Montecito Sunset Hike

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Please join us for our next Montecito Sunset Hike.

This is an intermediate-level, conditioning-oriented hike, through and then above San Ysidro Canyon to the McMenemy Overlook, and typically continuing on to do one of three foothill loops above Montecito. The hike offers ample room to stretch your legs, elevation gain for fitness improvement, and terrific views up and down.

As explained below, hike options range from 3 miles and 650 feet of gain to 6 miles and 1400 feet of gain. The specific route we take will depend on the group, but since the trails are very well marked, you have the option of taking shorter routes back to the trailhead if you would like.

On all these routes, the terrain is either dirt fire road or well-tended single-track trail.

Please be sure to bring water, a snack, an extra layer of clothing, and a headlamp or flashlight.

Details of the hike are provided below…hope to see you there!

Montecito Sunset Hike

Hike Type: Conditioning

Level: Intermediate

Route Type: Out & back, loop, or lollipop

Distance: 3-6 miles

Elevation gain/loss: 650-1400 feet

Terrain: Footpath and dirt road

Leashed dogs: Yes

Route summary:

This hike will take us 3-6 miles roundtrip, beginning in San Ysidro Canyon, turning on the McMenemy Trail until reaching the McMenemy Overlook, and normally continuing through the Montecito foothills on one of three loops, with impressive views of the coast and Pacific in any case.

Our route begins at the San Ysidro trailhead on Mountain Drive, proceeds north along the San Ysidro Trail, passes several homes, and follows a mix of single track trail and dirt road for about a half mile. At the half-mile mark, we turn west on the on the McMenemy Trail and follow it up for about a mile to the McMenemy Overlook.

When we reach the McMenemy Overlook, there are four route options:

> Out & back route – we can return back to our starting point by the same route. This out and back route is just under 3 miles roundtrip and provides approximately 650 feet of elevation gain and loss.

> San Ysidro Canyon loop – we can continue north on the Girard Trail for about three-quarters of a mile, descend east back into San Ysidro Canyon on the Edison Catway for about the same distance, and then turn north for a mile and return to the trailhead via San Ysidro Canyon. This loop route is about 4 miles roundtrip and offers approximately 1000 feet of elevation gain and loss.

> Saddle Rock loop – we can continue north on the Girard Trail for about three-quarters of a mile, turn west on the Edison Catway for about 0.3 miles, descend south on the Saddle Rock Trail to the McMenemy Trail, turn east on the McMenemy Trail for about three-quarters of a mile until we are back at the McMenemy Outlook, and then return to the trailhead via our initial route to the McMenemy Outlook. This lollipop route is about 5 miles roundtrip and offers approximately 1200 feet of elevation gain and loss.

> Cold Springs loop – we can continue north on the Girard Trail for about three-quarters of a mile, turn west on the Edison Catway for about a mile, descend south on the Cold Springs Trail to the McMenemy Trail, turn east on the McMenemy Trail for about a mile until we are back at the McMenemy Outlook, and then return to the trailhead via our initial route to the McMenemy Outlook. This lollipop route is about 6 miles roundtrip and offers approximately 1400 feet of elevation gain and loss.

Please note that San Ysidro Canyon and the trails listed above have some poison oak growing, though it is easily avoided in the sections of the trails we will be following on this hike. That said, you will need to walk attentively at some points on the trail and/or wear hiking pants, especially if you are highly allergic.

The initial section of our hike is partly shaded, but the route steadily gives way to open hillside and chaparral. Since we begin in a relatively sheltered area and reach exposed areas above the Pacific, weather conditions can range from cool to hot and calm to windy.

Whichever route we take, we will stop either at the McMenemy Overlook or an alternative spot to enjoy the great late-day or early-evening views of the Pacific, offshore islands, and surrounding coastal peaks. After our stop, we will return to our starting point as described above.

Essentials:

Please wear – hiking or athletic pants or shorts, one or more wicking shirts appropriate to the temperature, comfortable hiking or running shoes, a hat and other needed sun protection, your favorite undergarments and accessories, and a light pack to hold your gear.

Please bring – at least 1 liter of water, on-trail snacks, extra layers of clothing in case you become cold, a charged cell phone, identification, a headlamp or flashlight, a waterproof shell if rain is forecast, and any medications or anything else you might need on the trail.

Parking:

Please park to the side of Mountain Drive in the established parking areas near the trailhead, and please be considerate of the residents in this quiet neighborhood area.

Carpooling and public transportation are encouraged, both to lower our carbon footprint and to reduce the number of parking spaces we use at the trailhead.

Please do not leave anything of value in your vehicle, at this or any trailhead.

Directions:

By car, take the San Ysidro exit off of Highway 101. Turn north on San Ysidro Road and continue on it for about a mile to East Valley Road. Turn right on East Valley and follow it another mile to Park Lane. Look for the eucalyptus-shrouded entrance to this narrow road, just after crossing San Ysidro Creek. Turn left onto Park Lane, and then left again after a half mile onto Mountain Drive. Follow Mountain Drive for a few hundred yards to near where the road ends. Park nearby and look for the trailhead on the right/north side of the road.

By public transportation, take the MTD #14 bus to East Valley Road and Glen Oaks. Walk east on East Valley for a tenth of a mile and turn left onto Park Lane. Walk north for a half mile and turn left onto Mountain Drive. Follow Mountain Drive for a few hundred yards to near where the road ends. Look for the trailhead on your right.

DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY

IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY:

The event host is a volunteer and is not responsible for the event group. Safety should be a priority for everyone in the group. If you become fatigued and unable to continue with the event, it is expected that you will advise the event host of this and return to our starting point on your own. If you are able to proceed, it is expected that you will help to promote the group’s safety, fitness, and enjoyment goals.

Outdoor sports and other events we plan can be inherently dangerous and accidents may happen. By participating in this event, you are taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The Santa Barbara County Hikers Meetup Group and its organizers are not trained event leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to host or participate in events. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience.

WAIVER OF LIABILITY: This group, including its organizers, assistant organizers, and event organizers, will not be held responsible for any injuries or accidents that may occur traveling to and from events, or for any injuries or accidents before, during, or after group events. If you sign up for and attend this event, you are acknowledging that you freely and voluntarily assume all risks of injuries and damages, and agree to participate in the event on these terms.

No +1s or other unregistered attendees are permitted on this event. All attending must be group members and sign-up for the event via the Meetup.com site. All attending also must be 18 or older, or accompanied by their parent or legal guardian.

PLEASE CONTACT THE EVENT HOST WITH ANY QUESTIONS!