HPS Big 3+1 Dayhike Santa Cruz San Rafael McKinley Cachuma 5/14/06 Not much to say about this one. The HPS Big 3 consists of Santa Cruz Peak, McKinley Mtn, and San Rafael Mtn. The HPS guide lists 33 miles and 8600 feet of gain for the three which is normally done as a 2 day backpack. Bob Burd and Matthew Holliman had made this trek as a dayhike and now it was my turn. The area isn't all that attractive and the views aren't particularly memorable. The brush on Santa Cruz is formidable. Add to that a hot day, little shade, plenty of ticks, and swarms of those horrible pesky flies. These are the ingredients of a "classic" HPS hike -- the best part being when it's over. All this I expected. My goal was 14 hours. Matthew had taken 13.5 and Bob had taken no more than 12 using a mountain bike. I considered taking my mountain bike but decided I would be more satisfied to do it all on foot. Though the heat slowed me down, on the way out I realized I had made better time than I thought. One last obstacle remained. Bob had done Cachuma Mtn on his way out so I decided I'd better bag that one too. Having completed my bonus peak for the day I then accelerated my pace for a new goal (a sub 12 hr day). I finished off the day in 11 hours 55 minutes. Log 06:18am - Left Parking lot 06:20am - Gate 06:51am - Cement water tank N of Cachuma 08:26am - water 08:46am - Trail Junction? Sign anyway 08:59am - McKinley Spring 09:11am - McKinley saddle 10:01am - Gained ridge with old road on way to Santa Cruz 11:15am - Reached summit of Santa Cruz Peak 01:35pm - McKinley saddle 02:14pm - Reached summit of San Rafael Mtn 02:50pm - McKinley saddle 03:07pm - Reached summit of McKinley Mtn 03:23pm - McKinley saddle 03:34pm - McKinley Spring 05:27pm - Reached summit of Cachuma Mtn 06:12pm - Gate 06:13pm - Parking Lot Stats Time from trailhead to Santa Cruz Peak: 4 hrs 57 mins Total Time: 11 hrs 55 mins Notes Accuweather forecast for Santa Ynez was 93, weather.com was 78 Accuweather was closer unfortunately - it was hot at times Found good water a mile or so before reaching McKinley Spring Driving time from Bakersfield to Trailhead: 3 hrs exactly (no traffic) Return time: Left at 6:25pm. Arrived home 10:45. Stopped for a stroll at the Ventura Harbor and again for dinner in Fillmore.