California Poppy Day Hike – Celebrate Healthy People Healthy Trails Month

Join Us for a Healthy People Healthy Trails Hike at Baron Ranch!
We're excited to invite you to a special California Poppy Day Hike at Baron Ranch, part of the Healthy People, Healthy Trails initiative, proudly sponsored by the Santa Barbara Trails Council. April is Healthy People, Healthy Trails Month, making it the perfect time to get outside, enjoy nature, and celebrate the beauty of California’s wildflowers. We’re hoping to spot some vibrant poppies along the way.

This scenic hike along the Arroyo Quemado Trail on the Gaviota Coast offers a mix of shaded woodlands, chaparral-covered hills, and sweeping coastal views. The itinerary is to hike two-thirds of the six-mile trail before returning to the trailhead. Participants can continue to Camino Cielo or turn back at any point. The core group will return after approximately four miles, making it an 8-mile round-trip trek.

Distance: 8 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,000
Difficulty: Moderate

• First mile: flat and easy
• Mile 1 to 2.5: steep ascent
• Mile 2.5 to 5: gentle 8-10% grade, easygoing
• A small, steep section, but the rest of the trail is moderate and pleasant
• Hikers can continue all the way out to Camino Cielo, but the group leader will turn around near the 4-mile point.

Trail Map: Baron Ranch Trail Map
AllTrails Link: Baron Ranch Trail to Camino Cielo

Trailhead: 14450 Calle Real, Goleta, 93117
MAP: https://sbtrails.org/maps/brt/baron-ranch-trail-map-2023.pdf
Directions from the South:

1. Hwy 101 North, 2.4 miles past Refugio Road exit, turn right at the road crossing onto Arroyo Quemada Ln., just past a yellow sign indicating “cross-traffic ahead.” There is no northbound deceleration lane, so the turn-off must be anticipated.
2. Immediately turn left onto Calle Real and proceed approximately .75 mile until the road reaches a street sign that says “End.” Use the circle to turn around and park along Calle Real.

Directions from the North:

1. Take Hwy 101 southbound to the Refugio State Beach exit. Exit 101, go under the freeway, and take the northbound Hwy 101 onramp. Travel 2.4 miles north and turn right at the road crossing onto Arroyo Quemada Ln., just past a yellow sign indicating “cross-traffic ahead.” There is no northbound deceleration lane, so the turn-off must be anticipated.
2. Immediately turn left onto Calle Real and proceed approximately .75 mile until the road reaches a street sign that says “End.” Use the circle to turn around and park along Calle Real.

The group will meet at the trailhead at 10:00 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 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.

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.

We’re lucky to have access to such stunning trails, but keeping them safe and accessible takes effort. Consider supporting the Santa Barbara County Trails Council by becoming a member:
Join the SB Trails Council

Or contribute to their trail fund:
Donate to the Trail Fund

Your support helps maintain and protect the beautiful outdoor spaces we love. Let’s hike, enjoy the wildflowers, and celebrate Healthy People, Healthy Trails Month together.