out of the arroyo--an area that demands attention due to hidden holes on both the climb and the descent. Once clear of the arroyo, the trail narrows into a well-worn path, marked by embedded tire tracks that hint at past off-road races. The terrain varies between smooth stretches and sections of chunky rock, with narrow passages that may result in light vehicle scratching. After a sharp right turn, the route transforms into a beautifully winding trail through vibrant desert vegetation. Along the way, a small canyon offers a scenic detour to a secluded beach and potential campsites. As the trail continues, the sand deepens--reaching up to four inches in some places--as it approaches the dunes and final beach access point. The route concludes where it meets the main Santa Fe Beach trail, with a couple of excellent spots for camping at the edge of the Pacific.
Difficulty
Overall, this is not a particularly difficult trail, though it does feature a mix of sandy stretches and rocky sections that require careful wheel placement. While a well-driven 2WD vehicle with good ground clearance can potentially make it through, a 4WD is strongly recommended--especially in such remote terrain, where a single misstep could easily leave you stranded.
