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Arroyo Hondo Preserve
updated: Jan 07, 2012, 9:15 AM

By Edhat Subscriber

The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County purchased Rancho Arroyo Hondo on the Gaviota Coast in order to preserve the spectacular canyon and its incredible natural resources for generations to come. Arroyo Hondo Preserve, open for the benefit of the community, is a wonderful place to explore at all times of year.

The Preserve has very diverse flora and fauna, interesting geology, spectacular landforms, and wonderful ocean views. Arroyo Hondo is also rich in history. It was once the site of a Chumash village; it has a well-preserved adobe, and was, at one time, a stagecoach stop. Miles of well-maintained trails reveal beautiful and dramatic landscape as you wind along the lovely creek and through areas of grassland, oak woodland, and chaparral. Plan to spend a day at the Preserve and have a hike or a guided tour. After your hike, spend time at the picnic area, a wonderful place for lunch.

Our knowledgeable docents lead guided hikes for groups and present special school programs by appointment on Monday and Wednesday mornings and on certain weekend days. The Preserve is open for public exploration on the first full weekend and the third weekend each month. On each open weekend, guided hikes are offered from 10:00 a.m. until noon on both Saturday and Sunday. Visitors can also hike on their own on these days. For both guided and self-guided hikes, reservations are required. Please make your reservation with the Arroyo Hondo Preserve Managers at arroyohondo@sblandtrust.org or by calling (805) 567-1115. Hikes are free of charge, however donations to help support Arroyo Hondo Preserve and the work of the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County are gratefully accepted.

Consider becoming a volunteer at the preserve. Volunteers carry out habitat restoration and trail maintenance projects. Docents lead hikes and school programs, and there are also opportunities to help with special events. To join our volunteer team, please e-mail the Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@sblandtrust.org

Here are some of the beautiful wildflowers that can be seen at the preserve.

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