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Montecito Hiking
updated: Sep 21, 2012, 8:45 AM

By Edhat Subscriber

Where is the closest hiking trail in Montecito that gets you over the mountain to Santa Ynez Valley (Directions?)? How many miles? We are active local hikers, but have not found that trail. Thanks.

Comments in order of when they were received | (reverse order)

COMMENT 322542	2012-09-21 08:52 AM
Good luck. You'll have to take a series of trails to the top of El Camino Cielo, then hike on roads the rest of the way.
COMMENT 322546	2012-09-21 08:56 AM
Cold spring to Camino Cielo
COMMENT 322548P	2012-09-21 08:58 AM
Cold Spring East fork will take you past Montecito Peak to the top and then cross East Camino and go down into Forbush, stay left and you'll head towards Gibraltar reservoir and then down into red rock area towards Santa Ynez. Good luck on your travels.
COMMENT 322557	2012-09-21 09:20 AM
Tunnel Trail to Gibraltar Rd. (Forrest Rt. 5N25) will get you to Gibraltar Reservoir ...Red Rock...in the shortest distance/time.
AQUAHOLIC	2012-09-21 09:40 AM
Exactly what 548P suggested, however, you will still be a VERY long way from Santa Ynez Valley proper. Not in Montecito area, but East Camino Cielo to Snyder Ridge Trail (Knapps Castle) will take you down to Paradise Rd and, closest to SYV.
COMMENT 322571	2012-09-21 09:47 AM
There are really 3 main routes over the hill, with countless other variations. 1) Romero Canyon - if you go up the Romero Canyon Trail from Montecito, you pop out on Camino Cielo right where it turns into the dirt-surfaced Juncal Road. Juncal goes down the backside into the upper Santa Ynez Valley. After a couple of miles of Juncal, you can descend Blue Canyon Trail or continue on Juncal to the Santa Ynez downstream of Jameson Reservoir. 2) Cold Springs, as @548P says - go up the east fork of Cold Springs to the top, and then descend Cold Spring Trail on the backside to Forbush Flat. From there you can descend to the Santa Ynez near Mono Campground and the hot springs. 3) Tunnel Trail up to Camino Cielo (as @557 says), then a descent down the backside on the gated dirt Angostura Road. This lands you at the Gibraltar Dam, and it's an easy walk to Red Rock in one direction and the old cinnabar mine in the other.
COMMENT 322582	2012-09-21 10:01 AM
There is a great map available in the Los Padres NF headquarters in Goleta which shows the entire Santa Barbara ranger district and its trails and roads. Brian Conant's maps, available in any local outdoors store, are outstanding.
COMMENT 322597	2012-09-21 10:30 AM
Hot Springs trail except bring plenty of water as you might die of thirst thanks to Montecito Creek Water Company whom has chosen to destroy steelhead by taking more water then it is entitled to by water rights. If you are not already dead like the steelhead proceed to Montecito Peak and crest to Camino Cielo and then Forbush trail to the Santa Ynez River.
COMMENT 322607P	2012-09-21 10:44 AM
In related news....Hiker rescued by helicopter after becoming lost on the trails above Santa Barbara....
COMMENT 322622	2012-09-21 11:06 AM
@ 607P as reported thankfully he was not 'taking' endangered species unlike Montecito Creek Water Company along with others in collusion with insatiable fat cats for estate lawns.
BURNTTHISTLE	2012-09-21 01:38 PM
Actually Arroyo Burro trail will get you the closest to the valley
COMMENT 322779	2012-09-21 02:51 PM
How far into the Santa Ynez Valley to you want to go? Is Red Rock far enough? It's quite a hike if you're not familiar with the terrain and demanding if you are familiar with it all. Do the various trails up the mountain to the crest and back for conditioning. When you can do it in your sleep, double your water and energy rations (food not candy bars) and go up and over and back again. If you can do that easily extend your range. Remember you're out there on your own. Bring plenty of water (1 gal not a quart) and food and layers. It's no walk in the park so be prepared to take care of yourself in the wilderness. The trails can be primitive and footing can give way pretty easily if you're not careful.
COMMENT 322817	2012-09-21 04:29 PM
@571 and 779: Thank you for your informative and Apolitical posts. I believe this is what edhat is supposed to be all about.
COMMENT 322829	2012-09-21 05:19 PM
Romero, San Ysidro, Cold Spring....Front country trails are all interconnected and most will get you up to Camino Cielo. Drop down from Cold Spring will connect you to Forbush, Romero will allow you to drop down into Blue Canyon. Check out website Santa Barbara hikes (dot) com and maps by Bryan Conant or Ray Ford. Have fun, it is wonderful out there!!
COMMENT 322854	2012-09-21 08:58 PM
@607 Laughing my head off. I had the same exact thought, as I read the question. Thanks for making me laugh like a lunatic.
COMMENT 322908	2012-09-22 07:43 AM
Arroyo Burro. I was told it was the trail the Chumash used to travel from the River to the beach. The only paved road you'll hit is crossing the street at East Camino.
COMMENT 322964P	2012-09-22 09:51 AM
that's a looooong hike for someone who needs to ask for directions. Please take full first aid kit and a gallon of water, plus a cell phone.
COMMENT 322969	2012-09-22 10:23 AM
Ha! Good point 964p...
COMMENT 322983	2012-09-22 10:57 AM
Look at a map. You are in for a very long hike to get to the Santa Ynez Valley proper from Montecito. If you hiked the coast from Montacito or along Camino Cielo and then went over/down at Refugio you would be in Santa Ynez.
COMMENT 323128	2012-09-22 05:42 PM
Depending on how far you want to go, i.e. just up and over and down to Jamison lake or all the way to Santa Ynez. The fomer is a good 10 to 12 miles the latter about 25 to 30 miles and on foot trails and roadways likely more than a days hike.

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