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
4
Wednesday Evening Hike: Gaviota Wind Caves (from Las Cruces)
South Coast Railroad Museum, 300 North Los Carneros Road, Goleta, CA, USThis week: Gaviota Wind Caves. Easier fun hike! Meet at South Coast Railroad Museum at 5:50p for the shuttle to Trailhead. This route ascends from Las Cruces School up the North side of the hill. After 1.8-ish miles we veer East to traverse to the Overlook affording nice views of the Gaviota slot canyon (and highway 101), perhaps before too dark. We then return West and bear South, descending to the Wind Caves. We'll explore a bit and pause for refreshments. Then we'll trek back to the cars for the final 2.4mi, which is a little up, then mostly down. Gaviota Wind Caves are known to be windy (duh), so do bring appropriate over gear. Word on the trail is the area is rife with ticks these days, so maybe leave the pooches behind and favor long pants. Shuttle back to the meetup with Car-eoke at your own risk.
Distance - 6.19 mi
Ascent - 1487ft
Water crossings - NO
Rock scrambling - NO
Bush whacking - SOME overgrowth
Maximum Grade - >20%
Strava Effort - 1.7xCarpool Spot: South Coast Railroad Museum @ 5:50p
https://maps.app.goo.gl/v3dsFWhMT4Tb9TZE9Trailhead: Gaviota Trailhead (but please do carpool!)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ppT61ArTg3nLnGs56Strava link
https://www.strava.com/routes/3338023140525848790Hike 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
Wednesday Evening Hike: Tequepis
Tequepis Trailhead, Forest Route 6N04, Santa Barbara, CA, USThis week: Tequepis Trail. We'll meet for carpool at Big 5 and drive over to Trailhead. From the parking area near Circle V camp, we'll cross the creek a couple places heading steadily upward, enjoying some great views of Lake Cachuma and the Santa Ynez Valley. This hike, while long and covering a lot of elevation gain, is easier than expected given that it never is too steep or requiring high stepping/scrambling over rocks. It is a steady cardio climb, and we'll re-group every mile or so. The trail ends at a Camino Cielo frontage road. To the right will be Broadcast Peak and to the left (or straight ahead) a short walk to Camino Cielo and views of the Pacific. Can be windy and cool up top for snack time. Be prepared.
Distance - 8.14mi
Ascent - 2364ft
Water crossings - EASY
Rock scrambling - NO
Bush whacking - NO
Maximum Grade - >15%
Strava Effort - 2.2xCarpool: Big 5 at 6:00p
https://maps.app.goo.gl/htbrb94r4V4EACks5Trailhead: Tequepis Trailhead
https://maps.app.goo.gl/XdT6a3sVmFhkcjwt8Strava link
https://www.strava.com/routes/3240106330135437166Hike 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 possibly 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
Wednesday Evening Hike: Backside Arroyo Burro
Big 5 Sporting Goods, 3935 State St, Santa Barbara, CA, USThis week: Backside Arroyo Burro. Meet at Big 5 at 6:00p for a shuttle to Trailhead off Camino Cielo. We'll follow the trail down about 2.5 miles with some steep sections. Near the bottom, but well before Rancho Oso we cut East to get to Arroyo Burro Rd for the gentle climb back to the top (avg 7% incline). This is a down-then-up hike, so where we stop for refreshments will be an on-hike decision.
Distance - 7.12 mi
Ascent - 1685ft
Water crossings - NO
Rock scrambling - NO
Bush whacking - NO
Maximum Grade - >15%
Overall Effort - Sorta Hard
Strava Effort - 2.3x (est.)Carpool Spot: Big 5 @ 6:00p
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Anw9mYTZ13dz9Mah6Trailhead: Upper Arroyo Burro Trailhead (but please do carpool!)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/smHWhdFsBdAbEcVr9Strava link
https://www.strava.com/routes/3263009296015943602Hike 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
Wednesday Evening Hike: White Mtn from Rattlesnake CCW loop
Rattlesnake Canyon Trailhead, Las Canoas Road, Santa Barbara, CA, USThis week: White Mtn Loop from Rattlesnake. This week we'll hike up Rattlesnake to the meadow then turn right (East) to get to Gibraltar Road. From there we head uphill on the road about 1.25 mi to the shortcut trail to White Mountain. At the top we'll stop for snacks and enjoy what should be a nice sunset. We'll descend the Rock Garden route to the Tunnel-Rattlesnake Connector and follow Rattlesnake back to the meadow and left (South) toward the trailhead. [Note: Game day option to return the way we came]
Distance - 7.38 mi
Ascent - 2956ft
Water crossings - STEP OVER
Rock scrambling - SOME
Bush whacking - SOME
Maximum Grade - >25%
Strava Effort - 2.7XTrailhead: Rattlesnake Trailhead (but please do carpool!)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Nu9gs8jQHhWpzJTdAStrava link
https://www.strava.com/routes/3367371249003069502Hike 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
1187
