What we’re about
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)
See all- Wednesday Evening Hike: Gaviota PeakSouth Coast Railroad Museum, Goleta, CA
This week: Gaviota Peak. Meet at South Coast Railroad Museum at 5:50p for the shuttle to Trailhead. This route ascends the South side road and Trespass Trail to Gaviota Peak. The last mile gets pretty steep, so take your time so you don't gas. Trail offers great views of the Pacific Ocean and Gaviota Pass. Stop at the top for refreshments. Gaviota Peak is known to be windy, so do bring appropriate over gear. Return on the North side fire road back to the shuttle vehicles. Stop by the Hot Springs for a dip on way down (optional)
Distance - 7.13 mi
Ascent - 2227ft
Water crossings - NO
Rock scrambling - NO
Bush whacking - MAYBE
Maximum Grade - >25%
Strava Effort - 2.2xCarpool Spot: South Coast Railroad Museum @ 5:50p
https://maps.app.goo.gl/v3dsFWhMT4Tb9TZE9Trailhead: Gaviota Trailhead (but please do carpool!)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ydKmtJWe86AobHQb6Strava link
https://www.strava.com/routes/3240794108339058778Hike Leader this week will be Henk Aling. If you plan to attend please accept on Meetup. For questions, Henk can be reached via text at 805-698-0532.
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.
- Trail Talks: Swimming Home from AnacapaSanta Barbara Public Library ~ Faulkner Gallery, Santa Barbara, CA
Swimming Home from Anacapa
Thursday, July 17, 6:30pm
Faulkner Gallery – Santa Barbara Public Library
40 East Anapamu St., Santa Barbara, CACaitlin Swalec is a lifelong open water swimmer who grew up swimming around the lakes of Maine. Since 2019 she has mainly swum along the shores of Santa Barbara, exploring the waters and kelp beds of our 'front yard' in this unique way. On October 3, 2023, she completed a 12+ mile crossing from Anacapa Island to Oxnard Harbor in a time of 7 hours and 12 minutes with the support of a wonderful crew of fellow female athletes. Throughout her swim, Caitlin was greeted by pods of dolphins and diving pelicans, 3 humpback whales, and a very friendly seal. Come learn about open water swimming and the unique swimming 'trails' around Santa Barbara.
Caitlin grew up in Hampden, Maine and has swum in dozens, if not hundreds, of lakes and ponds around Maine and New England. After finishing her degree in Chemical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in Massachusetts, Caitlin moved to Santa Barbara to pursue her Masters of Environmental Science and Management from the Bren School at UCSB and discovered the joy of open water swimming in the Pacific Ocean. She now works as the Program Director for Heavy Industry at an environmental non-profit called Global Energy Monitor (GEM) and frequently spends her days running trails or swimming along the shores of Santa Barbara and thinking about how to decarbonize heavy industry in an effort to preserve the places she loves most!
This free presentation is part of the Trail Talks series hosted by the Santa Barbara Public Library.
The next talk in the series is Thursday, August 21st, The Mystery and Magic of the Mojave with Joshua Jackson
- Invasive Plant Removal @ Mission Creek Lagoon with Urban Creeks CollectiveParking, Santa Barbara, CA
Join the members of the Urban Creeks Collective for a fun and helpful morning. We will thoroughly weed out invasive plants that are competing with our California native coastal habitat flora at the Mission Creek Lagoon restoration site.
We will be staging in the back of the Palm Park Parking Lot near the bike path. The Palm Park Parking lot is on the ocean side of Cabrillo Blvd from Chase Palm Park at the end of Garden St. 236E E Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 Parking permits will be provided to attendees.- The tasks requires some kneeling and pulling.
- Work area is beach sand, wear long pants and appropriate shoes.
- Tools and gloves will be provided.
- There will be knowledgeable botany and habitat staff on site.
This is a opportunity to learn, participate and enjoy one of California's
rare coastal ecosystems.
Your help is super appreciated!
Meet at Palm Park Parking Lot, Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara.
