Santa Barbara County Trails Council

🎉 We are thrilled to celebrate four more finishers of the Five Peaks Challenge! First up, Jenna and Sam took on an impressive six peaks loop: Arlington, Cathedral, La Cumbre, White Mountain, Flores, and Montecito. What an incredible feat! Next, Ian completed La Cumbre, Arlington, Cathedral, Ranger Mountain, and Gaviota Peak. And a big congratulations to Jennifer for conquering La Cumbre, Arlington, Cathedral, Little Pine Mountain, and Montecito Peak.

There are just over two weeks left in the challenge, so get out there and bag those peaks! ⛰️ 

Also, remember to mark your calendars for our Trails & Ales event on Thursday May 8th from 5:30 to 7:00 at the Anchor Rose in the Harbor for an evening of relaxation, camaraderie, and, of course, delicious brews 🍻. Every 5-Peak summiteer will receive a frameable certificate and a unique sticker, and finishers will also be entered in a prize drawing.

Ready for a burst of orange? 🧡 Join us for California Poppy Day at the California Nature Art Museum on April 6th, 2025! Discover the beauty and importance of our state flower through art and engaging activities. What's your favorite thing about California poppies? Let us know in the comments! 👇

Trails Council folks will be at the California Nature Art Museum on Sunday, celebrating the state flower and our initiatives to encourage people to get out and enjoy the beauty around them.

Admission to the museum is free, and our poppy-themed greeting cards and bandanas will be available at the gift shop.

WHAT: California Nature Art Museum | California Poppy Day
WHEN: Sunday, April 6th, 2025 | 10 am to 3 pm
WHERE: 1511-B Mission Dr., Solvang, CA 93463
WHY: For the fun of it

Learn more and plan your visit:
https://www.calnatureartmuseum.org/news/california-poppy-day-2025

NEW TRAILS & MORE: Help Plan the Future of Gaviota Coast State Parks

We are excited to share that the three California State Parks on the Gaviota Coast are taking a significant step forward with a multiyear General Plan Update. This update will prepare Gaviota State Park, Refugio State Beach, and El Capitán State Beach for the future. We strongly encourage community members and organizations to contribute to this planning process actively. Your input is vital as State Park staff draft recommendations for protecting significant resources, modernizing park infrastructure, adapting to climate change impacts, and providing sustainable recreational opportunities for all visitors. The updated General Plan will testify to our collective efforts, ensuring that these parks remain a treasure for generations to come.

With 15 miles of state-owned coastline, Gaviota offers a rare opportunity to complete key gaps in the California Coastal Trail, the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail, and the California Missions Trail. These trails sit on historic Chumash trading routes and continue to evolve today, accommodating the growing demand for outdoor experiences. Beyond the coastal trails, El Capitan and Gaviota State Park's vast inland areas offer incredible potential for new recreation opportunities. Trails are infrastructure for wildlife viewing, fitness activities, wellness pursuits, and other ways to spend time in nature.

By integrating the conservation of natural resources and miles of new trail development into broader sustainability strategies for the General Plan Update, we can ensure a future where these invaluable assets continue to enrich our lives and inspire future generations.

We encourage you to visit the project website and join the mailing list to actively participate in the future of recreation on the Gaviota Coast.

Help shape the future of our parks!

Visit http://ecrgplanupdate.com/ to learn more and share your input.

BAGGIN' WHITE MOUNTAIN PEAK

On Saturday, 8 awesome hikers made it to the top of White Mountain, crossing off another peak and getting one step closer to completing the 5 Peaks Challenge! The weather was beautiful and sunny—a perfect day to reach the peak, explore the rock garden, and even glimpse some paragliders.🪂🥾⛰️

There’s just under 2 months left in the challenge, so if you haven’t signed up yet, learn more here:
https://sbtrails.org/peak-bagging/

And if you’d like to join us on the next guided hike to one of the challenge peaks, join the SB County Hikers MeetUp group here: https://www.meetup.com/santa-barbara-county-hikers/



PLEASE DONATE
If you would like to support the maintenance of the trails, please consider donating to the Trails Council's trail fund: https://sbtrails.org/our-work/donations/

VOLUNTEERS CLEAR OVERGROWN ORTEGA TRAIL

We invite you to witness the improvements made by our dedicated volunteers—Gerry, Aanjelae, Hanna, PK, Paul, Peter, Christina, Dave, Keith, and Mark—who worked tirelessly to clear the overgrown Ortega Trail on Saturday. Please join us in thanking them, as well as the local State Park leadership and staff members, for their ongoing support in making this project a success.

If you're familiar with Gaviota State Park, you may have hiked the Ortega Trail. This singletrack trail begins a short distance up the Las Cruces Trail and is marked by a kiosk at the trailhead. From there, you can head north toward the Yucca Trail or south toward the Ortega Trail.

The Ortega Trail is relatively flat with minimal elevation changes. It stretches for 0.8 miles and has a few steeper sections that are prone to erosion. Overall, it’s a fantastic place to enjoy the outdoors, breathe in fresh air, and appreciate the surrounding beauty.

Map:https://sbtrails.org/maps/gaviota/gaviota-state-park-2024.pdf

Do you love the outdoors? Would you like to give back to your community? Consider joining our volunteer trail maintenance team to help keep our beautiful trails in great shape! Sign up at https://sbvolunteers.org

If you’re too busy to volunteer, please think about donating to the Trails Council to support trail maintenance in the park.
https://sbtrails.org/our-work/donations/

Wondering where to begin with the 5 Peaks Challenge? 🤔 Start with an easy guided hike up to White Mountain this Saturday! 🏔️ Enjoy a manageable 3‑mile climb with a 750‑foot ascent that winds through picturesque woodlands before opening up to breathtaking views of the Santa Ynez Mountains and the coastline. It’s the perfect opportunity to join fellow hikers, check off a peak, and embrace the outdoors 🌲.

Find more details and sign up by joining the SB County Hikers MeetUp Group and RSVP YES to the event. Sign up for the 5 Peaks Challenge here: https://bit.ly/5PeaksChallenge and find more details about the challenge using the link in our bio.

GAVIOTA PEAK COMPLETED! 🌄🏔️

On Saturday, 11 hikers tackled Gaviota Peak, checking off a summit in the 5 Peaks Challenge! Despite the heat, the group climbed over the rugged and undeveloped Gaviota coastline, taking in some of the best views in Santa Barbara County. The route followed the Trespass and Tunnel View trails, offering stunning panoramas of the ocean, mountains, canyons, and Channel Islands.

Are you ready to take on the 5 Peaks Challenge?

EVENT DETAILS
https://sbtrails.org/peak-bagging/
SIGNUP HERE
https://bit.ly/5PeaksChallenge

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PLEASE DONATE
If you would like to support the maintenance of the trails, please consider donating to the Trails Council's trail fund: https://sbtrails.org/our-work/donations/

Peaks Baggers Summit Montecito Peak

The Santa Barbara County Trails Council is excited to launch the 5 Peaks Challenge for 2025 (https://sbtrails.org/peak-bagging/) this month. Now is your chance to take on five of Santa Barbara County’s most breathtaking summits, challenge yourself, and explore the diverse landscapes of our region. Whether looking for a new adventure or a reason to hit the trails more often, this challenge is the perfect way to get outside and push your limits.

To kick things off, last Tuesday morning, hikers set off to conquer Montecito Peak. The group began at the Cold Springs Trailhead, winding through shaded oak groves before tackling steeper switchbacks that led up to the ridge. As they climbed higher, the views opened up, revealing breathtaking views of Montecito and beyond. The final push to the summit was steep but manageable, and reaching the top was well worth it. Everyone took a well-earned break to soak in the sweeping 360-degree views before making the descent.

The 5 Peaks Challenge runs until May 1, 2025. Participants who complete five summits will receive a certificate, a custom challenge sticker, and a chance to win prizes at the Trails & Ales celebration in May. Guided hikes will be available throughout the season for those who want to join SB County Hikers at https://sbhikers.org, but you can also tackle the challenge as a team or on your own.

Are you ready to take on the 5 Peaks Challenge? Sign up here:
https://bit.ly/5PeaksChallenge

- TRAILS NEED TIME TO RECOVER

While we certainly understand the urge to be outside and run, bike, or hike after a rain shower, you have probably heard, “If it sticks to your heels or wheels, it’s time to turn around.” This is particularly true for many trails in Santa Barbara County with sticky clay treads. Some trails dry quickly, but most take 4 to 5 days after a measurable rain event. Others, such as the trails at Baron Ranch, take a week or more to dry out, with water seeping down hillsides onto trails.

We will need help repairing trails. Sign up to volunteer.

https://sbvolunteers.org/

Join the 100 Mile Challenge for 2025! 👟

Pledge to be active and walk 100 miles by entering the Healthy People Healthy Trails challenge, which offers a monthly prize drawing. Walk your way to better health and beautiful scenery. This challenge is a great way to get outdoors, exercise, and connect with nature. 🌳

Anyone living, working. or playing in Santa Barbara County can participate by tracking their miles. 🏆 Digital badges can also be earned along the way, so you can stay motivated and celebrate your achievements. 🎉

Visit https://healthypeoplehealthytrails.org/getting-started/100-mile-challenge/ to learn more, and sign up today!

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Trails Council is a founding member of the Healthy People Healthy Trails initiative. To learn more, visit https://healthypeoplehealthytrails.org/

sbtrails.org Supporting Trail Access for Over 50 Years

OMINOUS SKY, SPOTS OF SUNSHINE
Yesterday, 13 hikers completed the stunning Loop Trail at Baron Ranch as part of a Healthy People Healthy Trails sponsored hike in partnership with the Trails Council. The clouds looked daunting initially, but we were lucky to avoid the rain and even enjoyed some sunny moments along the beautiful 7.75-mile-long lolly-pop route. As we ascended through sycamore and oak woodlands and chaparral-covered hillsides, we were rewarded with breathtaking views of the California coastal mountain landscape and the Channel Islands.

Join us in thanking the amazing volunteers who cleared fallen trees from this trail just a few weeks ago. Please support trail maintenance programs and help keep these experiences alive by donating to the trail fund: https://sbtrails.org/our-work/donations/.

Join me, Riley, on our next hike to Flores Peak on Wednesday morning (01/29/25). We'll start our journey at Rattlesnake Canyon and make our way up to the Meadow, where we'll turn right and head up to Gibraltar Road. The hike to the road is a challenge, with an average grade of 13%, including some steeper sections hitting over 20%. Once we reach Gibraltar Road, we'll take a left and hike about a third of a mile to the Gibraltar Rock outcropping. This is where the real adventure begins, including a steep half-mile scramble with 700 feet of elevation gain to the top of Flores Peak. At the top, we'll find a stunning rock garden with plenty of picturesque spots to enjoy the view of Santa Barbara below.
Details posted here: https://www.meetup.com/santa-barbara-county-hikers/events/305743209/

CLEARING THE WAY
On Saturday, a dedicated group of volunteers gathered at La Purisima Mission Historical State Park to clear the Las Colinas Manzanita Trail in the park's upper areas. We would like to extend our gratitude to Sam, Michelle, Aanjelae, Gerry, Kerry, Kevin, Daniel, and Mark for their hard work in clearing the overgrown trail. We are also thankful to the State Park staff for their assistance organizing the event.

VOLUNTEERING IS FUN
Participating in hands-on activities like trail workdays is a wonderful way to give back for the free use of trails, and it’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with other outdoor enthusiasts who share your passion. If you’d like to volunteer, please join our Meetup site to be notified about future events: https://sbvolunteers.org/

PLEASE DONATE
If you would like to support the maintenance of the trails financially, please consider donating to our trail fund: https://sbtrails.org/our-work/donations/

Hello, Happy Hikers,

Over a dozen tree branches fell across the trails at Baron Ranch during the holidays. We want to take this opportunity to thank our fantastic volunteers, Bryan, Jasonn, and Kevin, for their invaluable contributions. Their dedication to surveying the Loop Trail multiple times and returning to clear the downed trees is a testament to the importance of community involvement in trail maintenance. We rely on community members to be our eyes and ears and to alert us if trail maintenance is needed. This work is ongoing, month after month, and your involvement is integral to our success.

LOOP TRAIL
The Loop Trail, nestled in the network of trails at Baron Ranch on the Gaviota Coast, is a true gem. It offers a unique and rewarding hiking experience, allowing you to escape the crowds and immerse yourself in the beauty of the California coastal mountain landscape. The scenic trail winds through diverse terrain, from sycamore and oak woodlands to chaparral-covered hillsides. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including deer, hawks, and perhaps even a glimpse of a coyote. As you ascend, breathtaking panoramic views unfold, showcasing the dramatic coastline with its crashing waves and the stunning views of the Channel Islands on a clear day. The Loop Trail provides a challenging yet fulfilling journey, leaving you with a sense of accomplishment and a deep appreciation for the natural world.

PLEASE DONATE
If you want to offer financial support for maintaining trails, please donate to our trail fund:
https://sbtrails.org/our-work/donations/

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 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.

CATCH THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT
Join us in thanking Mike, Manuel, Walker, Evan, Neva, Matt, Fallon, and Mia, who volunteered last week to jump-start our work on the Yucca Trail. The crew focused on cutting back the Lemonadeberry bushes encroaching on the mile-long trail. We'll return to widen the trail corridor in January to California State Park Trail standards.

YOUR HELP IS NEEDED
The Santa Barbara County Trails Council seeks passionate volunteers to help maintain the stunning trails at Gaviota State Park. Volunteer opportunities include clearing brush from encroaching on the trail corridor and repairing erosion caused by winter rains. No experience is necessary, and all skill levels are welcome. We provide training and all the required tools.

WHY VOLUNTEER?
◆ Reconnect with Nature: Spend time outdoors in one of California's most beautiful coastal parks.
◆ Make a Difference: Help ensure that future generations can enjoy these trails.

TO VOLUNTEER:
◆ Visit our volunteer website at https://sbvolunteers.org to sign up for volunteer event notices.
◆ Contact us at [email protected] for more information.

Let's work together to keep Gaviota State Park a treasured gem for years to come!

PLEASE DONATE
If you want to offer financial support for maintaining trails and updating signs and kiosks at the State Parks, please donate to our trail fund:
https://sbtrails.org/our-work/donations/

Gaviota State Park Map:
https://sbtrails.org/maps/gaviota/gaviota-state-park-2024.pdf

THE TURKEY TROT CELEBRATION IS TONIGHT

You're invited to celebrate a month of conquering trails and enjoying the outdoors on Thursday, December 5th at 5:30 PM at the T**a T**a Brewery (120 Santa Barbara St, Santa Barbara). Beer, wine, and food will be available for purchase.

Here's what awaits you:

➜ Mingle with fellow trailblazers and share your hiking adventures.

➜ Win big!: We'll be awarding prizes to the top three challengers with the most logged miles. Top prize? A juicy $100 gift certificate from Mountain Air Sports! ‍ ‍

➜ Didn't track your miles? No Sweat! Just bring a screenshot or printout from your health or fitness app for a chance to win.

➜ Fundraising Champions Get Feathered: Raised the most $$ for trail maintenance? The top three fundraisers can light up the night with prizes donated by Mountain Air Sports.

➜ Door Prizes: Three lucky attendees will gobble up $50 gift cards from T**a T**a Brewery, Fox Wine Company, and Hook Restaurant.

Trail Maintenance Never Ends:

Want to keep the trails thriving? Donations are always welcome! Support specific projects like the Midland School Trails Fund, Franklin Trail Fund, Baron Ranch Trail Fund, or contribute to the All Trails Fund for county-wide support.

Donate at the event or online: https://sbtrails.org/donate/

Let's raise a glass to a successful challenge and healthy trails!

OUR TRAILS NEED YOUR HELP

The last few years have been tough on our beloved trails. Devastating storms and wildfires have left many of our favorite outdoor spaces damaged and in need of urgent repair.

Your donation will:

‣ Restore damaged trails: Help us rebuild and repair trails impacted by extreme weather events.
‣ Prevent future erosion: Support projects to protect our trails from erosion and other environmental threats.
‣ Enhance trail experiences: Improve trail accessibility, signage, and overall enjoyment for all.

Let's work together to ensure current and future generations can continue to enjoy the beauty and serenity of our local trails.

PLEASE DONATE: https://sbtrails.org/our-work/donations/

Santa Barbara County Trails Council
PO Box 22352
Santa Barbara, CA 93121

HIKE WITH HART on December 7th

Please join Assemblymember Gregg Hart for a guided hike to discuss state and legislative matters that affect the community.

You can discover the beauty of the La Purisima Mission State Historic Park and learn about the Assembly services available to help you. This is an excellent opportunity to ask questions, share your thoughts, and connect with neighbors across Assembly District 37.

Saturday, December 7
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

The hike will begin at 10:15 a.m.

La Purisima Mission State Historic Park
2295 Purisima Rd.
Lompoc, CA

Don’t forget to bring the following items:

• Comfortable hiking shoes
• Hat or head covering
• Layered clothing
• Small backpack to carry your items or handouts
• Water

To learn more about the park, including accessibility information, please visit the California State Parks website.

https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=598

Park supporters include

Prelado de los Tesoros de La Purísima
https://www.lapurisimamission.org/

Santa Barbara County Trails Council
https://sbtrails.org/

Healthy People Healthy Trails
https://healthypeoplehealthytrails.org/

GET FIT FOR FALL - Turkey Trot Challenge

Join us for a month-long hiking challenge to raise funds for the trails in Santa Barbara County. Run, walk, or hike as much as possible in November. Can you raise $100 and get fit? Donations can be dedicated to one of the following Trails Council projects:

• Midland School Trails Fund
• Franklin Trail Fund
• Baron Ranch Trail Fund
• All Trails Fund

When: November 1st to the 30th, 2024

HOW IT WORKS

🔸 Register: Sign up for the challenge for free with Challengehound and track your miles.
https://www.challengehound.com/challenge/cb18d100-9686-11ef-91c2-97ce6f53d2c6
🔸 Walk, Run, or Hike: Track your hikes using your favorite fitness app or device.
🔸 Fundraise: Ask friends, family, and colleagues to sponsor your hikes. (download form)
🔸 Celebrate: Join us for a celebratory awards ceremony on December 5th.

PRIZES: Participants have nine ways to win prizes.

🔸 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes for raising the most money. Top prize to be announced.
🔸 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes for logging the most miles. The top prize is a $100 gift Certificate.
🔸 Attend our celebration and win one of three door prizes. The top prize is a $75 gift Certificate.

All nine winners will receive a turkey in addition to the above prizes. Participants who log 50 miles or more will receive a Turkey Trot 50-mile sticker.

Sign up today and start hiking for a good cause!

For more info, visit: https://sbtrails.org/7th-annual-turkey-trot-challenge/