
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/](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](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: JesusitaJesusita Trailhead, Santa Barbara, CA
This week: Jesusita. Parking at the Cater Water Processing Plant/Jesusita Trailhead off San Roque Road. This route follows Jesusita Trail up to Inspiration Point. The route meanders through level ranch land before reaching a road and then ascending a well-trafficked trail up the south side including some switchbacks and then a traverse to a fire break road to the overlook. We'll pause for city views (weather permitting) and community refreshments and then return mostly the same route, but down the overlook trail gulley which is a little loose.
Distance - 6.88 mi
Ascent - 1579ft
Water crossings - Step over
Rock scrambling - NO
Bush whacking - NO
Maximum Grade - >15%
Strava Effort - 1.7xTrailhead: Cater Water Processing Plant/Jesusita Trailhead
https://maps.app.goo.gl/P6Sh6xBTPxHk4YFo7Strava link:
https://www.strava.com/routes/3278565038514636218Hike 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.
- Trail Talk: The Natural and Political History of the Dick Smith WildernessFaulkner Gallery, Santa Barbara, CA
The Natural and Political History of the Dick Smith Wilderness with Jeff Kuyper and Bryant Baker
Free Presentation with Q&A
Thursday, February 20, 6:30pm
Faulkner Gallery – Santa Barbara Public Library
40 East Anapamu St., Santa Barbara, CAThis year marks the 40th anniversary of the designation of the Dick Smith Wilderness. Located deep in the backcountry of Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, this rugged area is ecologically, geologically, and historically fascinating. Learn from local public land experts Jeff Kuyper and Bryant Baker of Los Padres ForestWatch about the unique landscapes of the Dick Smith Wilderness and the history of how it was given its highly protected federal land status.
Founded in 2004, Los Padres ForestWatch protects wildlife, wilderness, water, and sustainable access throughout the Los Padres National Forest and the Carrizo Plain National Monument. The nonprofit uses a mix of education, advocacy, and when necessary, legal action to ensure that public lands in the region are protected from damaging activities such as oil drilling, logging, and mining. Jeff Kuyper is the organization's Executive Director and one of its original founders. Bryant Baker is the Director of Conservation and Research and has been with the organization since 2016.
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, March 20, Hiking & Backpacking in the Sespe Wilderness with James Wapotich
- Gaviota Peak Saturday Morning Hike with RileyGaviota Peak Trailhead, Goleta, CA
Join me as we take on Gaviota Peak, one of the peaks included in the 5 Peaks Challenge
The Santa Barbara County Trails Council has officially launched the 5 Peaks Challenge for 2025, and this hike is the perfect opportunity to check another peak off your list. Rising over the largely undeveloped Gaviota coastline, Gaviota Peak offers some of the best views in Santa Barbara County. The route will take us along the Trespass and Tunnel View trails, rewarding us with incredible views of the ocean, mountains, canyons, and Channel Islands. We'll hike a 6.2-mile loop from the Gaviota Hot Springs/Gaviota Peak Trailhead.
Sign Up for the 5 Peaks Challenge Here: https://bit.ly/5PeaksChallenge
Details:
Distance ~6.2mi
Ascent - 2,178 ft
Difficulty - Moderate to strenuous
Restrictions - No dogs allowed at Gaviota State ParkGPX Track: Gaviota Peak.gpx
AllTrails Map: Gaviota Peak-AllTrailsTrailhead: Gaviota Peak Trailhead/Gaviota Hot Springs
Gaviota Peak Trailhead, Gaviota Park Boundary, Goleta, CA 93117
From Highway 101 N, take exit 132 for CA-1. Turn right toward Gaviota Park Boundary, then take another quick right onto Gaviota Park Boundary. Drive about 0.3 miles to the Gaviota Peak Trailhead. The State Park requires a $2 parking fee, so bring cash.The group will meet at the Gaviota Peak Trailhead at 9:15 AM for a prompt start at 9:30 AM. Please be on time to respect everyone's schedule. Wear sturdy hiking boots or shoes, and bring comfortable clothes for varying temperatures. Given the trail difficulty, I recommend bringing at least 2-3L of water in a backpack so your hands are free for any scrambling or steep sections.
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.