Royal Hike in Carpinteria

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/f/0/7/event_37600711.jpegThere is not much hiking in Carpinteria, but I was able to stitch together some smaller hikes and put together an impressive, moderate 7-miler meandering through the forrested foothills of Summerland.

While we are there, Prince William and Kate will be at the nearby Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club. Find out more here (http://www.foundationpolochallenge.com/index.html). I am not expecting any impact on our hike except maybe some extra traffic.

Our hike will start out on the Toro Canyon Creek trail following the creek through an enchanted forest of oaks and sycamores draped in vinca vines. At the end of the trail we'll find ourselves on a polo field where we'll take a few moments to admire the ponies.

From there we'll retrace our footsteps and hook up with the Polo Club Trail and follow it through a horse ranch and up a large lemon orchard with an overlook of Summerland, Carpinteria and the Pacific Ocean

At the end of The Polo Club Trail we'll walk a bit on an unpaved road and drop down into the Summerland Greenwell Preserve, climb a small stream-fed canyon to an overlook at the Ortega Reservoir with views of the Pacific Ocean and Channel Islands.

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We'll return along a network of trails to make somewhat of a loop. There will be plenty of opportunities to explore some of the other trails we encounter -- depending on the group.

Post hike lunch will be at the Padaro Beach Grill (http://www.santabarbara.com/dining/news/2011/06/01/padaro-beach-grill-opens-today/) on Santa Clause Lane

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Driving Directions

From the 101 exit on North Padero Lane. Cross over the freeway and turn right on Via Real. Drive 0.5 mile to Toro Canyon Rd and turn left. Posted trailhead is on the left next to a private road 0.5 mile up. Park in one of the small turnouts on the side of the road