What to Expect: The trails across Burton Mesa wind through one of the state’s last significant stands of maritime chaparral. As a result, the area provides an opportunity to explore various habitats, including oak woodlands, savannas, coastal sage scrub, meadows, and grasslands.
Description: Burton Mesa Ecological Reserve is a long-standing community treasure. It consists of 5,368 acres between Purisima Hills and Santa Ynez Mountains, with vistas in every direction. Ceanothus, manzanita, chamise, California coffeeberry, black sage, coast live oak, and coastal scrub species dominate the unique landscape. Badgers, bobcats, deer, mountain lions, packrats, snakes, and various avian species may also be observed.
Trailhead: 4400 Constellation Road, Lompoc, CA 93436
Directions: From Lompoc, head north on State Route 1 towards Vandenberg Village and turn right onto Constellation Road. From Buellton and Highway 101, take State Route 246 west, towards Lompoc, and turn right onto Purisima Road, and continue towards State Route 1 and Constellation Road. At the end of Constellation Road, near Cabrillo High School and Northoaks Drive, is the trailhead. On-street parking is available.
- Difficulty Rating: Easy
- Distance: 2.25 miles out and back
- Grade Change: Less than 5%
- Trail Layout: Loop
- Surface: Dirt and sand
- Average Width: 4 to 8 feet
- Shade: Varies along the route
- Obstacles: Sandy terrain
- Accessibility: Not rated
- Restrictions: No bike or equestrian use
- Emergency: Call 911
Special thanks to Wildling Museum of Art and Nature for creating Art from the Trails, a juried invitational exhibition, showcasing trail systems in Santa Barbara County. The exhibit is ongoing through October 3, 2021.