Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park and Cachuma Lake ๐Ÿ–Œ๏ธ

Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park and Cachuma Lake ๐Ÿ–Œ๏ธ

We began our new year with an adventure connecting us to the past. Joy and Rocko got to see their grandparents and Chumash cave art from at least 500 years ago.

Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park interpretive panel

After a narrow twisty road trip into the mountains, we parked at the side of the road next to the Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park interpretive sign. Then we walked about a hundred feet up some mossy rocks to the gate-protected cave art.

Rocko and his grandmother looking through the gate at the at at Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park

Joy didn't quite understand what was going on. Rocko felt very connected to the ancestors. It was really neat as he wrapped his mind around people living here long before we did.

Joy doesn't understand why we're standing at this gate at the Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park

Rock examining a book of visitor signatures at Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park

After looking at the art, we spent a little bit of time collecting acorns by the road and Rocko examined the creek below.

Rocko examining the water in the creek under Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park

We enjoyed the ocean views on the drive down.

Enjoying ocean views in Santa Barbara county

It's not a long trip, so we followed it up with lunch at Cachuma Lake, which gives you free entry if you validate your pass at the restaurant.

Lunch at Cachuma Lake in Santa Barbara county

Here we also collected acorns from a Valley Oak.

Joy examining a large acorn at Cachuma Lake in Santa Barbara county

Then the kids napped on the drive home to SLO county. It was a great start to 2022!

Are you looking for adventures nearby? Check out this list!

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