Spotlight On
Rocky Ridge Off-Trail Scramble
Not Recommended
Viewed from Santa Barbara, the rounded "peak" east of La Cumbre is a chaotic jumble of large pink and tan boulders with a few gorgeous conifers mixed in. Read story.
Little Pine Mountain Easy Backpack
Search for the Sacred Springs
An easy three-day backpack, plus a 10-mile day hike on the second day. Read story.
East Hurricane Deck Loop-Backpack
A Four-Day Trip
There are several natural obstacles preventing easy access onto the Hurricane Deck formation — which is essentially a gigantic, 17-mile-long sedimentary rock chunk forming the core of the San Rafael Wilderness. Read story.
La Cumbre Peak Off-Trail Scramble
Don't Try This Without a Guide Who's Completed It Before
Mighty La Cumbre Peak looms north, high above my puny dwelling on Santa Barbara’s Westside. Read story.
Tequepis Dayhike
Verdant Trail Named After a Chumash Village
Turn off the Chumash Highway for a vigorous half-day of hiking with profusely beautiful flora and stupendous views. Read story.
Nineteen Oaks Dayhike
The entire trail hike has great geological interest. Read story.
Two-Day Hurricane Deck Backpack
Try This Out Some Weekend
A favorite, fairly easy, 17-mile, two-day backpack into the San Rafael Wilderness. Read story.
Figueroa Mountain One-Day Hike/Bike
Double Your Fun
Mileage: 3.0 ascending hike and 8.5 miles easy cycling. Suggested time: Approximately 4 hours, not including driving time to Santa Ynez Read story.
Parma Park - East
More rugged terrain, the main eastside hike takes you to a great view point. Read story.
Parma Park - West
Beautiful Open Grasslands and Oak Woodland Make This Part of the Park a Wonderful Place for Kids
Originally owned by the Parma Family, the west part of the park is perfect for an early morning or evening hike. Read story.
The Rock Garden
A Loop Hike to Die For; Though Challenging It Leads to Unimagined Inspiration
A combination of both trail hiking and off-trail scrambling, you'll climb a fantastic ridge that leads to awe-inspiring sandstone. Read story.
hot springs
Though not an official trail today, the Middle Fork Trail follows the historic route up to the crest and into a delightful canyon. There is even a scramble route to the crest if you've got the energy to make it that far. Read story.
Cold Springs-West Fork
Gateway to Tangerine Falls and a Water Tunnel Built in 1905
Though not a long nor well-known trail, it leads up a very pretty canyon to Gibraltar Road. A side trip along the way leads to Tangerine Falls and the upper end of the Middle Fork canyon. Read story.
Inspiration Point
Great Views and the Perfect Power Walk
Whether for an early morning or evening hike, Inspiration Point is the perfect hike. Read story.
Tangerine Falls
Best Waterfall in the Santa Barbara Area
For those who love big waterfalls and scenic spots, when the water is running, Tangerine Falls is the best. You'll find this delicious waterfall at the end of a tantalizing scramble up a beautiful canyon. Read story.
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