Santa Barbara Mission to 3 Peaks: Dragon's Back, Arlington, Cathedral, La Cumbre

Santa Barbara Old Mission, Mission Canyon, Dragon’s Back Ridge, Arlington, Cathedral & La Cumbre Peaks, these are all some of the most beautiful and exciting places for hiking, climbing and exploring in Santa Barbara or anywhere else in the country.

This hike combines scenic urban walking & exploring, hiking, boulder climbing, and full body workouts in stunningly beautiful nature. I have done this hike a few times, it is very fun, exciting, and doable, yet strenuous. A great workout in some of the most beautiful and exhilarating environments.

However, you also must be a highly experienced hiker or climber. Beginners with inadequate safety acumen would most likely not survive this hike. If you don't know what to expect on this hike, and have to rely on me or anyone else to advise you on what to bring and what to do, this hike most likely is not for you. I would recommend joining other hikes that are within your level.

This hike & explore starts from Santa Barbara Mission, then passing through scenic Rocky Nook Park, Mission Canyon, and up winding Tunnel Rd by foot. The main & strenuous hike starts at Tunnel Rd north terminus trailhead, to Santa Barbara 3 Peaks Loop (Arlington, Cathedral, La Cumbre) via Dragon's Back Ridge. We take lunch and break on top of La Cumbre Peak, then descend through E Camino Cielo Rd, and Tunnel Trail, and follow the same morning route back to Santa Barbara Mission.

Do not show up with any sense of entitlement. If you cannot keep up, you will need to descend on your own. Catch a ride or taxi back to the mission. Again, this hike is for very experienced and self reliant hikers. You join this group for good company and conversations, but you are still a self reliant professional.

My videos from previous hikes:
https://youtu.be/L7_AhjeU87g?si=IIRsfWdd-MKD9A7R
https://youtu.be/Tt9yA-eY93g?si=XEsSv4t6TY9kObC4

Do your own research, read up on alltrails's 3 Peaks Loop (Arlington, Cathedral, La Cumbre), and other sites, check out my videos and photos from previous hikes. Know what to expect, plan and prepare accordingly.
If you are still undeterred and want to do this hike, you are welcome to join. If you could pull this off, you would be considered a local elite hiker, with a great sense of accomplishment.

Mindset: adventurous yet very safety conscious, self responsible & self accountable, self reflective, intellectually curious, independent thinking, open-minded worldview, collaborative & can do attitude

Personality & Character: authentic, sincere, down to earth, enthusiastic, cheerful, pleasant to chat with, thoughtful, effective in communicating, competent, intelligent

Physical & Mental: healthy & fit for hiking, exploring & boulder climbing adventure, mentally & emotionally sound

Ability: assess and manage all risks effectively, navigate urban street & roadway traffic safely, carry on meaningful conversations

Distance & Climb: up to 14 mile, 4500’, strenuous and demanding for most people

Experience & Skill: urban & winding roadway walking, rocky terrain hiking, scrambling, boulder climbing, wild bush whacking, for very experienced hikers/ climbers and not beginners

Supply & Equipment: adequate proper hydration & nourishment, based on personal need and weather condition; reliable headlamp for potential night descent, navigation apps, first aid kit

Start & End: Moorish Fountain, Santa Barbara Mission

Liability Waiver
By RSVPing and participating in this event, you acknowledge that outdoor adventures carry risks (injury, illness, accidents, etc.) and agree that you are solely responsible for your own safety, health, wellbeing, and belongings. The organizer(s) and co-hosts are not liable for any loss, damage, or injury. By joining, you agree to the full terms and conditions.