Hike Junipero Serra Peak Los Padres National Forest, CA

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Apr 26, 2026 — Junipero Serra Peak is the highest point in the Santa Lucia Range, which stretches roughly 140 miles along California’s Central Coast. These mountains rise abruptly from the Pacific Ocean, but since Junipero Serra is located a bit more inland, the views are mostly of the surrounding hills. Apparently on clear days you can see the ocean, but I couldn’t even see 50 feet in front of me due to thick fog.

The standard route starts from Memorial Park near the Santa Lucia Memorial, at the Santa Lucia Trailhead. The mountain was originally known as Santa Lucia Peak, but this name now only applies to the trail, which is a well-maintained and popular hike. Despite a lengthy drive out here, the road was in great shape.

The Santa Lucia Trail heads through sweeping grassy meadows with cool rock formations surrounding it as it ascends slowly to a shoulder before dropping slightly to reach the mouth of a major drainage on the peak’s southwest side. From here it continued steadily through woodland before taking numerous switchbacks up to Junipero Serra’s southwestern ridge, transitioning from a forested drainage to scrubby slopes.

Once reaching the west ridge, the trail stays north and enters a forested slope before a steep ascent leads to the summit, which houses an old fire lookout tower.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)

Peaks on hike

Elevation

Prominence

Junipero Serra Peak

5859 ft

4444 rise

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Starting along the Santa Lucia Trail.

Looking back toward the trailhead.

Very pretty sweeping meadows at the base of Junipero Serra Peak. The summit is up there in the clouds somewhere.

View back.

The Santa Lucia Trail led to a shoulder before starting a short descent ahead.

Looking at some cool formations on the slope to the north.

An old tractor along the trail.

The Santa Lucia Trail continues north up a major drainage.

View back.

Continuing with the drainage.

Looking back as the trail begins up the slope, using switchbacks.

Junipero Serra's southwestern ridgeline seen ahead.

View back down into the drainage.

At the ridgeline, now starting up the crest using more switchbacks.

View back along switchbacks skirting the crest.

Entering the fog fully now, so I didn't get more views.

The trail wraps around the north side of Junipero Serra Peak.

And then a steep ascent to the summit.

Junipero Serra Peak lookout tower.

Junipero Serra Peak summit view. Hopefully you'll have better luck with weather.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!