Hiking Adventures 2015
As part of my marathon training I have dedicated myself to starting my day with an early morning hike with my dog, Johnny Cash , and my hiking group. There's something very inspiring and peaceful starting my day with a a brisk hike; the fresh morning dew on my cheeks, breathing in the crisp cool air while watching the night move to daylight as the sun rises over the mountains. Below I share some of my favorite local hiking spots - info from www.santabarbarahikes.com
The Playground
This hike is a very special treat. The hike itself is not very long. Perhaps you will travel 3 or 4 miles. But much of that will be rock hopping on a Playground of sandstone boulders and crevices. If you are lucky, maybe you will find your way to The Narrows, which is a very long, narrow crack in the rock that runs for several hundred yards and leads you through a dark cave at one point.
If you are a climber, there are many great opportunities for bouldering, and there is even a climbing wall or two. I am not much of a climber, but looking at one of them, I would guess it is rated quite high on the climber's rating scale as it is an overhang all the way and possesses "biohazards"—wasp nests in enough holes that I would be afraid of each and every handhold.
But it is a well-used and obviously well-loved climbing spot. Someone has taken the time to put in wood benches.
Disclaimer: Just because this hike is short it is not easy. It can be difficult climbing the rocks. But you can make a short, easy hike out of this if you want.
Inspiration Point
This version of the hike starts at Tunnel Trail. There is another way to get here, starting at Jesusita Trail.
Beware of kamikaze mountain bikers on this trail.
This hike is a relatively moderate hike, especially if you are in good condition. One thing to consider with hiking in Santa Barbara is that the area is not flat.
It's all mountains! So an easy hike is one where parts of the hike at least aren't too difficult for the average person, and usually that part is at the beginning so that if it does get too hard you can turn around. The trail begins on a paved access road that the Edison Company uses. This road is a popular exercise spot for many active Santa Barbarans. You can see people getting their morning and evening workouts running, biking, walking the dog, and taking the kids for a walk year round. The road is about a mile long, which is perfect for a quick workout. The trail begins near the end of the pavement and is wide and maintained.
The trail climbs through shady chaparral to a small summit which is another Edison access road, dirt this time. The summit is indistinct, except for the fact that when you reach it you have a beautiful view of the city, the ocean and the Channel Islands. This view makes this a popular sunset hike.
The hike is about 3.5 miles round trip with an elevation gain of about 800 ft.
Romero Canyon
Romero Canyon is a popular destination for hikers and mountain bikers. The trail is shady and along a creek bed for the first half. There is a strong scent of bay laurel in the air. The creek almost always has plenty of water, making the first half of the hike a tranquil forest hike. Then about 2 miles up, there is a junction with a fire road. Mountain bikers often use this road because it offers a challenge without being a complete death trap.
Follow the trail instead of the road for a challenging climb up and over the Santa Ynez range to East Camino Cielo Rd, which is a dirt road where the trail meets. Follow East Camino Cielo leftward to the water tower and follow the old fire road back down to the junction. Then choose to follow the shady trail or the interesting, shaley road back to the trailhead.
There are wonderful views of Montecito and the ocean from the summit of this trail, and sweeping vistas of the wild back country when you reach East Camino Cielo Rd.
Keep your eyes open where the trail meets East Camino Cielo for a rusty sign announcing Romero Trail continuing down the hill into Blue Canyon, a nice destination for a backpack trip.
Toro Canyon
Seven Falls
7 Falls (and 3 Pools) hikes are probably the most fun of all the Tunnel Trail hikes. Neither is easy, but both are fun because of the opportunity to go for a dip in the creek. Most people in some kind of decent shape can handle these hikes, but because of the rock hopping most people end up a little sore the next day.
The trail begins on a paved access road that the Edison Company uses. After a mile the road turns to dirt and you follow it just a little more toward the turnoff to Inspiration Pt. Instead of going to Inspiration Pt, you turn right and slosh your way up the creek to 7 Falls.
The hike is about 2 or 3 miles round trip with an elevation gain of about 800 ft. Please note: Parking at the trailhead is limited and strict. You must park behind the white line or else they really do ticket and tow. It is a congested neighborhood and parking within the white line helps emergency vehicles get through. Please be courteous to car traffic as you walk up and down the road and let residents get through. Please keep dogs on leash because there is a flock of free-range chickens that lives in the area. Residents have been pretty vocal about the traffic and safety issues in the area and your courtesy will keep the trailhead open.