Jesusita Trail to Inspiration Point
The Jesusita Trail starts at the Cater water treatment plant at the end of San Roque Rd and connects with Tunnel Trail. Since the end of the trail is just a junction with another trail, this hike description goes to an overlook called Inspiration Point instead of covering the entire trail.
This is a popular trail for hikers, trail runners and mountain bikers. The view point called "Inspiration Point" is just a summit at the junction with Tunnel Trail where you can sit and enjoy the view. There are also branching social trails at the top where you can find other places to sit and enjoy the view.
The hike is moderately steep and about 6 miles round trip with an approximate 1200ft elevation gain.
The trail is marked by a sign next to a small parking area just beyond the water treatment plant. Start by going downhill, avoiding the trail to the left shortly after you begin. That one goes down to the creek and eventually to Steven's Park.
Walk along deeply cracked adobe clay. This clay becomes very sticky and slippery when wet and can be very dangerous in the rain.
At .5 miles, pass a picnic table.
At .75 miles, reach the fork in the road for the Jesusita Trail and the Arroyo Burro Trail. Each fork is marked with a sign. Take the right fork.
At about the 1 mile mark, cross the creek. You will cross the creek a couple of times.
Eventually the trail meets a road. This is a private road. Follow the trail signs.
At the top of this hill there is a large, green gate. There used to be a drinking fountain here but it has been removed.
Continue down the dirt road and keep to the right until you reach a muddy creek crossing. You will leave the road here and follow the trail.
Now the rest of the hike is pretty straightforward and easy to follow. Eventually you will emerge onto the Edison Road at some powerlines.
Follow the Edison road, taking careful note of where the trail ended so you don't miss it coming back. You don't want to turn anywhere, just follow the road in the same direction you are already heading.
As you climb the road, you'll come around a bend and there will be a trail in the scrub in front of you. This trail is pretty nice and parallels the Edison road exactly. You can take either the road or trail.
Inspiration Point is the high point at the top of the road at the junction with Tunnel Trail. You can stop here and sit and enjoy the view or you can continue on the Edison Road to some boulders where you can sit and enjoy the view. There are other social trails in the area leading to other viewpoints.
To get home, return exactly as you came. Approximately 6 miles round trip.