Wednesday Evening Hike: Solstice Part 1: Arlington Peak

This 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. This Wednesday should be a clear, warm night so SB will be on full display. 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 - 2.4x

Trailhead: Tunnel Trailhead (aka Inspiration Point TH)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ySqYW7G5Zpc7CZri7

Strava link
https://www.strava.com/routes/3298516557239974610

Hike 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.