What we’re about
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 (3)
See all- Wednesday Evening Hike: Root Cellar (Homestead)Five Points Shopping Center, Santa Barbara, CA
This week: Root Cellar (trying again without smoke). Meet at Big 5 at 6:00p for the shuttle to Trailhead. We'll climb up West fork Cold Springs for about .8 miles, then turn North up Middle Fork toward Tangerine Falls about 1.5 mi from trailhead. From there we'll continue North for another .3 mi where the trail separates from Middle Fork and crosses the stream through thick cover to reach the root cellar (aka Homestead) another .3 mi up the trail. After stopping for refreshments at the stacked rock structure (see pic from last time) we return the same route to the trailhead. While this hike is short there are some steep sections and some stream crossings to make it fun.
Distance - 4.25 mi (including optional Tangerine Overlook)
Ascent - 1467 ft
Water crossings - YES (Step over)
Rock scrambling - NO
Bush whacking - YES
Maximum Grade - >25%
Strava Effort - 1.5xCarpool Spot: Big 5 @ 6:00p
https://maps.app.goo.gl/pvhy5hs97EhtmwgeATrailhead: Cold Springs Trailhead (but please do carpool!)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/y6VQzM5kerD7VFdz9Strava link
https://www.strava.com/routes/3268442385636354214Hike Leader this week will be Henk Aling. If you plan to attend please accept on Meetup. For questions, Henk can be reached via text at 805-698-0532.
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.
- Trail Talks: The Mystery and Magic of the Mojave with Joshua JacksonSanta Barbara Public Library ~ Faulkner Gallery, Santa Barbara, CA
The Mystery and Magic of the Mojave with Joshua Jackson
Free Presentation with Q&A
Thursday, August 21, 6:30pm
Faulkner Gallery – Santa Barbara Public Library
40 East Anapamu St., Santa Barbara, CAJoin author Joshua Jackson as he highlights his time in the Mojave Desert, drawn from his book The Enduring Wild, which documents five years exploring California’s overlooked public lands. What he found wasn’t just ecological wonder or scenic grandeur, but something quieter and more mysterious: a holiness that reveals itself only through slowing down. Blending natural history, conservation, and personal reflection, this talk offers a lyrical look at one of California’s most misunderstood regions - and an invitation to walk more deliberately through the world.
Josh is a writer, photographer, and speaker whose work champions the wild beauty and overlooked value of America’s public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). He is the author of The Enduring Wild, a book of essays and photographs exploring California’s BLM lands.
As founder of the Forgotten Lands Project, Josh uses immersive storytelling and striking visual narratives to spotlight the nation's least protected and most misunderstood places. He gives keynote talks on public lands, place attachment, and conservation history, and leads field trips through the USAL Project to help others experience these landscapes firsthand.
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, September 18, Conservation Stories Behind Some of Our Favorite Trails with The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County
- Invasive Plant Removal @ Mission Creek Lagoon with Urban Creeks CollectiveParking, Santa Barbara, CA
Join the members of the Urban Creeks Collective for a fun and helpful morning. We will thoroughly weed out invasive plants that are competing with our California native coastal habitat flora at the Mission Creek Lagoon restoration site.
We will be staging in the back of the Palm Park Parking Lot near the bike path. The Palm Park Parking lot is on the ocean side of Cabrillo Blvd from Chase Palm Park at the end of Garden St. 236E E Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 Parking permits will be provided to attendees.- The tasks requires some kneeling and pulling.
- Work area is beach sand, wear long pants and appropriate shoes.
- Tools and gloves will be provided.
- There will be knowledgeable botany and habitat staff on site.
This is a opportunity to learn, participate and enjoy one of California's
rare coastal ecosystems.
Your help is super appreciated!
Meet at Palm Park Parking Lot, Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara.
