Better than you'd expect.
From the road, the Mtns across the way look more enticing, but this trail was well-maintained, yet rugged. We mostly saw bikers, but didn't see a whole lot of people overall.
Once you pull off of the highway, stay to the dirt road to the left; it will eventually become pavement again shortly before you hit the trail head.
When you get to the creek, look for the trail to the left that goes across a wooden branch bridge, before it gets too deep. Most of the elevation gain is on the upper half and you will pretty much know immediately when that is going to start. We started on the trail about 7am and got down at 12:15pm. Broadcast Peak was our destination and we ended up with 12 miles hiking and probably approx. 2800' elevation gain. You don't really need to do the peak to see the best views, as that is right at the end of the trail near the lone tree, where you can see the Pacific Ocean on one side and lake Cachuma on the other; The peak of Broadcast doesn't really have any better views. read more