HIKE: Mission Ridge Loop from Tunnel Trail!

WHAT: MISSION RIDGE LOOP HIKE FROM TUNNEL TRAIL
WHEN: February 7 at 10:00AM Note Late Start Time!
WHERE: Meet at Moorish Fountain in Front of the Santa Barbara Mission at 10:00AM to carpool to the trailhead.
BRING: Lunch and at least a liter of water

Please carpool for this hike as parking is very limited at the trail head!

For me, this hike is fairly strenuous and difficult. We go up Tunnel Trail to near the Rattlesnake Connector. Across Mission Ridge. Then return on Edison Road. But anyone who has hiked with me to Gibraltar Rock should be OK with doing this one. This is not a race and I will set a moderate pace. You can also get most of the good views even if you turn back before crossing the actual Ridge.

Here are my photos from the last time I led this hike last year at this time:
https://swt.org/hikehssb/missionridge-2025-0112/

The trail on the actual Mission Ridge is primitive to non-existent and it is steep and slippery in places. A hiking pole can be helpful.

I measured the elevation gain from the trail head to the peak at about 1700 feet, about twice the gain of Inspiration Point. But there is also some up and down along the ridge which probably makes it more like 1900 feet.

The good news: It is a very beautiful hike, as you can see! And I take it at a moderate pace.

If you want to see how it was before the fire:
This http://www.swt.org/temp/sierraclub/missionridge-2007-1229/ is from 18 years ago. It might be decades before we get those hard wood trees back.

So: Be prepared for a challenging adventure! If you are ready for that, it will be fun and I hope to see you there!

Again: Please carpool for this hike as parking is very limited at the trail head! I am hoping that by leaving at 10:00AM we might catch spaces from people who have finished early hikes.

NOTE: NO DOGS, PLEASE!
PHOTO NOTICE: I take photos and post them. If you don't want to be in photos, please let me know and/or avoid being in the photos.

LIABILITY WAIVER! This event is listed by the Humanist Society, but is not sponsored by the Humanist Society.

Each participant accepts responsibility for making their own determinations for their own safety, conduct and well being. Participants recognize that possible hazards attend outdoor activities and agree to participate solely at their own risk.

This is just a bunch of outdoors enthusiasts enjoying nature together!