Martinez Canyon - Jack Miller Cabin (Santa Rosas) 1.29.16

This hike starts with a 4 mile drive from the gate at the end of the farmland at Van Buren and 68th (you have to drive the farm roads from Van Buren and 66th to get to this point - the roads are public roads. The section from 66th and Van Buren to the gate is public, but not improved or maintained by the County). From the gate drive just over 4 miles to the end of the road on a sandy and sometimes rocky road to the end of the road and the wilderness boundary. Once at the end of the road, you hike up Martinez Canyon about 8 miles to the Jack Miller Cabin. It's mostly a wide wash, but there are a couple of narrow sections. Bushwacking is minimal and in the section with the reeds/bamboo it's pretty easy to find the traveled route through that section. A really nice hike for a cool and dry day. The elevation gain is only 2100' over the 16 mile hike. The Jack Miller Cabin is rodent infested; so, don't plan on camping inside the cabin.

15 / 37

Such a pretty section. It looked like there is a way to avoid this section by going over a hill near it, but don't do that unless it is really wet and sloppy because you'll miss one of the prettiest sections of the canyon and it was pretty easy to go through.