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
6
Wednesday Evening Hike: Jesusita
Jesusita Trailhead, San Roque Rd, Santa Barbara, CA, USThis week: Jesusita. Parking at the Cater Water Processing Plant/Jesusita Trailhead off San Roque Road. This route follows Jesusita Trail up to Inspiration Point. The route meanders through level ranch land before reaching a road and then ascending a well-trafficked trail up the south side including some switchbacks and then a traverse to a fire break road to the overlook. We'll pause for city views and community refreshments and then return mostly the same route, but down the overlook trail gulley which is a little loose.
Distance - 6.88 mi
Ascent - 1579ft
Water crossings - Step over
Rock scrambling - NO
Bush whacking - NO
Maximum Grade - >15%
Strava Effort - 1.7xTrailhead: Cater Water Processing Plant/Jesusita Trailhead
https://maps.app.goo.gl/P6Sh6xBTPxHk4YFo7Strava link:
https://www.strava.com/routes/3278565038514636218Hike 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.
7 attendees
5-Peaks Grass Mountain Hike with Ella
Midland School Trail Head, About 7 Miles in on Figueroa Mtn Road from Hwy 154, Los Olivos, CA, USJoin me for the SB Trail Council's Final 5-Peaks Challenge summit!
Come explore Grass Mountain, a pristine gem of the Santa Ynez! We will follow a moderately steep trail up to the ridgeline, then tackle a challenging, strenuous climb to the summit, where we will be rewarded with commanding views of the surrounding San Rafael Wilderness. We hope to catch the tail end of the spring wildflower bloom.SPECIAL THANKS to Midland School senior students, who, at the beginning of April, carried out trail repairs and brushed back grasses on the Maple Canyon Trail, Redrock Springs Trail, and the High Country Loop during their Spring Break week.
NOTE: This area was severly damages in the Lake Fire in 2024. It has made an amazing recovery. With donations from community members and a grant from the Santa Barbara Foundation, the Santa Barbara County Trails Council funded the repairs across the 10-mile-long trail network.
Details:
- Distance ~5mi
- Ascent - 2400ft
- Rock scrambling - SOME
- All Trails Map: Grass Mountain Trail
Trailhead: Lovers Loop Trailhead ( aka Grass Mountain Trailhead)
1.7 miles past the entrance to Midland School at 5100 Figueroa Mountain Rd, Santa Ynez, CA 93460Directions:
Drive to Los Olivos, CA. At the intersection of Hwy 154 and Figueroa Mountain Rd, turn onto Figueroa Mountain Rd and drive about 7 miles to the main trailhead for the Midland School Trails. Park on the
side of the road.The group will meet at the Grass Mountain Trailhead at 8:15 AM to ensure a prompt 8:30 AM start. Please be punctual to respect everyone's time.
Please dress appropriately with hiking boots/shoes and comfortable clothes meant to get sweaty and possibly wet. Depending upon trail difficulty, we recommend 2-3L of water in a backpack so that your hands are free to cross water or scramble up/down rocks.
Note: Rain or low attendance cancels the hike.
Group organizers assume no liability; hike at your own risk. By participating in this hike, you agree to assume all risks and liability related to or resulting from this activity. Neither the group's leaders nor any third party will be held liable for any injury, loss, or damage. Participation is based on an "at will" basis.
13 attendees
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.
3 attendees
Past events
1165
