Santa Barbara 3 Peaks: Arlington, Cathedral & La Cumbre, from Old SB Mission

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 and exploring in Santa Barbara.

This hike combines scenic urban exploring, hiking, boulder climbing, and full body workouts in very beautiful nature.

However, you should be a highly experienced hiker and have some basic boulder climbing skill. 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.

This hike starts from Santa Barbara Mission, then passes 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, then Tunnel Trail, and follow the same morning route back to Santa Barbara Mission.

If you cannot keep up, you will need to descend on your own. Catch a ride back to the mission. Again, this hike is for very experienced and self reliant hikers. You join this group for good company and conversations.

My videos from previous hikes:
https://youtu.be/Tt9yA-eY93g?si=XEsSv4t6TY9kObC4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CW8-DC7G60&t=1326s

Do your own research, read up on alltrails's 3 Peaks Loop (Arlington, Cathedral, La Cumbre), and other sites. 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, intellectually curious, independent thinking, open-minded worldview, collaborative & can do attitude

Personality & Character: authentic yet respectful, down to earth, 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’ climb & descent, strenuous and demanding for most people

Experience & Skill: urban & winding roadway walking, rocky terrain hiking, scrambling, boulder climbing, wild bush traverse

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.