Santa Barbara County Trails Council

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Santa Barbara County Trails Council

We support public access and the safe shared use of our beaches, coastal plains, mountains, and valleys for motor free nature-based recreation by everyone

The Santa Barbara Trails Council is a membership organization that works vigorously on behalf of people of Santa Barbara County to enhance the county’s trail network for over 45 years. We are inclusive in our support for volunteering, collaborating and advocating for trail access on behalf of hikers, runners, bikers and equestrians. To achieve our goals we provide trail related planning, design, mapping, construction and maintenance for city, county, state and federal agencies.

05/19/2026

The 5-Peaks Challenge has officially concluded, and last week we honored over 70 challenge finishers at Trails, Tales, & Ales!

The SB Trails community came together to share stories from our summits: rewarding climbs, snakes and lizards, butterflies, sore muscles, and unforgettable views across Santa Barbara County.

Congratulations to everyone who took on the challenge!

05/07/2026

5-PEAKS CHALLENGE GRAND FINALE

You’re invited to the Trails, Tales, & Ales event, where we look forward to honoring over 70 incredible 5-Peaks Challenge finishers! Whether you’ve bagged all five summits — or are still chasing more — we hope to see you there.

📅 Wednesday, May 13th from 5:00–7:00 PM�
📍 SB Biergarten - 11 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara

🍻 Sip local brews on tap, and enjoy live music in sight of the mountains! All attendees will be entered for a chance to win a $100 gift card, and challenge finishers will also have a shot at winning a $100 gift card.

👫Bring a friend, & no RSVP needed! We look forward to an evening of enjoying our SB Trails community, sharing stories from our summits, and celebrating those who took on the challenge! See you there. 🥾🎉

04/23/2026

APRIL IS HEALTHY PEOPLE HEALTHY TRAILS MONTH

What is the Healthy People Healthy Trails Initiative?

Healthy People Healthy Trails is a Countywide collaborative working with healthcare providers and land/recreation organizations to support community members’ public health and welfare by expanding equitable access to nature and enjoying trails, parks, and open spaces for all.

Being physically active and moving helps us prevent and manage chronic illnesses. It makes us happier and helps us perform better at school and work. It builds stronger communities and keeps the economy healthy, too.

The program is supported by over two dozen organizations, including the Santa Barbara County Trails Council.

For more information about this week’s events, visit our online events calendar at HealthyPeopleHealthyTrails.org

03/12/2026

LOVE CARPINTERA? HELP US IDENTIFY ITS UNIQUE RESOURCES.

You’re invited to a community workshop to pinpoint the natural, cultural, and historic assets that make our town unique.

Join us at one of 3 workshops on Wednesday, March 18th.

⭑12:00 - 1:30 pm at Cowork Carpinteria: https://www.coworkcarpinteria.com/

⭑3:00 - 5:00 pm at the Library Community Room: https://www.islandbrewingcompany.com/

⭑6:00 - 7:30 pm at Island Brewing Co: https://carpinterialibrary.org/

Attendees will have the opportunity to share their knowledge, insights, and stories about significant places, events, and traditions that shape our community. Our goal is to identify and recognize valuable community assets and ensure that they are respected and maintained for generations to come.

Learn more at https://explorecarpinteria.com

02/25/2026

CARPINTERIA ADOPTS RESOLUTION SUPPORTING LIVING HERITAGE TRAILS

We’re proud to share that the City of Carpinteria has officially adopted Resolution No. 6436, affirming its support for long-distance living heritage trails and commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail expedition encampment near Carpinteria on February 24, 1776. The resolution recognizes that these routes are more than recreational pathways. They are living heritage corridors shaped by Indigenous peoples long before European arrival and layered with complex regional histories that continue to shape our community today.

The Carpinteria City Council awarded a proclamation to the Trails Council that honors the layered history of our coastline—from the ancestral lands of the Chumash people at Mishopshnow to the 1776 expedition.

By adopting this resolution, the City affirms its commitment to public education, historic preservation, respectful recognition of Indigenous histories, and inclusive community engagement through support of long-distance heritage trails, including the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail. We are grateful to the City of Carpinteria for recognizing the importance of preserving, interpreting, and stewarding these historic routes for present and future generations.

Link to the full resolution: https://santabarbaratrails.org/docs/htc/carpinteria-resolution-6436-anza-02-23-26-w2.jpg

Photos from Anza Walk: https://www. Instagram.com/santabarbaratrails/

Coverage in the Santa Barbara Independent:
https://www.independent.com/2026/02/20/walking-a-complicated-history-santa-barbara-county-trails-council-to-lead-living-heritage-hike-along-the-coast/

Read more: https://santabarbaratrails.org/carpinteria-adopts-resolution-supporting-living-heritage-trails/

02/18/2026

SHAPE THE FUTURE OF OUR TRAILS

California State Parks and the California Natural Resources Agency have launched a statewide California Trails Survey to guide the next update of the California Recreational Trails Plan, last updated in 2011. This plan directly influences trail funding and priorities in Santa Barbara County and across California.

If you care about trail access, safety, maintenance, and future opportunities for nonmotorized recreation, this is your chance to make your voice heard. The survey is open to trail users, advocates, and organizations statewide through February 28, 2026. If we want to see continued investment in local trail maintenance, new trail development, and improved access in Santa Barbara County, participation matters.

Take the short survey today and share it with your friends: CaliforniaTrailsSurvey.com

Your input will directly inform funding priorities and trail planning locally and across California. These state agencies are major funders of new trails.

There will also be a public, online webinar on February 24th from 6-7pm about the California Recreational Trails Plan update. We encourage our community to attend and stay engaged.

Register for the webinar: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_m_OZu87iRsSwNEmUXUmfrg #/registration

02/12/2026

ANZA TRAIL HIKE THROUGH CARPINTERIA: RINCON TO SANTA CLAUS LANE

Join the Santa Barbara County Trails Council for a five-mile Living Heritage Trail hike from Rincon Beach County Park to Santa Claus Lane on February 22, 2026.

Walk in the footsteps of history along ancient Chumash trading routes later traveled by the Anza expedition. In 1775–1776, Juan Bautista de Anza led 240 migrants north toward the San Francisco Bay Area, camping near present-day Rincon Point in an area known as La Rinconada, close to the Chumash village of Mishopshnow in what the expedition called La Carpintería. That journey is now recognized as a National Historic Trail.

The expedition reached Rincon Point on February 24, 1776—nearly 250 years before this commemorative hike. Father Pedro Font described a breathtaking coastline, whale spouts offshore, and the remarkable Chumash community whose craftsmanship and maritime skill left a lasting impression.

We’ll meet at Rincon Beach County Park at 10 am and hike approximately five miles, arriving at Santa Claus Lane around 1 pm. The route is generally flat with one steep section. Please arrange your own shuttle by parking a car at the destination and driving another to the starting point. Carpooling is encouraged.

Event details and registration:
https://www.meetup.com/santa-barbara-county-hikers/events/313201413/

02/10/2026

Take on the 5-Peaks Challenge for 2026 and explore Santa Barbara’s most stunning trails! From February 1st to May 1st, challenge yourself to summit iconic local peaks while connecting with nature and pushing your personal limits!

To complete the challenge:
~Hike 5 of the 11 listed peaks
~Submit proof of your climbs!

How to submit (choose any of these options)
1. Post your summit photos on Instagram or Facebook with peak names and hashtags and
2. Join the Strava club at https://www.strava.com/clubs/5-Peaks-Challenge and log your hikes
3. Submit photos directly through this Google Form: https://forms.gle/zvM2byocKFg9xgy86
4. Email photo to [email protected]

Participants who complete the challenge will receive a certificate, a commemorative sticker, and a chance to win prizes! Winners will be announced at the Trails & Ales celebration in early May!

Included Peaks: Arlington Peak, Cachuma Mountain, Cathedral Peak, Flores Peak, Gaviota Peak, La Cumbre Peak, Little Pine Mountain, Montecito Peak, Ranger Peak, White Mountain, and Barger Peak.

Are you ready to take on the 5-Peaks Challenge? Sign up here: https://forms.gle/8xKqyzMA5GQCQym39

02/05/2026

THE FUTURE OF GAVIOTA STATE PARKS IS ON THE LINE

California State Parks is developing a long-term plan for these parks and is hosting a public event on Feb 12th at 6pm.

WHY ATTEND: This is a rare chance to advocate for your interests in recreation on the Gaviota Coast with State Parks leadership. Your perspective can directly influence future access, facilities, and park use — not just for today’s recreation, but for future generations who will enjoy this coastline.

Because the meeting location is remote, the Santa Barbara County Trails Council would like to offer a small incentive for those who register to attend. We are offering a door-prize drawing of a $100 gift certificate to Industrial Eats in Buellton (industrialeats.com).

How to win:
•Register for the in-person meeting
•Email [email protected] with a copy of your registration confirmation
•A drawing will take place at 5:55 PM on the day of the event
•The winner will be notified by email and posted at the event entrance, and must be present to receive the gift certificate.

This event promotion is organized by the Trails Council and is not affiliated with California State Parks.

MEETING INFORMATION:
WHEN: Thursday, Feb 12 | 6:00–7:30 pm
WHERE: Vista de las Cruces School, 9467 San Julian Rd, Gaviota, CA 93117
REGISTER: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ecrg-general-plan-update-draft-concepts-meeting-in-person-tickets-1977527908207

If you care about the future of Gaviota, Refugio, and El Capitan State Parks, this is a moment to show up.

For more information contact us [email protected]

01/23/2026

BARON RANCH TRAILS NEED YOUR HELP

January storms caused landslides, rockfalls, and major erosion across the Baron Ranch trail system. The trails are closed while we work to restore safe public access.

How you can help right now:�
👉 Donate to support trail repairs and professional restoration�
👉 Volunteer as a Trail Steward to help with recovery efforts

Every contribution—time or funding—helps us rebuild stronger and more resilient trails for our community.
🔗 Donate: santabarbaratrails.org/get-involved/donate/�
🔗 Volunteer: santabarbaratrails.org/get-involved/volunteering/trail-stewards/

Address

PO Box 22352
Santa Barbara, CA
93121

Telephone

+18057086173

Website

http://santabarbaratrails.org/

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