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/. Another is to volunteer for trail projects: http://sbvoluneers.org.
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
PS. Special thanks to Curt Cragg for founding Santa Barbara County Hikers over a decade ago.
Upcoming events (3)
See all- Wednesday Evening Hike: Arlington Peak LoopTunnel Trailhead, Santa Barbara, CA
This week: Arlington Peak. Meet at Tunnel Trailhead at 6:30p. 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. We'll pause for refreshments up top. Arlington Peak affords hikers some of the best views of Santa Barbara. This Wednesday should be a clear night so SB will be on full display. The descent follows the East ridge trail which covers about 0.9mi and descends 1500ft, so again, 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 - 2.4xTrailhead: Tunnel Trailhead (aka Inspiration Point TH)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ySqYW7G5Zpc7CZri7Strava link
https://www.strava.com/routes/3298516557239974610Hike 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.
- GET FIT FOR FALL - Turkey Trot ChallengeTopa Topa Brewing Co., Santa Barbara, CA
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 (temporarily closed due to fire)
- Franklin Trail Fund
- Baron Ranch Trail Fund
- All Trails Fund
When: November 1st to the 30th, 2024
HOW IT WORKS
🔸 Register: Sign up by sending an email to [email protected]
🔸 Walk, Run, or Hike: Track your hikes using your favorite fitness app or track on paper.
🔸 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/
#santabarbaratrails
#healthypeoplehealthytrails
#santabarbarbaracountytrailscouncil - GOBBLE UP SOME FUN AT THE TURKEY TROT CELEBRATION!Topa Topa Brewing Co., Santa Barbara, CA
You're invited to celebrate a month of conquering trails and enjoying the outdoors on Thursday, December 5th, at 5:30 PM at the Topa Topa 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!
- 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? You've earned a prize (and major bragging rights)!
- Door Prizes for Everyone: Three lucky attendees will gobble up fantastic prizes, with the top prize being a $75 gift certificate!
Trail Support 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!
#santabarbaratrails
#healthypeoplehealthytrails
#santabarbarbaracountytrailscouncil
#turkeytrotchallenge
