What we’re about
Riding in good company can be a safer and friendly way to explore the beauties of the front-country and back-country trails of the 805 area. Join this meetup and participate in group rides, and find new like-minded riders who will share the trail with you. Anyone who owns and rides a horse or mule or donkey is welcome to be a part of this meetup. If you know good trails, meet new friends and show them the way. If you are new to the area, come along and follow someone who knows the trails. We are united by our love for the grace and power of the animals that make our explorations so very special. Exploring Happy Trails !!!
For these rides I don't have a number of hours in mind, actually. I always think it is best to have a talk with the group before we go out and the most important thing to me is to ride to the least rider. So if someone only wants to ride 2 hours, or has a rehabilitating horse or mule that can't do distance, I always say we ride to accommodate them. If that means a shorter ride and half the group wants to go back and the other half wants to split off and go longer, that works too. There really aren't any rules for this, just common courtesy.
Upcoming events (1)
See all- Explore Baron Ranch on the Gaviota CoastBaron Ranch Trailhead, Goleta, CA
Celebrate Mothers' Day with a ride up the Arroyo Quemado Trail in Baron Ranch on the Gaviota coast. This newly restored public trail offers breathtaking views of a canyon in the Los Padres National Forest and the Channel Islands.
We rode the first 3 miles of the newly opened trail on 8/8/2021, and the blog with photos is available HERE.
But in the years since the trails have experienced a fire and two rainy winters that required much repair.
The Baron Ranch itself includes over 1,000 acres of terrain. The main trail is the Arroyo Quemado which begins at Calle Real and ends at Camino Cielo — spanning six miles or 12 miles out and back. The Loop Trail is available for those looking for a shorter journey. It is 6.5 miles out and back. We are likely to do the shorter loop today, but if anyone who comes along is feeling more ambitious you are welcome to go on up.
