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
5
Trail Talks: The Fire Lookouts & AWS Observation Posts of the Los Padres
Faulkner Gallery - Santa Barbara Public Library, 40 East Anapamu St., Santa Barbara, ca, USThe Fire Lookouts & Aircraft Warning Service Observation Posts of the Los Padres National Forest
Thursday, October 16, 6:30pm
Faulkner Gallery – Santa Barbara Public Library
40 East Anapamu St., Santa Barbara, CAThis talk will cover the history and usage of the Fire Lookouts in the mountains of Los Padres National Forest, from the first Lookout on Zaca Peak to the few that still remain standing today. The talk will also cover the later and, in some cases, joint use of the lookouts as AWS Observation Posts during World War II for the purpose of detecting and reporting the presence of enemy aircraft.
Join Bob Burtness as he shares images and stories of these unique backcountry structures. A Santa Barbara native, Bob is an avid outdoorsman, Volunteer Wilderness Ranger, and history lover. He is the author of The Santa Barbara B-24 Disasters: A Chain of Tragedies Across Air, Land & Sea, as well as the classic backcountry guidebook, A Camper’s Guide to the Tri-county Area: Santa Barbara, Ventura, San Luis Obispo.
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, November 20, The Los Padres from Above, an Aerial Perspective with Bill Dewey
5 attendees
Wednesday Evening Hike: Arlington Peak
Tunnel Trailhead, 1498 Tunnel Rd, Santa Barbara, CA, USThis week: Solstice Part 1 - Arlington Peak. Since the Solstice is Friday, we're dividing Solstice celebration into 2 parts. Part 1: Beautiful sunset views of our cherished town. Part 2: (following week) the easier hike and food/drink extravaganza at Dry Falls. This week we'll meet at Tunnel Trailhead at 6:30p (please carpool). This route ascends Tunnel trail 1.0mi to Inspiration Point Trail. We'll follow Inspiration Trail for 0.6mi to the South access trail to Arlington Peak. This segment is about a mile long but ascends 1400ft, so pretty steep and scrambly. We'll pause for refreshments up top and take in the views. Arlington Peak affords hikers some of the best views of Santa Barbara. The descent is very steep and requires some use of hands to navigate. At the bottom we turn right (South) for about 0.2mi where we meet back with Tunnel Trail and return 1.0mi back to the trailhead and our vehicles.
Distance - 4.8 mi
Ascent - 2397ft
Water crossings - NO
Rock scrambling - YES!
Bush whacking - SOME
Maximum Grade - >50%!!
Strava Effort - 2.4xTrailhead: Tunnel Trailhead (aka Inspiration Point TH)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ySqYW7G5Zpc7CZri7Strava link
https://www.strava.com/routes/3298516557239974610Hike 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.
5 attendees
Wednesday Evening Hike: Snyder Trail
Snyder's Trailhead, Paradise Rd., Santa Barbara, CA, USThis week: Snyder Trail. We will be ascending Snyder trail from Paradise Road all the way to Camino Cielo. This is a gentle climb with some single track and some road sections, culminating in what used to be Knapp's Castle, now lost to antiquity. We'll replenish up top and head down the same route. This hike affords some great views of the sky and stars (and launches)!
Distance - 7.1 mi
Ascent - 1910 ft
Water crossings - NO
Rock scrambling - NO
Bush whacking - NO
Maximum Grade - >15%
Strava Effort - 1.9x (Inspiration Point = 1.0)Trailhead: Snyder Trailhead
https://maps.app.goo.gl/4qxJKmQW7kXPnTkv7Carpool: Big 5 in Five points departs 6:00p
https://maps.app.goo.gl/sNS6bCn9NBw8Yvyc7Strava link:
https://www.strava.com/routes/3225865253285094420Hike 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
Wednesday Evening Hike: Romero Cyn to the top
Romero Canyon trailhead, 2649 Bella Vista Dr., Montecito, CA, USThis week: Romero Canyon. We will be ascending the single track Romero Canyon trail. This route starts up an overgrown road which is fairly steep, crosses the creek and hits the intersection of the old Romero Road. We'll hang left and ascend steadily up a single track to the intersection of that same road to re-group if we've split on pace. Crossing that road the remainder of the trail climbs to the overlook peak, which is a little spur just to the left as the trail to the spool crests. We'll replenish up top and head down the same route.
Distance - 6.79 mi
Ascent - 2599 ft
Water crossings - YES
Rock scrambling - NO
Bush whacking - NO
Maximum Grade - >25%
Strava Effort - 2.5xTrailhead: Romero Canyon Trail. Please park completely off the asphalt.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/JPkPbYFytm9hpZTm9Carpool: Big 5 in Five points departs 6:00p
https://maps.app.goo.gl/sNS6bCn9NBw8Yvyc7Strava link:
https://www.strava.com/routes/3288367682117299372Hike 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. We 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.
3 attendees
Past events
1127
