Guadalupe Loop

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views

The trailhead at the abbey itself has ample parking with no fees. There are picturesque lakes fed by a hot spring near the trailhead, although the abbey is discouraging social activities and picnics at the time of writing (August 2020) due to COVID-19 related concerns.

The Our Lady of Guadelupe Abbey lies between Dundee and Carlton, and has generously opened the hills behind the monastic complex to hikers. From the car park, a path leads you to the start of this 3.6 mile loop trail, which can be easily travelled in either direction. The path to the left gets you to the lookout at the top more directly, but there are some great views to be had if you head right.

Both paths head up the hill fairly steeply, but are manageable if you take your time. There are a some cutoff loops that return you to the carpark before the viewpoint if you want a shorter hike; all are clearly signposted and there's a great map at the trailhead. If a path isn't named, don't head along it as it normally just leads to the property boundary.

A small shrine with a view over hills sits along the ridge line at the top, decorated with offerings to the eponymous Lady (and a fair bit of detritus and trash, unfortunately). An unmarked spur trail leads to the viewpoint at the trail's highest point: be sure to bear to the right as you head along this spur: the wider trail that goes straight ahead leads nowhere of any interest.