About us
Welcome to Santa Barbara County Hikers!
We all benefit from free access to the extensive network of trails throughout our coastal mountains, along the Gaviota coastline, in the Santa Ynez Valley, and across the spectacular Santa Barbara backcountry. The County’s trail system is a community resource at its best when it is maintained and regularly put to use.
Although we do not charge to join our Meetup group, each hike we take reminds us that the community resource we love is also a community responsibility. There are many ways to fulfill that obligation. One way is to join the Santa Barbara County Trails Council: http://sbtrails.org/join/. Another is to volunteer for trail projects: [http://sbvoluneers.org](https://www.meetup.com/Santa-Barbara-Trail-Volunteers/).
Your membership supports our recreational hiking program, trail maintenance program, and the planning and construction of new trails in Santa Barbara County for all users. In addition, you will receive a local hiking trail map pack as a new member.
Thanks for joining Santa Barbara County Hikers, and now join us for a hike for fun, fitness, and the incredible beauty surrounding us!
Happy trails,
Mark Wilkinson
Executive Director
Santa Barbara County Trails Council
http://sbtrails.org/links
PS. Special thanks to Curt Cragg for founding Santa Barbara County Hikers over a decade ago.
Upcoming events
3
Wednesday Evening Hike: Montecito Multi-Trail
San Ysidro Trail, Santa Barbara, CA, USThis week: Montecito Multi-Trail. Parking between Wiman and San Ysidro Trailheads on E Mtn Drive OR meeting at Big 5 for carpool. This route ascends Wiman trail to the intersection of Old Pueblo trail where we turn left and head West to San Ysidro trail. We turn right and head North along San Ysidro for a bit before veering West across the creek to pick up McMenemy Trail. McMenemy traverses the hills above some of the prettiest vistas of Montecito. We'll turn up and climb Saddle Rock trail which has some beautifully colored rocks (pictured) and lands at the photo-op friendly, heart-shaped rock art plateau. After some refreshments we'll continue North to the Edison Catway and turn right and head East all the way back to San Ysidro trail up by the single track. We turn right again and head South along San Ysidro back to the cars.
Distance - 4.92 mi
Ascent - 1467ft
Water crossings - Step over
Rock scrambling - NO
Bush whacking - NO
Maximum Grade - >20%
Strava Effort - 1.5xCarpool: Big 5 at 6:00p
https://maps.app.goo.gl/pvhy5hs97EhtmwgeATrailhead: Wiman Trailhead Parking
https://maps.app.goo.gl/WE29UveXnP8YhfXB7Strava link:
https://www.strava.com/routes/3385022333874850466Hike Leader this week will be Kevin Hanrahan. If you plan to attend please accept on Meetup. For questions, Kevin can be reached via text at 805-895-5655.
About Wednesday Evening Hike series
We will meet at 6:30p at the trailhead unless otherwise noted for that week. We sometimes carpool to trails up to 45 minutes away. We attempt to vary the trails selecting amongst those that are open and in hike-worthy condition. We hike the front country, the backside of the front range and occasionally adventure even further. Hikes are typically in the 6-9 mile range with 1500-3000 ft of total ascent. Occasionally we'll mix in a harder hike where returns can be very late. These hikes are meant for those with some hiking experience and moderate athletic condition. The pace varies and larger groups usually split, but we will re-group at intersections and stick together where the path is 'iffy'. Please dress appropriately with hiking boots/shoes and comfortable clothes meant to get sweaty and possible wet. Headlamp and/or flashlight required. Bring a water resistant jacket for rain/gloom or just cold air which is frequent at altitude. We recommend 1-3L water bladder in a backpack depending upon trail difficulty so that your hands are free to cross water or scramble up/down rocks. Bug spray is a good idea as bugs are very active at dusk (better to have and not need.) Some folks bring hiking poles. I recommend long sleeves and pants to prevent scratches, poison oak and ticks.We typically stop at the top, add a layer for warmth and enjoy a snack. This can be some of the best fun as folks drag up hot tea, other libations, and all sorts of baked goods to share. Yum!
Group organizers assume no liability; hike at your own risk. By being a member of this group, you hereby agree to assume all risks and liability related to or resulting from any group functions. You agree that you nor any third party will hold any of the group's leaders liable for any injury, loss, or damage to your own self or property arising directly or as a consequence of a group activity. You also agree that your membership of this group is based on an "at will" basis.
2 attendees
Saturday Morning Flores Peak Hike with Ella
Rattlesnake Canyon Trailhead, 1899, 1783 Las Canoas Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93105, Santa Barbara, CA, USTick off another 5 Peaks Challenge summit with Flores Peak!
We'll start our journey at Rattlesnake Canyon and make our way up to the Meadow, where we'll turn right and head up to Gibraltar Road. The hike to the road is a bit of a challenge, with an average grade of 13%, including some steeper sections hitting over 20%. Once we reach Gibraltar Road, we'll take a left and hike about a third of a mile to the Gibraltar Rock outcropping. This is where the real adventure begins, including a steep half-mile scramble with 700 feet of elevation gain to the top of Flores Peak. At the top, we'll find a stunning rock garden with plenty of picturesque spots to enjoy the view of Santa Barbara below. We'll take a break to snack and soak in the scenery before heading back down the same way we came.
Sign Up for the 5 Peaks Challenge Here: https://forms.gle/FFNKRjppjEpNFNR88
Details:
Distance - 6.0mi
Ascent - 2330ft
Water crossings - EASY
Rock scrambling - SOME
Bush whacking - SOME
Maximum Grade - >30%!
Map: Flores Peak Hiking MapTrailhead: Rattlesnake Trailhead on Las Canoas Rd
1899, 1783 Las Canoas Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
Directions from Santa Barbara, take Foothill Road (Highway 192) and turn north on Mission Canyon Road towards the Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens. Turn right on Las Canoas. Continue for 1 to 1½ miles and park near a narrow bridge just before Skofield Park. Look for the trailhead sign at the creek near the park.The group will meet at the Rattlesnake Canyon Trailhead at 7:45 AM to ensure a prompt start. Please be punctual to respect everyone's time. Please dress appropriately with hiking boots/shoes and comfortable clothes meant to get sweaty and possibly wet. We recommend 2-3L water in a backpack depending upon trail difficulty so that your hands are free to cross water or scramble up/down rocks.
Note: Rain or low attendance cancels the hike.
Group organizers assume no liability; hike at your own risk. By participating in this hike, you agree to assume all risks and liability related to or resulting from this activity. Neither the group's leaders nor any third party will be held liable for any injury, loss, or damage. Participation is based on an "at will" basis.
15 attendees
Wednesday Evening Hike: Montecito Peak
Big 5 Sporting Goods - Santa Barbara, 3935 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA, USThis week: Montecito Peak. Meet at Big 5 at 6:00p for the shuttle to Trailhead. We'll climb up Cold Springs Ridge Trail (optional Boy Scout bypass and the narrow trail to the little peak there). From there we'll ascend Cold Springs trail until we reach the steep, kitty litter trail up to Montecito Peak. Return the main Cold Springs trail to trailhead, stepping through water passages in the dark. Alternately we may decide up the creek, down the ridge. Game day decision.
Distance - 6.59 mi
Ascent - 2511ft
Water crossings - YES (Step over)
Rock scrambling - NO
Bush whacking - YES (push aside, not climb through)
Maximum Grade - >25%
Overall Effort - Hard
Strava Effort - 2.2xCarpool Spot: Big 5 North lot at 6:00
https://maps.app.goo.gl/pkfrwbwnWmEP5zC88Trailhead: Cold Springs Trailhead 6:30 (but please do carpool!)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/y6VQzM5kerD7VFdz9Strava link
https://www.strava.com/routes/3276034628776663106Hike Leader this week will be Kevin Hanrahan. If you plan to attend please accept on Meetup. For questions, Kevin can be reached via text at 805-895-5655.
About Wednesday Evening Hike series
We will meet at 6:30p at the trailhead unless otherwise noted for that week. We sometimes carpool to trails up to 45 minutes away. We attempt to vary the trails selecting amongst those that are open and in hike-worthy condition. We hike the front country, the backside of the front range and occasionally adventure even further. Hikes are typically in the 6-9 mile range with 1500-3000 ft of total ascent. Occasionally we'll mix in a harder hike where returns can be very late. These hikes are meant for those with some hiking experience and moderate athletic condition. The pace varies and larger groups usually split, but we will re-group at intersections and stick together where the path is 'iffy'. Please dress appropriately with hiking boots/shoes and comfortable clothes meant to get sweaty and possible wet. Headlamp and/or flashlight required. Bring a water resistant jacket for rain/gloom or just cold air which is frequent at altitude. We recommend 1-3L water bladder in a backpack depending upon trail difficulty so that your hands are free to cross water or scramble up/down rocks. Bug spray is a good idea as bugs are very active at dusk (better to have and not need.) Some folks bring hiking poles. I recommend long sleeves and pants to prevent scratches, poison oak and ticks.We typically stop at the top, add a layer for warmth and enjoy a snack. This can be some of the best fun as folks drag up hot tea, other libations, and all sorts of baked goods to share. Yum!
Group organizers assume no liability; hike at your own risk. By being a member of this group, you hereby agree to assume all risks and liability related to or resulting from any group functions. You agree that you nor any third party will hold any of the group's leaders liable for any injury, loss, or damage to your own self or property arising directly or as a consequence of a group activity. You also agree that your membership of this group is based on an "at will" basis.
2 attendees
Past events
1154
