Antler Point from Twin Gates

Overview: If you like sweeping vistas, wildflowers, and (ahem) squirrels, this is a hike you should consider. At eleven miles, its relatively lengthy, but starting at Twin Gates eliminates some of the elevation gain and makes it a little easier in that regard.

The Canada de Pala trail goes up from the parking lot, past the upper end of the Yerba Buena trail and crests at a place with a large fallen oak; a very nice place to stop and take in the view (see my Oct 31 hike). The trail then dips down and crests again, just a little higher before it drops down and passes the upper ends of the Los Huecos and HallsValley trails.

Antler Point is at the end of a .3 mile single track that cuts off of the main trail. The view is fantastic on a clear day down in the bay area.

There’s another beautiful overlook up there but it looks down into the Smith Creek canyon. I recommend you take a look if you go up there as the hillside is very steep there as it drops some 1500 feet into the canyon.