Horse Bridge

Ventana Wilderness canyon and gorge, swimming hole. Head out on the gated road, along the Arroyo Seco gorge. The dirt road twists and winds along the eastern edge of the gorge, and provides some great views of the creek below. At about 1.75 miles, the trail forks, left heads uphill, and right heads downhill. Take the right fork, and stay next to the gorge. After 2.3 miles, there is a sign for Horse Bridge, and large shoulder on the dirt road. A trail leads down to the bridge and the creek. The beach and water is perfect for wading on hot days. Heading back up the way you came, this time take the left fork. This leads uphill, then back downhill on the dirt road to the Santa Lucia Ranger Station. At this point, take the trail as it veers uphill, and off to the left. Keep heading uphill, and the trail will climb over the hill to the left, and back down. This leads into a flat valley with oaks and grasses, and stay to the left at the bottom of the valley. This leads back around to the lakes and parking.