About us
Welcome to Santa Barbara County Hikers!
We all benefit from free access to the extensive network of trails throughout our coastal mountains, along the Gaviota coastline, in the Santa Ynez Valley, and across the spectacular Santa Barbara backcountry. The County’s trail system is a community resource at its best when it is maintained and regularly put to use.
Although we do not charge to join our Meetup group, each hike we take reminds us that the community resource we love is also a community responsibility. There are many ways to fulfill that obligation. One way is to join the Santa Barbara County Trails Council: http://sbtrails.org/join/. Another is to volunteer for trail projects: [http://sbvoluneers.org](https://www.meetup.com/Santa-Barbara-Trail-Volunteers/).
Your membership supports our recreational hiking program, trail maintenance program, and the planning and construction of new trails in Santa Barbara County for all users. In addition, you will receive a local hiking trail map pack as a new member.
Thanks for joining Santa Barbara County Hikers, and now join us for a hike for fun, fitness, and the incredible beauty surrounding us!
Happy trails,
Mark Wilkinson
Executive Director
Santa Barbara County Trails Council
http://sbtrails.org/links
PS. Special thanks to Curt Cragg for founding Santa Barbara County Hikers over a decade ago.
Upcoming events
9
Wednesday Evening Hike: Montecito Loop
1609 Park Lane, Buena Vista Trailhead, Montecito, CA, USThis week: Montecito Loop. Parking at the Buena Vista Trailhead OR meeting at Big 5. This route follows Buena Vista Trail up to the "Y" where we'll turn West (left). The route climbs to the ridge then drops steeply to San Ysidro Trail. From there we climb the catway to Girard trail followed by a descent down to McMenemy where we'll pause for city views (weather permitting) and community refreshments. We'll return to cars via McMenemy, across San Ysidro creek, along San Ysidro Trail Southward and then turn East (left) on Old Pueblo Trail which terminates on Park Lane within a few hundred feet of Buena Vista Trailhead. This route last hiked Oct 2024.
Distance - 4.66 mi (short!)
Ascent - 1600ft
Water crossings - Step over
Rock scrambling - NO
Bush whacking - NO
Maximum Grade - >20%, Steep descent around 40%!!
Strava Effort - 1.8xCarpool: Big 5 at 6:00p
https://maps.app.goo.gl/pvhy5hs97EhtmwgeATrailhead: Buena Vista Trailhead
https://maps.app.goo.gl/gryEah6H2tk5dFhc7Strava link:
https://www.strava.com/routes/3283193358038243494Hike Leader this week will be Kevin Hanrahan. If you plan to attend please accept on Meetup. For questions, Kevin can be reached via text at 805-895-5655.
About Wednesday Evening Hike series
We will meet at 6:30p at the trailhead unless otherwise noted for that week. We sometimes carpool to trails up to 45 minutes away. We attempt to vary the trails selecting amongst those that are open and in hike-worthy condition. We hike the front country, the backside of the front range and occasionally adventure even further. Hikes are typically in the 6-9 mile range with 1500-3000 ft of total ascent. Occasionally we'll mix in a harder hike where returns can be very late. These hikes are meant for those with some hiking experience and moderate athletic condition. The pace varies and larger groups usually split, but we will re-group at intersections and stick together where the path is 'iffy'. Please dress appropriately with hiking boots/shoes and comfortable clothes meant to get sweaty and possible wet. Headlamp and/or flashlight required. Bring a water resistant jacket for rain/gloom or just cold air which is frequent at altitude. We recommend 1-3L water bladder in a backpack depending upon trail difficulty so that your hands are free to cross water or scramble up/down rocks. Bug spray is a good idea as bugs are very active at dusk (better to have and not need.) Some folks bring hiking poles. I recommend long sleeves and pants to prevent scratches, poison oak and ticks.We typically stop at the top, add a layer for warmth and enjoy a snack. This can be some of the best fun as folks drag up hot tea, other libations, and all sorts of baked goods to share. Yum!
Group organizers assume no liability; hike at your own risk. By being a member of this group, you hereby agree to assume all risks and liability related to or resulting from any group functions. You agree that you nor any third party will hold any of the group's leaders liable for any injury, loss, or damage to your own self or property arising directly or as a consequence of a group activity. You also agree that your membership of this group is based on an "at will" basis.
2 attendees
Trail Talks: Carrizo Plain – A Sense of Place with filmmaker Jeff McLoughlin
Santa Barbara Public Library, 40 E Anapamu St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, USA, Santa Barbara, CA, USTrail Talks: Carrizo Plain – A Sense of Place with filmmaker Jeff McLoughlin
Thursday, November 19, 6:30pm
Faulkner Gallery – Santa Barbara Public Library
40 East Anapamu St., Santa Barbara, CASanta Barbara filmmaker Jeff McLoughlin will screen his 32 minute documentary Carrizo Plain – A Sense of Place followed by a discussion and Q&A with two members of Santa Barbara’s Oak Group*, Chris Chapman and John Iwerks. Prior to the influx of Europeans in the 1800s, California’s Great Central Valley was a vast open plain. One remnant grassland of that era remains — the Carrizo Plain. Through their personal sense of place, the artists share their impressions to reveal the character of this hidden corner of California. The film features artists Chris Chapman, Bill Dewey, and John Iwerks as well as rare plant biologist Heather Schneider, Ph.D. of the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. The creative interpretation the artists provide and the deeper scientific understanding from biologist Heather Schneider provides us with a window into the rare and unique qualities that make the careful preservation of the National Monument so important for us all.
Carrizo Plain - A Sense of Place, was produced for the California Nature Art Museum and funded in part by the Wood-Claeyssens Foundation.
Filmmaker Jeff McLoughlin resides in Santa Barbara where he produces environmental documentaries that explore the passionate efforts of individuals working to preserve and bring voice to the natural world. His films explore the varied ways that scientists, naturalists, and artists apply their talents to environmental dilemmas. Screened in film festivals nationwide including our own Santa Barbara International Film Festival, his films have been featured by museums and educational institutions and broadcast through American Public Television as well as internationally. Jeff’s credits include the award winning film The Condor’s Shadow, which has been employed in the curriculum of wildlife and environmental studies programs at colleges and universities around the nation. Other recent work include short films on California’s endangered Valley Oak, on Oak Group co-founder Ray Strong as well as mosaic artist Patti Jacquemain in The Artist and the Great Bear. Additional information on those films can be found on Jeff’s production company website GoodEyeFilms.com.
John Iwerks is a respected, longtime Santa Barbara artist and teacher. Born in Burbank in 1955, he attended Santa Barbara Art Institute and forged a lifelong friendship with mentor Ray Strong. He is a founding member of The Oak Group and is an Honorary Member of the Santa Barbara Art Association. He enjoys working en plein air, focusing on subjects that might depict the geologic features of the land.
Chris Chapman is a California artist known for her sensitive yet strong landscapes in oils, pastels and watercolors plus a body of work in native botanicals. Born in Pasadena in 1950, her bonds with nature and creative expression were forged early. She studied at University of Oregon, UC Santa Barbara, and Santa Barbara Community College. Combining conservation with art, Chris and husband, John Iwerks, were the first preserve managers at Arroyo Hondo Preserve, creating a visitors’ center, adobe art gallery, and natural history illustrations while also teaching art classes at SBCC’s popular Adult Education. Now Chris and John live and paint in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley.
*Oak Group members have worked since 1986 to protect land for wildlife, recreation, ranching, and farming. Their work serves as a catalyst to generate public interest and very often real dollars to preserve open space and protect environmentally sensitive landscapes. Oak artists make visual records, drawing public attention to lands we stand to lose and generating funds to protect them. To date, Oak Group sales of $3 Million have supported open space preservation.
This free presentation is part of the Trail Talks series hosted by the Santa Barbara Public Library.
The next talk in the series is Thursday, December 17, Trail Talks Open Mic: Tales from the Wild
4 attendees
Wednesday Evening Hike: Aliso Canyon
Snyder Trailhead , Santa Barbara, ca, Snyder Trail, Santa Barbara, CA, USThis week: Aliso Cyn Loop incl Upper Oso. We will walk the road and through Sage Hill campground to avoid $10 parking fee (cheapskate). Then we walk the lovely Aliso Cyn interpretive trail which leads to the climb up out of the valley. Then we drop down to Upper Oso campground, which is closed and overgrown :( We'll pause there for refreshments. On the return we turn left to complete the Aliso Cyn loop, which meets back with the interpretive trail. Hard Option: Climb "The Wall" instead of switchbacks out of Upper Oso.
Distance - 7.1 mi
Ascent - 1513ft
Water crossings - 3” over concrete
Rock scrambling - NO
Bush whacking - NO
Maximum Grade - >20% (Option: The Wall at 45%!)
Overall Effort - MediumCarpool: Big 5 North lot at 6:00pm
https://maps.app.goo.gl/pvhy5hs97EhtmwgeATrailhead: Snyder Trailhead. Please park completely off the asphalt.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/QpaDNh7KLv4sC5k98Strava link:
https://www.strava.com/routes/3227394716254977790Hike Leader this week will be Kevin Hanrahan. If you plan to attend please accept on Meetup. For questions, Kevin can be reached via text at 805-895-5655.
About Wednesday Evening Hike series
We will meet at 6:30p at the trailhead unless otherwise noted for that week. We sometimes carpool to trails up to 45 minutes away. We attempt to vary the trails selecting amongst those that are open and in hike-worthy condition. We hike the front country, the backside of the front range and occasionally adventure even further. Hikes are typically in the 6-9 mile range with 1500-3000 ft of total ascent. Occasionally we'll mix in a harder hike where returns can be very late. These hikes are meant for those with some hiking experience and moderate athletic condition. The pace varies and larger groups usually split, but we will re-group at intersections and stick together where the path is 'iffy'. Please dress appropriately with hiking boots/shoes and comfortable clothes meant to get sweaty and possible wet. Headlamp and/or flashlight required. Bring a water resistant jacket for rain/gloom or just cold air which is frequent at altitude. We recommend 1-3L water bladder in a backpack depending upon trail difficulty so that your hands are free to cross water or scramble up/down rocks. Bug spray is a good idea as bugs are very active at dusk (better to have and not need.) Some folks bring hiking poles. I recommend long sleeves and pants to prevent scratches, poison oak and ticks.We typically stop at the top, add a layer for warmth and enjoy a snack. This can be some of the best fun as folks drag up hot tea, other libations, and all sorts of baked goods to share. Yum!
Group organizers assume no liability; hike at your own risk. By being a member of this group, you hereby agree to assume all risks and liability related to or resulting from any group functions. You agree that you nor any third party will hold any of the group's leaders liable for any injury, loss, or damage to your own self or property arising directly or as a consequence of a group activity. You also agree that your membership of this group is based on an "at will" basis.
3 attendees
Wednesday Evening Hike: Tunnel to Cielo
Tunnel Trailhead, 1498 Tunnel Rd, Santa Barbara, CA, USThis week: Tunnel Trail. This route ascends Tunnel trail for the whole 4+ miles. Past the Connector, past the Dry Falls, past everything and all the way to the top. Longer hike, but nothing particularly arduous unless you try to keep up with Henk or Carlos. Pause for refreshments up top at Camino Cielo. Return the way we came on Tunnel Trail all the way back to the Trailhead and parked cars.
Distance - 8.2 mi
Ascent - 2460 ft
Water crossings - NO
Rock scrambling - NO
Bush whacking - NO
Maximum Grade - >20%
Strava Effort - 2.5xTrailhead: Tunnel Trailhead
https://maps.app.goo.gl/beKanekLtRhGSJs29Strava link
https://www.strava.com/routes/3331847148741802186Hike Leader this week will be Kevin Hanrahan. If you plan to attend please accept on Meetup. For questions, Kevin can be reached via text at 805-895-5655.
About Wednesday Evening Hike series
We will meet at 6:30p at the trailhead unless otherwise noted for that week. We sometimes carpool to trails up to 45 minutes away. We attempt to vary the trails selecting amongst those that are open and in hike-worthy condition. We hike the front country, the backside of the front range and occasionally adventure even further. Hikes are typically in the 6-9 mile range with 1500-3000 ft of total ascent. Occasionally we'll mix in a harder hike where returns can be very late. These hikes are meant for those with some hiking experience and moderate athletic condition. The pace varies and larger groups usually split, but we will re-group at intersections and stick together where the path is 'iffy'. Please dress appropriately with hiking boots/shoes and comfortable clothes meant to get sweaty and possible wet. Headlamp and/or flashlight required. Bring a water resistant jacket for rain/gloom or just cold air which is frequent at altitude. We recommend 1-3L water bladder in a backpack depending upon trail difficulty so that your hands are free to cross water or scramble up/down rocks. Bug spray is a good idea as bugs are very active at dusk (better to have and not need.) Some folks bring hiking poles. I recommend long sleeves and pants to prevent scratches, poison oak and ticks.We typically stop at the top, add a layer for warmth and enjoy a snack. This can be some of the best fun as folks drag up hot tea, other libations, and all sorts of baked goods to share. Yum!
Group organizers assume no liability; hike at your own risk. By being a member of this group, you hereby agree to assume all risks and liability related to or resulting from any group functions. You agree that you nor any third party will hold any of the group's leaders liable for any injury, loss, or damage to your own self or property arising directly or as a consequence of a group activity. You also agree that your membership of this group is based on an "at will" basis.
1 attendee
Past events
1204
