3 Peaks Loop (Arlington, Cathedral, La Cumbre) + Optional 5 Peaks 8 Trails

I'm committing to the 52 Hike Challenge this year, so I'll be posting many of those here. These are social hikes and I'll be keeping the group size small (less than 10 people) because it's just more manageable. Please only join those hikes that you are fit enough to do at a moderate pace. All data comes from AllTrails (https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/3-peaks-loop-arlington-cathedral-la-cumbre).

3 Peaks Loop (Arlington, Cathedral, La Cumbre)
Loop
Difficulty: Hard
Length: 8.6 mi
Elevation Gain: 3,389 ft
Estimated Time: 6-8 hours
Meeting Place: At the trailhead https://maps.app.goo.gl/CtTxqjRuah5ig8vW9

Optional (w/ Boo):
2 additional peaks: White Mountain & Flores Peak
8 Trails: Tunnel, Inspiration Point, Cathedral Peak, Rocky Pine Ridge, Rock Garden, Flores Peak, Rattlesnake Canyon, RC Connector
Length: 12 Miles
Elevation Gain: 5,000
Estimated Time: 10 hours

For those participating in the 5 Peak Challenge for the Santa Barbara County Trails Council, this will count as 3! To learn more, please visit https://sbtrails.org/peak-bagging/.

Head out on this 8.6-mile loop trail near Santa Barbara, California. Generally considered a challenging route. This is a popular trail for hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. You'll need to leave pups at home — dogs aren't allowed on this trail.

This well-established trail climbs from Mission Creek to La Cumbre Peak via Cathedral Peak trail. Be prepared for significant elevation gains if ascending all three peaks. The scramble up along the rocky ridge to Arlington Peak includes some class 2 rock climbing. The final ascent up to La Cumbre Peak is also quite steep. The return is down Tunnel Trail.

The hike begins at Inspiration Point Trailhead which follows the Edison road for about a mile. Turn onto Jesusita trail (toward Inspiration Point) for a short time to the bottom of Mission Creek. Here, find the Cathedral Peak trail traveling steeply up the west side of the canyon north of Jesusita trail. Once you are on Cathedral Peak trail, be prepared for quick elevation gains. Just before you get to Arlington Peak, you will do some rock climbing to get to the top. Continue over to Cathedral Peak, and then on to the final steep stretch up to the access road that leads to La Cumbre Peak.

The return trail begins at the Tunnel Trailhead about 1.2 miles east of La Cumbre Peak. You'll cross a stream 1 mile after beginning the descent. If enough water is flowing you will see/hear a waterfall off to your right.

This trail can become brutally hot, even in winter, and combined with the exposure and elevation gain, this hike requires more water than people usually allocate.

IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO MAKE IT, PLEASE BE SURE TO UPDATE YOUR RSVP