Multi-use Trails Coalition

Caution, Donkey Crossing!

2012-01-26T17:46:00.000-08:00

Tip of the Day....Next time you ride your donkey to the trail please be sure to and tie them up really well or they will end up wandering down Tunnel Rd.

The owners of the donkeys were notified immediately after spotting them wandering around and are now safe back at home.

Unbreakable: Western States 100, Friday, Feb 3rd, 2012

2012-01-24T12:14:00.001-08:00

Elings Park Goes Virtual!

2012-01-13T08:48:00.000-08:00

Introducing a new level of virtual reality in online maps! Elings Park Virtual takes you to that next level. It is a map and so much more, check it out today!

Features:

*An updated map of all trails: hiking, multiuse, downhill, paths

*Complete map of all park features with descriptions, photos, and embedded links

*Aerial photos of the park courtesy of Chad Bastian hidden in "paragliders" throughout the park...can you find them all?

*360 interactive panoramas in the Vanyo, Singleton, and Godric icons

*All custom map icons found nowhere else

*1st person point of view videos (most shot in HD)! Take a hike on the Sierra Club Trail, bike on the multiuse trails throughout the park(each section of trail has a different video), stroll along the memorial walk, take a flight above the park with a paraglider, ride in the cockpit of a RC racer, or take a lap around the BMX Course.

*And when you are all done experiencing the park you can go out and really visit this great park.

Instructions: Save the attached KMZ file and open in Google Earth on your home computer. Latest versions of Google Earth and Flash Player are recommended.

Special Thanks:

To Zane K. for the downhill video, Jim Barnett for the BMX course video, Elings Park International Raceway for the RC video, Fly Above All Paragliding, Eagle Paragliding, and Fly Away Hangliding for the aerial videos and photos.

Click to download the map

Inspiration Point Drama

2012-01-08T17:57:00.000-08:00

Girard Trail Sunset Pics - 12/29/11

2011-12-30T08:46:00.000-08:00

Cold Spring Sunset 12/27/11

2011-12-27T19:10:00.000-08:00

Puesta Del Sol

2011-12-15T19:23:00.000-08:00

Puesta Del Sol Buena Vista Trail

Old Pueblo Trail

San Ysidro Sunset - 12/8/11

2011-12-09T08:44:00.001-08:00

QR Codes For Santa Barbara Trail Maps Have Arrived!

2011-12-04T20:41:00.001-08:00

QR Codes or Quick Response Codes provide a quick link to maps of your favorite trails. All maps are free and accessible with your smartphone. This is the first time these maps have been made available via QR codes for Santa Barbara's Trail System and the first time anywhere using the Google Earth app.

Visit our QR Code Page for the codes and instructions: http://www.multiuse.org/qr.html

Above - A digital rendering of a QR code on Cold Spring Trail

Winter Trail Damage Reporting Link

2011-12-01T08:04:00.001-08:00

Got any information about Winter trail damage? Click on the following link and we will make sure the information gets to the proper authority for repairs. The more specific the info the better....which trail, where, and what...Trail Damage Link

From Winter Storm Trail Damage- 12/10

World's Scariest Hiking Trail

2011-11-30T20:13:00.001-08:00

Red Rock 50 Trail Run 2011- Photos

2011-11-28T23:48:00.000-08:00

The Red Rock 50 Mile Trail Race. What can you say about someone who runs 50 miles in one day over strenuous terrain like Santa Barbara's Front and Backcountry Trails? We will keep thinking of what to say while you enjoy the photos....

Above- Luis Escobar leads the charge down Cold Spring Trail

The Photos

The Cure - Reflections Tour, Pantages Theater 11/22/11

2011-11-26T15:59:00.000-08:00

AWESOME!

Rattlesnake Canyon Upper- Trail Project

2011-11-22T08:02:00.000-08:00

Tin Can Meadow has typically been a muddy mess after rains
Not anymore, new water drains have been placed and will keep the meadow dryer

This tree was partially blocking the trail

Not anymore

Rattlesnake Canyon Sunset- 11/19/11

2011-11-19T20:07:00.000-08:00

Winter Trail Prep Has Begun!

2011-11-14T22:21:00.000-08:00

Water Bar not working- before

Water bar after- ready for the rain

Post Storm Clouds Over Tunnel Trail

2011-11-12T19:35:00.000-08:00

Cloudy Montecito Trails

2011-11-04T15:26:00.001-07:00

The Red Rock 50 Is Coming!

2011-11-03T20:05:00.001-07:00

The Red Rock 50 Is November 26th(Yes it's now 50 miles!). Contact Luis Escobar For Volunteer Opportunities: luis@reflectionsphotographystudio.com

Trail Blocked No More

2011-11-01T18:27:00.000-07:00

Now You See It
Now You Don't

New Front Country Trail Map Online Now!

2011-10-13T13:06:00.000-07:00

The all new, revamped Santa Barbara Front Country Trail Map is available now! This new desktop map is viewable on Google Earth and now includes the Arroyo Burro Trail and Island View Trail. More info has been placed in the icons and trails themselves and better delineation of trail vs fire road. Check it out today on our "maps" page!
http://www.multiuse.org/ge/sbfctsmap.kmz

Tunnel Trail Rut Repair

2011-10-07T07:39:00.000-07:00

Wet soil makes for the perfect condtions to get out and do a little trail repair. The "rut" on upper Tunnel Trail has been an eyesore and an obstacle to those who frequent the trail for the last year. The rain created the rut was deep enough that people created a secondary route along the upper hillside.

The solution, remove the weeds filling in the actual trail and then fill the rut with rocks and soil to make the trail usable again.
Link to photos

Step One: Weed Removal

Step Two: Fill In The Deep Rut

Step Three: Enjoy Your Repaired Trail

Look "Who's" Talking on Jesusita Trail

2011-10-06T13:21:00.000-07:00

National Public Lands Day, 9/25/11- Photos and More

2011-09-29T07:44:00.000-07:00

National Public Lands Day 2011 was a success! About 50 volunteers from the community came out to help clean up lower Tunnel and Jesusita Trails. Ourselves along with SBMTV, City of SB, USFS, and REI helped sponsor this event. The photos and more info here

Chris Orr from SBMTV gives the safety talk before hitting the trail

View From Above The Clouds

2011-09-28T20:18:00.000-07:00

There was sun somewhere in Santa Barbara today....high up on the trails. Here are a few pics from Arroyo Burro Trail this afternoon.

Inspiration Point peaking through the clouds

View down the steep ridge on ABT

Goleta Mountains and Clouds

National Public Lands Day, 9/25/11- Tunnel Trail

2011-09-11T21:13:00.000-07:00

California Mountain King Snake

2011-09-10T09:32:00.000-07:00

This CMKS was spotted on Romero Cyn Yesterday

Re-Discovering The Franklin Trail

2011-09-05T17:07:00.001-07:00

The Franklin Trail, it's the newest old trail in Carpinteria. Over 100 years old it runs from behind Carp High to a saddle on Divide Peak Rd then down to Jameson Reservoir. Unfortunately property lines prevent usage at this time but...... a group is currently trying to get the lower Franklin Trail re-opened and is looking for donations make this happen. Visit "the Friends of Franklin Trail" website to learn more. Once the lower section of the Franklin is accessable, traveling from Carpinteria to Jameson Reservior will again be possible.

I decided to take a look at the upper portion of the Franklin Trail via Divide Peak Road and the Island View Trail. The upper trail head of the Franklin is a little more than 9 miles from Romero Canyon's upper gate. Questions I had were, what is the feasibility of making a loop out of Franklin- Romero Trails, I also wanted check the condition of the upper trail, and get GPS mapping done for the connection route.

The trail to Franklin is very similar to McKinley Peak in distance and steepness. The distance between the gate and Franklin was a little over 9 miles with approx 1900 ft in elevation gain and 1200ft of elevation loss. The conditions are steep in some sections but the views towards Carpinteria and beyond are well worth the effort. (I previously mapped the Island View Trail- approx 3.5 miles in length, it connects the upper Romero Fire Road/Camino Cielo to Divide Peak Road. This trail is extremely steep)

After cycling along the road in the 90 degree heat for a couple of hours I arrived at a saddle where my GPS told me the Franklin Trail Head should be. No signage is evident and no real trail was visible. I wasn't convinced that I was in the right place until I walked up the hill and took a look back at the saddle where I could make out a faint trail heading down towards Carp.

Definitely an exploration that warrants long pants and more energy than I had this day. When and if this trail gets re-opened it will be fun to connect this upper section of trail to the lower trail below. Look for a maintenance project for this upper trail in the near future? D

Panoramic of the Upper Franklin Trail View of Carp and the islands from the Franklin Saddle
Divide Peak Road

Click Here For The Photo Album

Loungin' on Mammoth Crest

2011-09-02T13:53:00.001-07:00

Bye Bye summer

Federal Cuts Threaten Outdoor Recreation Industry

2011-08-30T21:24:00.000-07:00

From the Independent: http://www.independent.com/news/2011/aug/30/federal-cuts-threaten-outdoor-recreation-industry/

Lois Capps Addresses Roundtable of Area Stakeholders
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Monday proved to be a typical sunny Santa Barbara summer morning – the Santa Ynez mountains were clear and bright and the ocean stretched out towards the Channel Islands, only slightly obscured by fog. It was a perfect day for Congressmember Lois Capps to pay a visit to Horny Toad Activewear's headquarters on West Mason Street to host a roundtable discussion with representatives from the area's outdoor recreation industry.
The talk was spurred by the threat of imminent budget cuts to conservation programs, such as the Land and Water Conservation Fund. As a point of reference for residents who may not realize how such funding impacts Santa Barbara County, many popular parks were acquired and have been maintained with federal money. Shoreline Park, for instance, received $425,000 to acquire and develop it. Carpinteria Bluff Park was acquired for $214,000. If the proposed reductions take place, the Department of the Interior would be funded at $9.9 billion, which is seven percent below last year's level.

Congressmember Lois Capps address concerns of area outdoor rec representatives
In California alone, outdoor recreation contributes $46 billion annually to California’s economy and supports 408,000 jobs across the state. The industry generates $3.1 billion in annual state tax revenue and produces $28.1 billion annually in retail sales and services. Nationally, outdoor recreation revenue contributes $730 billion to the U.S. economy and supports nearly 6.5 million jobs.
In order to highlight the impact that these cuts would have – not only on the many nature preserves and parks in California but also on the companies whose business is outdoor recreation – Capps invited stakeholders to come and share their thoughts. There were over 20 people present, including First District Supervisor Salud Carbajal; Christina McGinnis of the Environmental Defense Center; Dan Fontaine with Wilderness Youth Project; Chris Orr from Santa Barbara Mountain Trail Volunteers; Hans Cole, Patagonia's Environmental Grants Manager; Kim Kimball, Gaviota Coast Planning Advisory Committee chair; Michael Cohen, owner of Santa Barbara Adventure Company, Michael Feeney, executive director of Land Trust of Santa Barbara County; and Carla Frisk, Trust for Public Land manager.

Hans Cole, Patagonia's Environmental Grants Manager
Seated in Horny Toad's spacious and modern headquarters, the delegates mulled the impacts these budget cuts would have. “Recreation is big business,” said Capps. “It represents hundreds of billions of dollars in this country, and without protected public lands this slice of the economic pie would not exist.” Although the potential impacts were frightening to all present, the mood was not one of fear but of resolve. Cohen spoke about how his company is currently hiring more people to fill the demand for surf trips and boat adventures to the Channel Islands. He called tourism Santa Barbara’s “last viable industry.” Cole said his organization “wouldn’t have a business if it weren’t for all this amazing public land.” It is no accident, said Capps, that corporations such as Patagonia are headquartered in the area given the natural beauty of the 23rd Congressional District.
Capps addressed attendees' concerns and spoke to the incredible sway certain groups seem to have over Washington. Yet she also reminded that this was taking place not only in Washington but also in their very districts, and she would make it her “mandate” to speak on the behalf of local outdoor recreational companies. In turn, she encouraged her constituents to reach into their own communities, to make a national voice heard, and to educate future generations about the significance of the natural world and turn this education into advocacy.

Front Country Trail Turtle

2011-08-23T19:01:00.000-07:00

This little guy was spotted today leaving the San Ysidro Creek heading up the super steep fire road towards Hot Springs. Let's hope he makes it!

Up Close and personal with a SB Trail Native

It's a long steep road ahead

Bike Racks At The Trail Heads? It's Time

2011-08-20T08:16:00.000-07:00

Why not promote a "greener" way to use the trails? Instead of driving to use your favorite trails how bout biking there then doing that hike. Some are already doing just that but the lack of bike parking forces cyclists to get creative when it comes to looking for a place to lock up their rides. Tunnel and Romero have gates near to the trailhead which allow users to lock but all the other trails do not. We have approached the Santa Barbara Bike Coalition and SB City Parks with the idea of placing racks at your trail heads and both groups seem interested. Hopefully this "additional parking" will be placed at your favorite trail in the very near future.
(All photos taken in the Tunnel Trail vicinity)

Sign posts, when used propely can make fine bike racks

One trusting cyclist left this bike unlocked at the Trail Head

Bridge or bike rack? You decide

Street sign or bike rack? You decide
People get creative when securing their bikes

SB Independent Recognizes Santa Barbara County Search & Rescue

2011-08-18T07:31:00.000-07:00

Well deserved recognition for a great organization- Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue

Hiking's Lost And Found Department

Search And Rescue's Got Your Back

Lost Found Enlisted

Paradise Lost at Red Rock? Longtime Road Closure Limits Recreational Access

2011-08-15T08:15:00.000-07:00

From Noozhawk- Link To Article

Paradise Lost at Red Rock? Longtime Road Closure Limits Recreational Access

Reduced funding, limited staffing and several lawsuits have contributed to a backlog of work for the Los Padres National Forest.

Summertime fog, gray gloom at the beach — what’s a family to do? As many Santa Barbara County residents and visitors alike know, that’s when you pack up and head over the hill to enjoy the inland heat and get wet at Red Rock. The only problem is, this hugely popular recreation area along the Santa Ynez River in the Santa Barbara District of the Los Padres National Forest is still closed to vehicular traffic.

Sure, you can get your family there if they are capable of biking, walking or horseback riding the 10-mile round-trip on asphalt to the final destination of Red Rock. But for those groups with young children, elderly and or handicapped members, their access is still denied.

So much for having an Adventure Pass, some say. The road closure of this lower section of the Santa Ynez River Road (Forest Road 5N18.2 as well as the upper Santa Ynez section) has never gone on this long before — now approaching a whole summer season — and recreation enthusiasts have been forced to crowd into the limited parking right before the first crossing and the even more limited parking at the Lower Oso picnic area. From there, the first eastern bridge is locked and it’s a long, hot haul back to Red Rock. Great for those who can make the trek on the road, not so great for the many more who can’t.

Paradise lost? Especially on weekends, traffic and parked vehicles have spilled out along narrow Paradise Road, causing congestion and safety problems not only for the Forest Service, campground users, the campground concessionaire staff as well as nearby local residents, but for the other agencies tasked with traffic enforcement and safety.

“This has created a whole new set of problems and issues, the most that the Forest Service and the county sheriff’s along with Search and Rescue have ever had to deal with,” said Douglas Dodge, district ranger of the Santa Barbara Ranger District/Los Padres National Forest.

And then there are the economic trickle-down effects. If you ask the folks who run the Paradise Store how this summer’s sharply limited access has affected their business, you’ll get a polite earful.

“We were so hopeful that this season was going to be a good summer for us because of the plentiful rains, but our business is definitely down, at least 50 percent during the week, not quite as bad on the weekends,” said Laura Armor, vice president and chief financial officer of the Paradise Store. “And this sure hurts us during these more challenging economic times.”

The people who work for Rocky Mountain Recreation who are permitted by the Forest Service to manage all of the campground and picnic areas also have a similar story to tell. They have been forced to lay off employees and had to cancel all reservations to the popular Upper Oso Campground, which had been solidly booked for every weekend since last December, a significant revenue loss.

Now that Upper Oso is finally open but only on a first come, first serve basis, area manager Celia Hancock noted that “a much higher percentage of people are still very upset and frustrated for not having their usual car access to the Red Rock area, much more so than the very small percent that are happy the road has been closed.”

The big question is why — why has a longtime, heavily used public access road for recreational use been unavailable for so long?

“It’s complicated,” Dodge said. “There have been a number of setbacks for us this year, including high water flows throughout the entire Los Padres Forest that have caused a much larger number of maintenance projects, heavy water flow at the Paradise Road crossing that pushed back the opening of Upper Oso, a lack of staff to deal with these issues due to dwindling budgets, and several lawsuits against us that have pulled away even more staff just to work on those … it’s all added up.”

About the lawsuits that no one wants to talk about. Lots of information is available on the Internet for those willing to untangle the maze of legal-speak. But in a nutshell, the Los Padres National Forest, as well as three other area forests in Southern California — the Cleveland, Angeles and San Bernardino — plus the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service as other co-defendants, were found in violation of the Endangered Species Act.

The groups or plaintiffs who filed the lawsuit included a local group called Los Padres ForestWatch, in addition to the Center for Biological Diversity, the Sierra Club, Defenders of Wildlife and the California Native Plant Society.

How does this apply in particular to the Santa Barbara Ranger District (one of five districts in the whole Los Padres National Forest)? It basically means the agency has to respond to this litigation and complete more administrative paperwork, such as detailed Environmental Assessments over a six-month deadline. While government agencies are hardly known for being perfect, they are now further hindered by decreased budgets and severely limited staff. In direct terms for the Los Padres, where each district has already lost one staff biologist during the past few years, the few remaining biologists — only three — are pulled away from their regular work.

“Having to deal with litigation is affecting our ability to work on the ground,” Dodge said.

Where are we now? With water levels at the first crossing finally lower, to regain the usual vehicle access back to Red Rock will require some simple structural bridge work. The first bridge out of the lower Oso area, known as the Lower Oso Bridge, took a heavy hit from high stream flow this year and has been undermined and deemed unsafe for car travel. Until funding is secured and a construction contract is issued, the bridge will remain closed.

Looking ahead to next year, more predicted budget cuts and increased administrative red tape, the Forest Service is slowly seeing its abilities decline to effectively manage watershed resources along with public recreational uses.

“There is no more fat to trim,” Dodge said. “Now it’s more like taking limbs off the body.”

So before you want to take your family back to the Santa Ynez River — the only large river in the county that offers residents and visitors National Forest recreation opportunities such as a family swim, call the Los Prietos Ranger Station to check the status of road conditions. According to the Los Padres website, “Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and contact the Los Prietos Ranger Station for the latest conditions by calling 805.967.3481.” You can also get updates on its website by clicking here.

Update

Funding was allocated Thursday for the Lower Oso bridge project. While Los Padres is facing a $550,000 budget deficit, all other projects will be priority based, including the need to pay existing salaries. Construction on the bridge will begin as soon as a contract can be awarded, and all work is expected to be completed this fall.

If it matters to you that national forest recreational opportunities are slowly declining in your area, contact your local U.S. House and Senate representatives as well as county supervisors to weigh in on decreased access, lack of funding, budget cuts and increased litigation costs.

Recent Los Padres Forest closures because of lawsuits: Click here for the Ojai Ranger District, and click here for the Santa Barbara District.

— Lori Rafferty is a contributing freelance photojournalist with a zoology and environmental studies background (1982 UCSB) who enjoys all aspects of recreation in local forests. She has been documenting forest regrowth since the Zaca Fire of 2007.

King Snake vs Gopher Snake- who wins?

2011-07-26T20:10:00.000-07:00

King Snake

The rest of the photos

Cathartes Aura In Front Of La Cumbre Peak

2011-07-19T19:48:00.000-07:00

Record Pot Bust In The Los Padres National Forest

2011-07-15T13:23:00.000-07:00

Source- KEYT

Los Padres National Forest - Police have seized close to 68,500 marijuana plants, making it the largest cultivation seized in Ventura County history. It happened Wednesday in the Los Padres National Forest near Ojai.According to sheriff's officials, narcotics investigators located a large marijuana growing operation in June. Several large plots were found on the north slope of Pine Mountain, east of Highway 33 and south of Lockwood Valley Road. Approximately 68,488 marijuana plants were eradicated during the operation, making it the largest cultivation seized in Ventura County history. Estimated street value of the marijuana is $205,464. The season total for seized marijuana is over 100,000 plants. No suspects have been arrested.

The investigation is continuing.The Sheriff’s Narcotic Unit, Sheriff’s Air Unit, Sheriff’s Gang Unit, Sheriff’s Intelligence Unit, Ventura County District Attorneys Office, Ventura County Fire Department, Oxnard Police Department and the United States Forest Service assisted.

Double Vision On McMenemy Trail- 6/23/11

2011-06-24T08:10:00.000-07:00

California Kingsnakes, no photoshopping!

Camuesa Connector Trail Overgrown Adventure 6/19/11

2011-06-20T08:25:00.000-07:00

Camuesa Connector Trail- The adventure lies in the large amount of brush occluding this trail and fun, shin deep water crossings

A watersnake enjoying the trail

View down at the Santa Ynez River River Crossing at Camuesa Trail Head

Paradise Road is still a mess
The crowds make their way along Paradise Rd towards Red Rock

3 Rescued From Los Padres National Forest

2011-06-19T18:10:00.000-07:00

Source: Santa Barbara County Sheriff Dept- Link

Several Backcountry Injuries Put Rescue Services to the Test

Santa Barbara - June 19th, 2011

Emergency personnel from the Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue, U.S. Forest Service, Santa Barbara County Fire and AMR Ambulance combined late Saturday afternoon, June 18, 2011, to respond to three different incidents, each requiring the rescue of individuals. Two being related to injuries suffered when each of their horses fell off the trail down steep canyon sides and the third related to a mountain biker falling over a bridge a dozen feet down into a creek bed.

Early in the afternoon a group of Forest Service employees along with a couple of horse wranglers rode out from Rancho Oso and up to 19 Oaks Campground located on the Santa Cruz trail approximately 2 miles north of Upper Oso Campground in the Paradise Canyon area. As they were coming back down the trail one of the female Forest Service employees along with her horse went off the side and fell into a steep deep canyon. Complaining of injuries some of her companions rode down the trail until they could obtain cell coverage at Upper Oso to dial 9-1-1.

Dispatchers with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Dispatch Center then initiated a multi-agency response. An engine crew from the U.S. Forest Service along with a County helicopter eventually was able to locate the subject. After initial emergency treatment the ground personnel were able to carry the injured horse rider in a stretcher up to a clearing where the helicopter then transported subject to Santa Barbara Airport where she was transferred to an AMR ambulance for transport to Cottage Hospital Emergency Room where she was reported in stable condition later that night.

As personnel from the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s all volunteer Search and Rescue team were responding across the first crossing of the Santa Ynez River they received a report from a hiker that a mountain biker had fallen off a nearby bridge and was injured. Upon arrival, Search and Rescue members found a male in his late thirties lying down in the bottom of a creek bed bleeding from a cut knee and a lacerated head wound. Apparently the rider was trying to negotiate his bike around the lock gate at one end of the bridge when he lost his balance and tumbled over the side down about 12 feet, hitting his head on a rock. SAR EMTS administered first aid to the subject and then directed an AMR ambulance crew standing by for the horse rescue, to respond to evaluate the subject for transport. Paramedics from AMR evaluated the subject but he refused further treatment and was released.

About this time a second horse rider was reported to the rescue crews still stationed up at Upper Oso. Two of the horse riders with the original U.S. Forest Serviced ride had started down the trail back to Upper Oso when the horse in the front started to turn around on the trail, causing his rear legs to slide off the side of the single track trail and down a sheer 30 foot cliff down to the rock creek bed below. Upon hitting the creek bed the male rider in his late fifties was flung off the horse and hit his head and back on large rocks before coming to a rest. Personnel from Search and Rescue, County Fire and Forest Service once again hiked up the trail and found the injured subject in the creek bed with his horse also lying near him. The subject was immobilized for possible back injuries and lashed into a stretcher whereupon members of all three agencies then worked together to lift him out of the creek bed and back up to the trail where he was wheeled out to Upper Oso for transport by an AMR ambulance crew to Cottage Hospital Emergency Room where he was also reported in serious but stable condition.

During this time the subject’s horse got itself up into a standing position but was demonstrating signs of being in shock from her fall and injuries. Two members of County Search and Rescue stayed with the horse while her owner was carried out. Several SAR members then returned to assist after transferring the injured rider to AMR. After calming the horse down SAR members were able to scout out a route and safely encourage the horse back up to the trail where she then was slowly walked out to Upper Oso and turned over to personnel from the Equine Evacuation Rescue Group. While left shaken and with a lot of cuts and bruises, the horse appeared not to suffer any life threatening injuries.

All rescue personnel departed Upper Oso at approximately 7 pm after completing a string of rescues in quick succession.

For more information regarding news related issues
please contact Drew Sugars, Public Information Officer.

Business Hours: (805) 681-4100
EMAIL:pio@sbsheriff.org

Two New Ways To View Santa Barbara's Trails

2011-06-18T15:28:00.000-07:00

Now there are two more ways to view Santa Barbara's Front Country Trails. Maps of the entire trail system are available in GPX format for use in your GPS device or GPS enabled smartphone(with the proper GPS App) and also formatted for viewing from your home computer. Visit our "Maps" page for information all our digital maps.

34 28'28.25, -119 42'18.38

2011-06-13T21:20:00.001-07:00

National Trails Day 2011- Tunnel-Rattlesnake Connector Trail

2011-06-06T07:23:00.001-07:00

The Tunnel-Rattlesnake Connector Trail, a trail that had seen better days. Burned to a crisp in the Jesusita Fire, washed out beyond recognition the following two winters, and overgrown and in need of some serious help. Along comes National Trails Day and not a second too late. This agency sposored event involved many of the big trail organization in town and around 25 volunteers from the community. A large portion of the trail was repaired and made very user friendly thanks to the good turnout.

Volunteers getting ready at Skoffield Park

Hiking into the fog of Rattlesnake Canyon

Can you find the trail? Volunteers put it back together

MORE PHOTOS

Santa Barbara Canyon To Painted Rock By Bike- 5/28/11

2011-05-29T22:44:00.000-07:00

Painted Rock, anyone who has every visited this special site along the Sierra Madre Ridge will tell you how great it is. The entire trip starting from Santa Barbara Canyon up the Buckhorn Road and along Sierra Madre Road provides awesome views into Santa Barbara's backcountry that can be found no where else. If you have the time and the endurance try this ride out. Stats: Approx 39 miles round trip, 4800 ft of elevation gained/lost when traveling from the SB Canyon gate(normally 29miles) and about 16 miles round trip when traveling from the McPherson Peak gate.

The gate at Santa Barbara Ranch was locked making this trip 5 miles longer in each direction and most forest gates that are normally opened are currently closed so be sure you call before you head out.

View into the upper cave or "Sapaksi"

The grassy meadow of Montgomery Potrero

View along the Sierra Madre Road

THE REST OF THE PHOTOS

Santa Barbara Trails Mobile Map Updated/ New Website Content

2011-05-28T08:59:00.000-07:00

We are happy to announce an update for the SB Front Country Trails Mobile Map and all new content for our website. The Mobile Map now has two options for viewing- the original, through the web browser on your mobile device or the new and recommended way- "pre-loading" the maps using Google Maps. This pre-loading way provides faster loading times and allows for more content to be displayed. In addition to the new viewing options, more content has been added to the map including more POI's, improved directions, and parking help. Visit our "MAPS" page for complete details on our Mobile Maps.

Check out our website with all new content added including an extensive "Trail Resourses" page with information on trail organizations, trail weather, safety, fitness and more. Be sure to visit the Photo gallery page to see photos from all over your favorite trails.

Save Hot Springs Canyon From Development Forever!

2011-05-18T14:49:00.000-07:00

From Land Trust For SB County Website: http://sblandtrust.org/hotspringscanyon.html
Right now we have a once in a lifetime opportunity to preserve forever Hot Springs Canyon - one of the most beautiful and historic private properties in the Santa Barbara foothills.This 462-acre property encompasses all of Hot Springs Canyon, including our signature Montecito Peak. It is largely surrounded by Los Padres National Forest and valuable public watershed land. To the east and west are the rich wildlife habitat of Cold Springs Creek and San Ysidro Creek, with popular public trails that run to the top of the Santa Ynez Mountains. At the heart is the historic Montecito Hot Springs, site of the renown Hot Springs Spa and Hotel that operated from the early 1900s until it burned down in 1964.The long-time family owners have decided it is time to sell their private property, which has been in the family since 1962. The property has been listed for sale with a prominent real estate broker for $11 million.
Under County zoning the owner is eligible to apply for 5-6 residential sites and by conditional use permit, a private day spa.The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County – your local nonprofit conservation group – has negotiated and signed an agreement to purchase Hot Springs Canyon. The purchase price is $8.5 million and the purchase must be completed by December 15, 2011.Our goal is to ensure this land will be permanently dedicated as natural open space for people to experience and enjoy for generations to come.There are no county, state or federal grants available for this project. The key to success is private donations from local people who want to leave this legacy for our community.
The Land Trust, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, is seeking lead charitable gifts and pledges toward the purchase cost. Donations are tax deductible as provided by law.At this time, we have funding commitments of approximately $6,600,000, toward a capital campaign goal of $8,650,000.If you believe this community treasure is worth protecting now from development and should be preserved for public benefit, please consider how you can help.
For more information, contact the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County info@sblandtrust.org.To make a pledge, click here for the Hot Springs Canyon pledge form found on the link at the top of the page. Donate now by clicking on the Just Give button or call 805-966-4520

Front Country Trails Map Goes Mobile!

2011-05-14T08:53:00.000-07:00

Ever wish you knew where the correct turn off was for the trail with the great view or waterfall? You forgot your map but had your cell phone, too bad there wasn't a way to access our trails via your smartphone! Now there is!

A map of the entire Front Country Trails with detailed info about routes, distances, elevations, and POI's all available in the palm of your hand. This map was developed using the same data that was collected for the Maintenance Map earlier this year. Now instead of being full of maintenance needs these maps have distance, elevations, points of interest and other information to help you along the trail. By tapping trails, fire roads, or individual icons, detailed information about a trail, trail head, or scenic point will pop up on the screen. Have patience as this can take several seconds to load depending on cell signal.

Here is how it works- KML files of the trails are uploaded to our website which can be accessed from the links "mobile trail maps". Individual trails are listed as is the entire trail system(slower loading time) found at the top of the main page. While browsing the net on your cell phone visit: multiuse.org and click the links. Using iPhone 3 or 4 allow the browser to open the file. Using Droid open file in browser only, when given the option to view in Google Maps or browser- CHOOSE BROWSER.

If you have a GPS enable phone you can locate your exact location on the trail pushing the "my location" button. Choosing the "page" button at the top of the screen provides a list of all the trails and poi's and clicking will place a marker on that location of the map.

Feedback is welcome- tell us what you think!

McKinley Peak By Bike- 5/7/11

2011-05-08T08:45:00.000-07:00

Well bike most of the way and hike the last .5 miles to the top of McKinley Peak. Great ride with at least two water sources along the road- just past Cachuma Pk and at McKinley Springs near the summit. This is definitely one ride you don't want to do when it's super hot out as most of the way it is exposed. Luckily temps this day barely got into the 70's and not too windy. Just a hour drive to Cachuma Saddle this trip is well worth the effort.-D

PS don't forget to sign the summit registrar!

Topo map with elevation profile of the ascent of McKinley Peak Cachuma Peak

Hell's Half Acre- Actually one of nicest points along the Rd Views deep into the San Rafael
Sandstone formation and Hell's Half Acre
McKinley Saddle

View From McKinley Peak into cloudy Santa Ynez Valley

Jesusita Fire - Two Year Anniversary Photos Of The Trails Recovery

2011-05-05T06:53:00.000-07:00

See The Rest Of The Photos

Santa Barbara County Search And Rescue- Outdoor Safety Tips

2011-05-04T19:47:00.000-07:00

PRESS RELEASE IN PDF FORMAT

As Spring and Summer months approach, Santa Barbara County Search & Rescue along with the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office would like to remind all those venturing into the outdoors to keep in mind the following simple suggestions to help make outdoor backcountry activities safe and enjoyable.

1) Know where you are going. Know the name of the trail you will be hiking. To help orientate yourself, carry a map of the area you will be hiking along with a compass and GPS (with extra batteries). Stay on known marked trails to avoid getting disorientated and potentially lost.

2) Tell someone where you are going and when you will be back. Use the planning form* on the final page to make sure the important information will be available in an emergency.

3) Hike with a buddy. Hiking alone, while peaceful and solitary, can cause difficulties should you become lost or injured. Hiking companions can help determine where you are and aid if you get hurt, either by applying first aid or going for help.

4) Prepare appropriately for your hike…physically, mentally and with the right equipment. If this is your first hike of the year, start off with short hikes around your home working up to longer trail hikes.

Mental preparation is also very important. Remember if you are hiking trails anywhere in Santa Barbara County you will find yourself in a wilderness environment. Make sure you mentally condition yourself to deal with conditions such as long steep climbs, temperature fluctuations, wildlife, darkness, and unexpected emergencies such as an injury or becoming lost. Studies have shown those that have a positive mental preparation will have a greater chance of dealing with difficult situations.

Taking the right equipment is also important…this means enough water, food, clothing and other equipment to deal with unforeseen situations. Include the following equipment: a flash light (with extra batteries), first aid kit, toilet paper, emergency blanket, small knife, matches or lighter. You would be amazed at the number of hikers on an afternoon excursion who get caught by dark – especially those on sunset hikes.

And don’t forget two of the most used items that help rescuers to locate you…a whistle and a cell phone. Whistles are heard over greater distances than shouting and do not wear out your voice. SBCSAR has located many people just by hearing their whistle

Cells phones can be an effective tool, but don’t over rely on their technology. Over 75% of the search & rescue calls SBCSAR personnel respond to have involved someone using a cell phone. While they can be extremely useful in the front country they have little or no coverage in the backcountry so understand they are not the perfect communication tool that will bring rescue personnel immediately to your aid. If you are venturing into the backcountry consider looking into a Personal Location Beacon (PLB) or a SPOT device that can be activated in an emergency that will give SBCSAR your location coordinates. A satellite phone is another option.

Cell phones can also be used as a signaling device during the night. Should you find yourself lost and without a flashlight, use your lighted cell phone screen by turning it towards the sound of any search & rescue personnel on the ground or helicopters in the air. With their night vision equipment you will be easier to locate.

5) Lost? - If you find yourself in an unfamiliar area not knowing which direction to go, sit down for a few minutes and gather your thoughts. Think calmly through your situation. If you believe you can track yourself back to a location where you can absolutely identify where you are then do so. However, it you cannot or you still are not finding the right trail, then immediately stop to prevent wandering further away on an unknown path.

If you are somewhere along the front country and have a cell phone then dial 9-1-1 and ask for the Santa Barbara County Dispatch Center. Explain your situation and request search & rescue be activated to find you. If you do not have any reception and you believe you can safely climb to higher ground then do so and try again as this may improve your ability to get a signal.

Find an open area so you can be spotted easier from the ground and air. Once you have contacted County Dispatch the important information to quickly give is your name, location, how many people are with you and your reason for calling. Further details can be given if needed. Stay put after you hang up! If you move without telling anyone then SBCSAR will have more difficulty in locating you. Stay off of your cell phone as much as possible; it will save battery power and keep the line free if SBCSAR or Sheriff’s personnel call you back in order to locate you much more quickly.

6) Clothing - Layering is the key. Stay away from cotton clothing, including socks, as it will absorb your sweat and stay wet longer. Synthetic materials that have “wicking” characteristics are a good choice for your base layer. After that, use light pile clothing for an insulating layer followed by a rain/wind nylon/Gortex shell. Remove or add clothing as need depending on weather conditions and your body core temperature. Bright clothing is also recommended to provide greater visibility if you become lost or in need of assistance.

7) Natural hazards - Be familiar with some of the natural hazards in the area such as rattlesnakes and Poison Oak. While potentially dangerous, rattlesnakes very rarely are deadly. Unless provoked, surprised or cornered, they will do everything they can to get away from you. The best way to avoid an unwanted encounter is to make noises why hiking and watch where you put your feet and hands. If you do encounter a rattlesnake give it room to escape. Do not poke it with a stick or throw rocks at it as it will only become defensive and strike out. If it doesn’t move out of the way, you will want to walk carefully around it, giving it a lot of space.
Poison Oak is growing in abundance following a very wet winter, so learn what it looks like and avoid coming into contact with it. Poison Oak is a woody shrub that is related to poison ivy and poison sumac. It is plentiful below 4,000’ and is generally identified by its oily leaves in groups of three. The leaves can be green, yellow, or red and fall off each year. The leaves and stems contain an oil (Urushiol) that causes a nasty, itchy rash in 85% of the population. It’s powerful stuff so treat this plant seriously.

8) “10 Essentials” - This term is used frequently by those enjoying the outdoors. However, get ten hikers together in one room and you probably will get ten different “10 Essentials” lists. What you should take will depend on the trail and weather conditions you are hiking in. What you wear and carry will be different during a summer hiking trip in the desert versus a spring hike on the Cold Springs Trail in the front country of Santa Barbara. Here’s SBCSAR’s “Essential” list of recommendations (note it is more than 10 items)

The Essentials
• water (1 quart per hour)
• food
• map and compass
• hiking plan left with a friend or in your car
• flashlight
• waterproof matches
• fire starter
• extra clothes (Not cotton!!!)
• whistle
• cell phone
• knife
• sunhat, sunglasses and sunscreen, lip balm
• lightweight pack to comfortably carry everything.

9) Hiking with Dogs - Dogs can be wonderful trail companions but remember they need just as much, if not more, attention than humans and they can overheat faster because they do not sweat. Take extra water for canine hiking companions, hike in the morning or evening, and be sure to rest the dogs if they show signs of overheating.
Take advantage of shade and pools of water for cooling yourself and your dogs. Whenever possible, cool your dog’s pads.
Be aware that the air temperature can dramatically increase (up to 20 degrees or more) as you hike up the trail due to the lack of shade or water. Dogs cool themselves by panting. If the air is
hot, your dog is hot. Many dogs will go until they drop.

For more hiking tips and safety information, go to www.sbcsar.org. The Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue team is non-profit, all volunteer mountain rescue unit of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office. For more information about the team and items in this news release contact SAR PIO Nelson Trichler at 805-698-0752.

EMERGENCY INFO PLANNER
Fill out, print and post this near your phone before leaving for your trip:
Where I am going:
Trail name:
My destination is:
Who I am with (names and phone #s):
When I’ll be home (date and time):
Vehicle info (make, model, year, lic#)
Emergency medical info (medications, medical conditions):
IF I DO NOT RETURN WHEN INDICATED PLEASE CALL 9-1-1

Stump Grinder Dirt Club Needs You! For The Kids

2011-05-03T15:17:00.000-07:00

Dear Trail Users,

Many of you have heard of NICA (the North American Cycling Association) and our local Santa Barbara County High School team of 12 youths from Carpinteria, San Marcos, Dos Pueblos, Rhigetti and St. Joseph's High schools that have been competing in the SoCal League against 22 other high school groups. Many of you wanted to come out and help these kids this winter/spring but just couldn't on a regular basis.

Well, now they are needing your help for just 4 hours of trail maintenance this Saturday from 8 -12 noon as Santa Barbara County will get ready to showcase the State's finest riders
in the California State Championship High School Mountain Bike State Finals. This is the first time SoCal has hosted Norcal and the State race as some 450 riders are expected to converge on Charlotte's Meadow at the Chamberlain Ranch off Zaca Station Road in Los Olivos. Can you help us to get the course ready for XC racing? Can you show the area's XC youth that you appreciate they are out riding after school, working to stay fit, and learning trail etiquette at the same time?

Please help by sending your RSVP e-mail to race producer Mike Hecker: Hecktone@yahoo.com

We thank you!! Jeff Harbison/Dan Cortina, coaches for Santa Barbara's County High School MtB XC Team

WHAT: 4 hours of trail work in exchange for satisfaction, a free lunch and prize raffle and a chance to ride this magnificent set of trails afternoon.

WHEN: Saturday, May 7th, 8-12 noon

WHERE: Chamberlain Ranch on Zaca Station Road (look for sign on right, 1.1 miles north of 101/154 exchange)

BRING: Water, Hat, Gloves, Trail tools if you have them, Sunscreen, snack

RSVP: Hecktone@yahoo.com

Cold Spring Trail Care Day A Success- 4/30/11

2011-05-01T12:45:00.000-07:00

Before

After

See The Rest Of The Photos

The Trail Bees Return!

2011-04-24T08:54:00.001-07:00

Look for these "trail bees" to be habitating in a trail near you. Trail bees better known as mining bees or digger bees are solitary and very seldom if ever sting. Many of the colonies are in the exact same location they were in last year when they visited. For more on ground bees read the following article.

Where's My Pot Of Gold? 4/22/11

2011-04-23T13:53:00.000-07:00

Nature's Camouflage

2011-04-20T08:14:00.001-07:00

Is that a spec of rust with pink paint or a well hidden bug?

First Rattler Of The Year

2011-04-18T17:01:00.000-07:00

Kinda hidden but he's there- Figueroa Mountain, 4/17/11

March Mudness Aftermath- Jesusita Trail

2011-04-14T08:18:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder why "they" tell you to stay off muddy trail? See photos below for the answer......

Jesusita Trail Washout Repair- 4/5/11

2011-04-06T08:40:00.000-07:00

The Washout- Before

The Washout- After The Crew- Jack, Joani, Nancy, Dave

The rest of the photos

Hazy Shade Of Spring

2011-04-03T20:19:00.001-07:00

Operation: Repair Jesusita Trail Washout, Tuesday 4/5

2011-04-03T07:50:00.000-07:00

Come join in and help get Jesusita back in working order! More Info

Little Pine Mountain Ride In The LA Times

2011-03-31T07:46:00.000-07:00

Read The Article

March Mudness

2011-03-27T22:12:00.001-07:00

March mudness begins on the Front Country Trails. Jesusita was the worst hit with a large slide taking out a section of trail and leaving several trees downed.

Mudslide on Jesusita

People leaving thier mark on Jesusita Click Here For The Rest Of The Photos

Cold Spring Creek And Rattlesnake Creek Roaring Rapids- 3/20/11

2011-03-20T12:58:00.000-07:00

The creek crossing at Cold Spring TH was about 50' wide and running fast

Rattlesnake running fast and furious
This is normally the trail crossing at Rattlesnake Cyn Trail

Water under the bridge

IMBA Trail Care Crew In Santa Barbara- Building A Rolling Crown Switchback, March 5th, 2011

2011-03-06T22:29:00.000-08:00

The IMBA Trail Care Crew came to town again this year and they showed why they are most wanted around the country. The TCC's Chris and Leslie Kehmeier led 3 days of free education and instruction to all those interested in learning more about sustainable trails and trail building.

This years hands on project took place on McMenemy Trail where many of the switchbacks suffer from erosion and angles which make it difficult for equestrian users and other trail users to navigate. The solution- creating a rolling crown switchback to improve sustainability, longevity, and accessibility of all users.

Building a RCS is a massive undertaking with a lot of planning and coordination involved. Almost like building a house, it involved clearing the space, excavation, building the foundation, and shaping. Thanks to Marc Russo of the MTF, the construction area was already cleared of brush for the build. We dug up as many large boulders and rocks as possible then removed all stumps and roots that were still in the way. The retaining wall was build to last but not be seen and look as natural as possible. The final steps of construction are still underway as a little more works needs to be done for it to fully functional but the project is usable and all of those involved know their work made this trail better for all to use

Props to SBMTV for bringing the TCC to town again and special thanks to all that came out to help.

Volunteers at the IMBA TCC event

Construction of the RCS in progress
Retaining wall completed and holding

CLICK HERE FOR THE REST OF THE PHOTOS

Bluebird Day On La Cumbre Peak- Santa Barbara's Snow, 2/20/11

2011-02-20T14:17:00.001-08:00

Cathedral (Arlington) Pk, Santa Barbara Harbor, & Santa Cruz Island

La Cumbre Peak Lookout
Santa Barbara Harbor Snowcapped Panoramic

The Rest Of The Photos

Tunnel Trail Blizzard Photos- 2/19/11

2011-02-19T20:28:00.000-08:00

Yes it snows in Santa Barbara. OK the mountains of Santa Barbara but who's counting. Tunnel Trail and the rest of the Front Country range got dusted with a few inches of snow down to about 3000ft today. Below are some photos taken on Tunnel Trail while surveying trail damage from recent storms. So far the trails are intact but muddy.....and snowy. -D

Snow On Santa Barbara's Mountains- Taken From Tunnel TH

Upper Tunnel Trail- A Winter Wonderland
Yes it's that Tunnel Trail

Rest of the photos

Visit Los Flores Ranch Park- New Open Space With Multiuse Trails

2011-02-16T18:45:00.000-08:00

LFR WEBSITE

Interactive Trail Maintenance Map- The Future Of Trail Maintenance Has Arrived

2011-02-13T19:52:00.000-08:00

The idea behind this map was to create something that would be easy for people to use, inexpensive to make, and allow all trail volunteers and agencies to see current trail maintenance needs. This map, as the title says, is interactive. Any piece of info including photos or descriptions can be inserted into the symbols; double clicking will activate this information and display it on the screen. Clicking on a given trail also gives information about current trail conditions and previous maintenance. This is very useful to keep track of areas needing work.

From beginning to end this project provided challenges that needed to be overcome. The trick was to develop a set of symbols that were easily recognizable to represent features that people often perform trail maintenance on. Because this had not been done before, questions like "what should a waterbar (WDF) symbol look like?" had to be answered. Once the symbols were created, the next trick was to get them into the GPS unit and on the internet to be displayed on Google Earth. More time was actually spent on the computer processing the files than on the trails collecting the data.

The possibilities for the use of these new handheld GPS devices are endless. What used to be only possible with hugely expensive, complicated units and highly trained technicians are now doable with inexpensive GPS units ($300 in this case) and by the average trail user. Please visit our homepage to view the current ITM Map kmz file.

IMBA Trail Care Crew Coming To Santa Barbara March 3-5th

2011-02-11T08:09:00.001-08:00

Jesusita Berm Busting Photos 2/5/11

2011-02-05T18:09:00.000-08:00

If you use Jesusita Trail in the near future and wonder, "why does the trail seems like it is in such good shape?!" Don't wonder why any longer. It was all made possible due to the hard work of Steve, Joani, Corey, Steve, Wayne, and Dave. We went out with the idea of busting some berms and were challenged by the biggest, meanest, deepest entrenched section of trail. Lot of dirt was moved and now instead of being an area where people want to avoid at all costs after a rain event, they will look forward to walking or riding right on through.

We also managed to repair the long neglected "first switchback" at the creek crossing, making it wider and better than it has been in a number of years.

The Crew: Steve, Joani, Corey, Steve, Wayne, Dave

"The" section from below
"The" section from above

Working on switchback #1

Better than ever!

Jesusita Trail Berm Busting Bonanza

2011-01-23T08:01:00.000-08:00

Most of our Front Country Trails have erosion damage in one form or another. Below is a typical type of damage-berming, which happens from water drainage problems and lack of basic maintenance. The solution, install proper water drainage features and bust that berm.

Berms are so common on our trail that some people believe that are natural features!

Before
After

Little Pine Mountain By Moonlight 1-19-11

2011-01-20T18:18:00.001-08:00

Mountain biking by moonlight is an experience that everyone should be required to do at least once in their life. Part magical, part crazy, Little Pine Mountain is the place to do. Jeff, Rich, and Nick Joined me for this unseasonably warm ride up the Buckhorn Rd. and back down the Santa Cruz Trail. Enjoy the photos and join us for the next full moon.- D

Moonrise Over Tunnel Trail 1/18/11

2011-01-18T19:07:00.000-08:00

Off Topic- Hearst Castle Zebras Gunned Down And Skinned By "Worried" Neighbors

2011-01-14T18:43:00.000-08:00

READ THE ARTICLE

San Ysidro Waterfall Photos And More- 1/4/11

2011-01-05T08:13:00.000-08:00

Snow capped backcountry

Tangerine Falls Comes Alive

2011-01-04T12:00:00.000-08:00

Great Fastrack Article In Noozhawk!

2011-01-03T16:28:00.001-08:00

Read the article

It's Cold Out On Cold Spring Trail- Ice Crystals, 12/31/10

2011-01-01T09:28:00.000-08:00

Cold Spring Trail Sunset 12/28/10

2010-12-28T23:02:00.001-08:00

Preventing Damage To The Front Country Trails Post Rain

2010-12-22T20:57:00.000-08:00

All the Front Country Trails are extremely saturated right now and very fragile! Please consider waiting for the trails to dry out before using your favorite route. All water crossing are running extremely high and extremely fast, use caution when crossing creeks esp. in the burn area. Rocks are loose and can slide onto the trails at any time, one large slide on Cathedral Pk this afternoon. Information about trail conditions and the following photos were gathered to share info with the USFS.

Jesusita Trail(Tunnel Side)- Water crossing running too high to allow passage to Inpiration Pt or 7 Falls or Cathedral Pk

Tunnel Trail- Very muddy the entire length and slippery, several areas with rockslides.

Tunnel Trail has seen better days

Jesusita Trail creek crossing was flowing too high and fast to cross

Link To The Rest Of The Photos

Heavy Rains/Flood Warning For Santa Barbara And Montecito Mountains

2010-12-18T09:31:00.000-08:00

...A SERIES OF UNUSUALLY WET PACIFIC STORM SYSTEMS WILL IMPACT
SOUTHWESTERN CALIFORNIA WITH STRONG WINDS AND VERY HEAVY RAINS
THROUGH AT LEAST THE MIDDLE OF NEXT WEEK...

A HIGHLY PERSISTENT PLUME OF VERY DEEP SUBTROPICAL MOISTURE COULD
PRODUCE SOME OF THE HIGHEST RAINFALL ACCUMULATIONS THIS REGION
HAS SEEN IN RECENT YEARS. THROUGH THE WEEKEND...RAINFALL
ACCUMULATIONS ALONG THE COASTS WILL RANGE ONLY IN THE 2 TO 4 INCH
RANGE...BUT MUCH HIGHER AMOUNTS ARE EXPECTED IN THE MOUNTAINS...
ESPECIALLY ALONG THE SOUTH AND WEST FACING SLOPES. DUE TO THE
SUBTROPICAL NATURE OF THIS SYSTEM...OROGRAPHIC ENHANCEMENT OF THE
RAINFALL WILL BE EXTREME WITH 4 TO 8 INCH AMOUNTS EXPECTED TO BE
WIDESPREAD IN THE FOOTHILLS AND MOUNTAINS. LOCAL AMOUNTS IN EXCESS
OF 10 INCHES WILL BE POSSIBLE. THIS AMOUNT OF RAIN COULD BRING SOME
AREAS TO NEAR SATURATION...AND THIS IS JUST THROUGH THE WEEKEND.

WHILE RAINS ARE EXPECTED TO TAPER OFF IN MANY AREAS ON MONDAY...
MODERATE TO LOCALLY HEAVY RAINS ARE EXPECTED TO CONTINUE OVER
EASTERN PORTIONS OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY...INCLUDING MOST OF THE SAN
GABRIEL MOUNTAINS. AN ADDITIONAL ACCUMULATION OF 2 TO 4 INCHES ARE
POSSIBLE IN THIS REGION. THIS WILL BRING THE TOTALS IN THE SAN
GABRIEL MOUNTAINS UP TO AROUND 12 INCHES BY LATE MONDAY...WITH MORE
STORMS EXPECTED THROUGH MID WEEK. PERIODS OF RAIN AND THUNDERSTORMS
WITH LOCALLY HEAVY DOWNPOURS WILL BE POSSIBLE BOTH TUESDAY AND
WEDNESDAY AS A STRONG PACIFIC FRONT MOVES THROUGH THE REGION. SNOW
LEVELS ARE EXPECTED TO REMAIN ABOVE 7500 THROUGH TUESDAY. SNOW
LEVELS WILL LOWER TO AROUND 6500 FEET ON WEDNESDAY.

RAINFALL IN THESE AMOUNTS HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO PRODUCE WIDESPREAD
AREAL FLOODING AND DANGEROUS DEBRIS FLOWS BELOW RECENT BURN AREAS.
INTERESTS IN AREAS PRONE TO FLOODING AND DEBRIS FLOWS NEED TO BE
PREPARED FOR THESE EVENTS.

ALONG WITH THE RAINS...WIDESPREAD AREAS OF STRONG WINDS ARE POSSIBLE
WITH THE WEEKEND STORM SYSTEM. WINDS ARE ALREADY INCREASING ALONG
THE CENTRAL COAST AND MOUNTAINS FRIDAY EVENING. AS THE EVENT
UNFOLDS...STRONG WINDS WILL CONTINUE IN THE MOUNTAINS...BUT THE
STRONGEST WINDS ALONG THE COASTS SHOULD SHIFT INTO THE CALIFORNIA
BIGHT SATURDAY EVENING AND SUNDAY.

RESIDENTS OF SOUTHWEST CALIFORNIA NEED TO BE AWARE THAT THE AMOUNT
OF RAIN EXPECTED WITH THESE STORM SYSTEMS WILL POSE A SIGNIFICANT
THREAT TO THE REGION. WATCHES...WARNINGS AND ADVISORIES ARE LIKELY
TO BE ISSUED THROUGH THE WEEKEND.

LINK TO NWS PAGE

Sunset And Clouds From Inspiration Point

2010-12-14T21:30:00.000-08:00

Mountain Lion On Romero Canyon, Xmas Bell Building Party...

2010-12-12T16:42:00.000-08:00

Dear Trail Users,

This morning on Romero Canyon Trail a woman who was hiking alone(husband had hiked ahead) was surprised by a mountain lion that bound onto the trail in front of her in hot pursuit of a coyote it was chasing. Although the lion was not interested in her, the brief experience did leave her frightened. The location was along the lower canyon trail and the time was around 8am.
Mountain lions have been seen on Romero over the years and will continue to be there in the future, be prepared when traveling in mountain lion country!
The following tips from the DFG are helpful when traveling on Romero or any other trail where mountain lions call home:
Never Hike/Ride Alone!
Avoid using the trail during feeding times- dawn, dusk, night
Don't run if you encounter a lion
Careful with small children in lion country.
For more info visit the Department of Fish and Game's mountain lion page
-----------------------
Ever wonder how all those bells you like to hear get on bikes out there on our trails? SBMTV is the group that provides them and they need a little help assembling them.....
Next Tuesday night, Dec 14th, SBMTV will be supplying Pizza to all who show up to the Rusty's Pizza upstairs backroom on Castillo and Bath at 6pm.
The catch? You gotta cut a piece of velcro and stick it in a bike bell. Yep, you could say this is SBMTV's bike bell build Xmas party.
Any way, help you your local trail system next Tuesday by eating pizza and putting some bells together!
Xmas Bell Build PartyTuesday Dec 14th, 6pmRusty's Pizza,
Upstairs back room232 West Carrillo Street, Santa Barbara
Contact : chris.orr@sbmtv.org
-----------------------------------
Finally, with nice weather brings heavier use out on the trails. Now is a good time to remind everyone of some simple steps to how we can all get along better. Our trail code page has some good tips for all users- learn it, know it, live it!

Photo From The Multiuse Trails Coalition Archives

2010-12-04T19:30:00.000-08:00

The Bikemare Before Christmas- Tonight!

2010-12-02T11:42:00.000-08:00

Sunset Photos From Jesusita Trail- 11/30/10

2010-12-01T19:53:00.000-08:00

The Red Rock 40 Trail Race 2010- Too Hardcore For Words

2010-11-27T18:05:00.001-08:00

Click here for the rest of the photos

Luis Escobar runs so fast he looks like a blur in this photo!

Another Spectacular Sunset On The Front Country Trails

2010-11-26T19:55:00.000-08:00

CAUTION- Construction On Lower "Paved" Tunnel Trail

2010-11-20T10:28:00.000-08:00

Use Tunnel Road trail heads with caution over the next few days. Construction crews will be using heavy equipment to clear the debris netting on the lower paved fire road as the blurry photos below indicate.

More Bones Unearthed On The Front Country Trails

2010-11-14T08:30:00.000-08:00

What lies beneath our feet out on the trails? Mostly dirt of course, some rocks, and....history. For the second time this year erosion has helped bring the past back to "life". The bone pictured below was only inches beneath the surface and thanks to recent rains, it is visible once again.

Having run, hiked, biked on McMenemy countless times over the years, I have never wondered what was under my feet. Running this past Thursday I glanced down and saw something white standing out from its brown surroundings. Staring at it close up I knew what it was, having taken multiple anatomy courses over the years. Definitely cortical and cancellous bone.

The bone as it was found partially exposed in the ground

Could it be? About the size and shape of the human femur

After sending these photos to the FS and SAR along with one famous forensic anthropologist, it appears this bone is non-human. Due to the size and conditions however, it was not possible to tell what kind of creature this bone came from. Keep your eyes open for the unexpected out on the trails! -D

Read about the bone found on Jesusita in 5/10

Upcoming Events At The Dirt Club

2010-11-04T21:52:00.000-07:00

Hello Dirt Club Riders!

We just wanted to let you know of the 2010-2011 Winter Dirt Club Event Calendar! This time of year the Dirt Club is just awesome, and with the recent, and very successful 24 Hours of Halloween (Thanks racers!) the XC course is in the best shape EVER!

First Item of Business! This weekend, November 6th & 7th, The UCSB Cycling Team will be hosting DH Trail Work Days starting at 10 AM. ANYONE IS WELCOME TO JOIN THEM! The normal Dirt Club Trail Work Days rules apply: Work for 3 - 4 hours, doing nice easy trail work, and then you can ride in the afternoon! All we ask is that you sign the DC Waiver, if you're going to be shuttling the DH please drive no faster than 15 MPH on the ranch roads and remember that Foxen Canyon is a public road so all passengers need to be inside vehicles and wearing seat belts or risk being ticketed by local law enforcement. Please bring any trail building tools you can as well

Here is the calendar!

November 13th & 14th ~ The UCSB Cowpie Classic

November 20th ~ The Dirt Club Cyclocross
December 4th & 5th ~ Momentum MTB Training Camp
December 11th & 12th ~ Dirt Club Winter Race Weekend
January 1st ~ Annual New Years Day at the Dirt Club! $15 ride day and includes a BBQ Tri Tip Sandwich Lunch!

The UCSB Cowpie Classic will feature racing for both Collegiate and USAC racers in XC, STXC, DH and Slalom!

The Dirt Club Cyclocross is a first time event and if you've never tried cyclocross, you can use your mountain bike and there are free Kids Kross Races!

For info on the first ever training camp at the Dirt Club please contact Daniel Cortina or Adam Duvendeck via Momentum's web site.

The Dirt Club Winter Race was brought back by popular demand, so we hope to see all of you out there to just have fun with friends and family! XC on Saturday and DH on Sunday.

Also, brought back by request is the new tradition of riding the Dirt Club on New Years Day! This year it's only $15 per rider and includes an awesome Tri Tip Sandwich lunch too! Non-riders pay $10 for lunch and kids can get a hot dot, chips and a soda for only $5! So bring the entire family! Look for a flyer up soon at www.ridesb.com.

Keep in mind camping is always welcome at during any Dirt Club Event for only $20 per vehicle. We'll make sure that you have plenty of Firewood and that the hot showers are working too!

We hope to see you at many, if not all of these upcoming Dirt Club events in the very near future!

Enjoy the ride,

Mike Hecker - Owner
SG Productions
(805) 896-0673
hecktone@yahoo.com
www.ridesb.com

Moustache Riders Get Ready!

2010-11-03T07:55:00.000-07:00

The Bro-Cart Has Arrived!

2010-10-26T22:56:00.000-07:00

Check out Brian's latest creation, the Bro-Cart, an eco friendly bicycle cargo trailer:

http://www.bro-cart.com/

The Tarantulas Are Coming!

2010-10-21T09:55:00.000-07:00

Watch you feet when you are hiking on the Front Country Trails because the tarantulas are back. Here is one found in my driveway on the Riviera Tues.- D

Jesusita Trail- Winter Weather Preparation on Saturday 10/23

2010-10-20T13:26:00.001-07:00

More info from the following link: Click Here

Jesusita Fire- Photos Of The Front Country One And A Half Years Later(almost)

2010-10-11T12:20:00.000-07:00

24 Hours of Halloween, DIRT CLUB TRAIL WORK & MOTO DAYS THIS WEEKEND!

2010-10-07T19:20:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone this weekend, Friday 10/8 through Sunday 10/10 we would welcome any help you can muster out at the Dirt Club with trail work to get ready for the !!!

Here's the deal:

BBQ lunch will be provided Saturday and Sunday for those that get there by 9am!

Friday and Saturday the Dirt Club will be open for motorcycles, FOR FREE, from 9am to 5pm, the only requirement is that riders must stay on the race course! The course will be fully marked. There will not be any motos on Sunday.

Saturday and Sunday the Dirt Club will be open for trail work for riders in the local cycling community from 9am to 12pm, then lunch will be served and the place will be open for course pre-ride for those riders who have worked at least 3 hours that day. The work is not torturous and consists of mainly trail grooming, raking, weeding, etc., etc.

So please show up is you can, and RSVP too so we can get a head count for food. Thanks for your support!

BTW, if you want to race the you can get all the info at www.ridesb.com.

Hecky

(805) 896-0673

EVENT LINK

The Empire Bikes Back- 10/7/10

2010-10-07T19:12:00.000-07:00

Romero Canyon Sunset Photos- 10/1/10

2010-10-02T08:34:00.001-07:00

National Public Lands Day, 9/25/10- McMenemy Trail, Montecito, CA

2010-09-26T22:15:00.000-07:00

McMenemy Trail got a little more enjoyable to use after this last weekend thanks to the local agencies and in large part to the United Way's "Day of Caring". The Day of Caring, a 19 year old nationwide event provides volunteers to many projects locally and across the nation, provided approximately 40 volunteers to this trail event. National Public Lands Day, also a national event fell upon the same day as the Day of Caring and locally was celebrated on McMenemy Trail in Montecito. This 17th annual NPLD was organized locally by the USFS, City and County of Santa Barbara. Last year on NPLD over 1300 miles of trail was repaired or built nationwide.

Most of the volunteers that showed up had never participated in any sort of trail maintenance project but were quick to learn and worked hard despite the 95 degree temperatures. A mile long section of McMenemy Trail in Montecito was picked as the project site to remove overgrown brush and repair damaged trail tread. The event was a success and today McMenemy Trail is a much better place to use today thanks to the agencies and great volunteer turnout. Even more encouraging is the fact that many of the volunteers were interested in helping in future trail volunteer projects.

The Multiuse Trails Coalition and Santa Barbara Mountain Bike Trail Volunteers helped provide trail crew leaders for instructing the volunteers of this event and special thanks to The Santa Barbara Chicken Ranch for donating the BBQ at Manning Park following the event.

See the rest of the photos