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](https://www.meetup.com/Santa-Barbara-Trail-Volunteers/).
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
4
•OnlineExplore Our New Website + Share Your Voice on the Future of Local Trails
OnlineIntroducing Our New Website:
We’re excited to share the launch of our brand-new website: SantaBarbaraTrails.org!
This site is more than just a fresh look—it’s a hub for our work to protect, expand, and connect trails throughout Santa Barbara County. You’ll find updates on trail advocacy projects, resources for hikers, bikers, and equestrians, and ways you can get involved.
Why It Matters
Every new trail, easement, and community partnership starts with advocacy. The Trails Council brings land managers, community groups, and public agencies together to create new trail opportunities—and we couldn’t do it without your support.
Recent examples of our advocacy include:- Advancing studies for long-envisioned coastal trail connections
- Preventing the paving of a rustic section of the historic Hot Springs Trail
- Securing funding and approvals to complete the Coastal Trail and expand the Bill Wallace Trail network
- Planning and championing new regional routes, including the Santa Ynez River Trail and Santa Maria River Trail
👉 Visit SantaBarbaraTrails.org to explore the site, learn about current projects, and see how your support builds the trails of tomorrow.
Trails Are Fun: Six-Question Survey
We’d love your input through our short Six-Question Survey!
By answering just a few questions, you’ll help shape the future of local trails—from the programs we focus on to how we advocate for access to nature, environmental stewardship, and community health.
Take the survey today and share your voice in keeping our trails fun, welcoming, and inspiring for everyone.Q&A with Mark Wilkinson and Riley
Join Zoom Meeting
Thursday October 23, 12:00 - 1:00 PM
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87518386929?pwd=9x3kIBFyQ9aoTnsNppt0dj1EZxupvA.1
Meeting ID: 875 1838 6929
Passcode: 0800704 attendees
Wednesday Evening Hike: Snyder Trail
Snyder's Trailhead, Paradise Rd., Santa Barbara, CA, USThis week: Snyder Trail. We will be ascending Snyder trail from Paradise Road all the way to Camino Cielo. This is a gentle climb with some single track and some road sections, culminating in what used to be Knapp's Castle, now lost to antiquity. We'll replenish up top and head down the same route. This hike affords some great views of the sky and stars (and launches)!
Distance - 7.1 mi
Ascent - 1910 ft
Water crossings - NO
Rock scrambling - NO
Bush whacking - NO
Maximum Grade - >15%
Strava Effort - 1.9x (Inspiration Point = 1.0)Trailhead: Snyder Trailhead
https://maps.app.goo.gl/4qxJKmQW7kXPnTkv7Carpool: Big 5 in Five points departs 6:00p
https://maps.app.goo.gl/sNS6bCn9NBw8Yvyc7Strava link:
https://www.strava.com/routes/3225865253285094420Hike 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.
2 attendees
Wednesday Evening Hike: Romero Cyn to the top
Romero Canyon trailhead, 2649 Bella Vista Dr., Montecito, CA, USThis week: Romero Canyon. We will be ascending the single track Romero Canyon trail. This route starts up an overgrown road which is fairly steep, crosses the creek and hits the intersection of the old Romero Road. We'll hang left and ascend steadily up a single track to the intersection of that same road to re-group if we've split on pace. Crossing that road the remainder of the trail climbs to the overlook peak, which is a little spur just to the left as the trail to the spool crests. We'll replenish up top and head down the same route.
Distance - 6.79 mi
Ascent - 2599 ft
Water crossings - YES
Rock scrambling - NO
Bush whacking - NO
Maximum Grade - >25%
Strava Effort - 2.5xTrailhead: Romero Canyon Trail. Please park completely off the asphalt.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/JPkPbYFytm9hpZTm9Carpool: Big 5 in Five points departs 6:00p
https://maps.app.goo.gl/sNS6bCn9NBw8Yvyc7Strava link:
https://www.strava.com/routes/3288367682117299372Hike 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. We 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.
4 attendees
Wednesday Evening Hike: Tequepis
Tequepis Trailhead, Forest Route 6N04, Santa Barbara, CA, USThis week: Tequepis Trail. We'll meet for carpool at Big 5 and drive over to Trailhead. From the parking area near Circle V camp, we'll cross the creek a couple places heading steadily upward, enjoying some great views of Lake Cachuma and the Santa Ynez Valley. This hike, while long and covering a lot of elevation gain, is easier than expected given that it never is too steep or requiring high stepping/scrambling over rocks. It is a steady cardio climb, and we'll re-group every mile or so. The trail ends at a Camino Cielo frontage road. To the right will be Broadcast Peak and to the left (or straight ahead) a short walk to Camino Cielo and views of the Pacific. Can be windy and cool up top for snack time. Be prepared.
Distance - 8.14mi
Ascent - 2364ft
Water crossings - EASY
Rock scrambling - NO
Bush whacking - NO
Maximum Grade - >15%
Strava Effort - 2.2xCarpool: Big 5 at 5:50p
https://maps.app.goo.gl/htbrb94r4V4EACks5Trailhead: Tequepis Trailhead
https://maps.app.goo.gl/XdT6a3sVmFhkcjwt8Strava link
https://www.strava.com/routes/3240106330135437166Hike 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 possibly 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.
2 attendees
Past events
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