Distance: 1.60 miles out and back
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: Less than 5% grade
Trail Highlights
The Burton Mesa Loop Trail North provides a serene and educational hiking experience through one of California’s last significant stands of maritime chaparral. This area showcases diverse habitats, including oak woodlands, savannas, coastal sage scrub, meadows, and grasslands. Keep an eye out for the rare Vandenberg monkeyflower, a unique feature of this region. Wildlife is abundant, with potential sightings of badgers, bobcats, deer, mountain lions, packrats, snakes, and a variety of birds.
Trail Description
This 1.60-mile loop is ideal for walking, hiking, birding, and wildlife viewing. The trail features a dirt and sand surface with an average width of 4 to 8 feet, making it accessible for hikers of all levels. Shade varies along the route, and the sandy terrain adds a bit of challenge in some areas. Visitors can explore the 5,368-acre Burton Mesa Ecological Reserve, which lies between the Purisima Hills and Santa Ynez Mountains. The reserve’s unique landscape is dominated by ceanothus, manzanita, chamise, California coffeeberry, black sage, and coast live oak. Interpretive kiosks at the trailhead provide information about local plants and animals.
The trail is restricted to foot traffic only, with no bike or equestrian use permitted. There are no restrooms at the trailhead, so plan accordingly.
Directions
The trailhead is located at 4400 Constellation Road in Lompoc, California. From Lompoc, head north on State Route 1 toward Vandenberg Village and turn right onto Constellation Road. If traveling from Buellton on Highway 101, take State Route 246 west toward Lompoc and turn right onto Purisima Road before connecting to Constellation Road. On-street parking is available near the trailhead.
For more information, visit healthypeoplehealthytrails.org/maps/burton-mesa-loop-trail-south.pdf