Santa Barbara Adventure People

This is a socializing hike to explore in beautiful and exciting nature, and get a great workout. The Franklin Trail in Carpinteria, ascends 4000’ in about 8 miles to the mountain top ridgeline, then descends down to Santa Ynez River and Lake Jameson in the back country, passing by Alder Creek Camp. Mid March should be the beginning of the wildflower season and the end of the more heavy rain season. This should be the most beautiful and suitable time of the year for this strenuous day-long hike. Pulling this hike off would be quite an accomplishment.

In January 2025, after a 5.8 mile walk with a group at Carpinteria Bluff, I solo hiked the Franklin Trail to the mountain top for sun setting, and descended in the dark with a headlamp. I have been wanting to hike the entire 20 mile stretch, curious to see and explore Santa Ynez River, Lake Jameson, and the back country.

This hike is only for those that are super passionate about hiking and exploring, can handle the physical & mental demand. Equipped and prepared to descend the trail and back to civilization at night with a headlamp, after watching the sun setting on the mountain top ridge.

If you are also passionate about hiking & exploring in beautiful nature, committed to health, fitness & vitality, and meet the quality below by self assessment, you are welcome to join.

Mindset: adventurous yet very safety conscious, self responsible & self accountable, self reflective, intellectually curious, independent thinking, open-minded worldview, collaborative & can do attitude

Personality & Character: authentic yet respectful, sincere, down to earth, cheerful, pleasant to chat with, effective in communicating, intelligent, competent

Ability: assess & manage all risks effectively, carry on meaningful conversations

Physical & Mental: healthy & fit for hiking & exploring, mentally & emotionally sound

Experience & Skill: rocky & uneven terrain hiking, some scrambling, bush whacking, creek crossing

Distance & Ascent: 20 miles, 6200’ Workout in Beautiful Nature

Supply & Equipment: adequate proper hydration & nourishment, reliable headlamp with sufficient runtime, water filter, layered clothing for night descent, navigation apps

Trailhead: Franklin Trailhead

For the first section of this trip, Wills-Rice Loop Trail, we would coordinate with Liron, Ventura Hiking 30s to 40s. This trail should be beautiful this time of the year, with various spring flowers. The hike is relatively easy, 4.8 miles, 500’ of elevation change. After the completion of this hike, you have the option to join Liron and the group for more socializing at Ojai Deer Lodge. You also have the opportunity to explore the scenic Ventura River with me, by hiking along the river banks, wading, rock hopping, or a combination, and experience the Ventura River Preserve from a different perspective. We will explore the river all the way to the bridge/ Hwy 150, and turn back, 5 miles estimate of a fun workout. This is also a testing ground to find out if you may be interested in more challenging adventures, such as to Santa Paula Punchbowls and Matilija Wilderness.

Links to Ventura Hiking 30s to 40s:
https://www.meetup.com/ventura-hiking-30s-meetup-group/?eventOrigin=your_groups

If you are also passionate about exploring in beautiful nature, committed to health, fitness & agility, and meet the quality below by self assessment, you are welcome to join.

Mindset: adventurous yet very safety conscious, self responsible & self accountable, self reflective, intellectually curious, independent thinking, open-minded worldview, collaborative & can do attitude

Personality & Character: authentic yet respectful, sincere, down to earth, cheerful, pleasant to chat with, thoughtful, effective in communicating, intelligent, competent

Physical & Mental: healthy & fit for hiking & exploring adventure, mentally & emotionally sound

Ability: assess and manage risks effectively, carry on meaningful conversations

Experience & Skill: uneven terrain hiking; wading & rock hopping

Distance & Climb: up to 10 mile, 1000’

Supply & Equipment: adequate hydration & nourishment

Trailhead: Ventura River Preserve - Oso Trailhead

West Fork Trail winds alongside Cold Spring Creek through narrow, scenic pathways where the soothing sound of flowing water accompanies us through the first half of the journey. The trail offers a refreshing mix of sun and shade, with occasional panoramic views opening up along the way. Though relatively short at about 4.5 miles with 1,300’ of climb and descent, this adventure packs plenty of beauty and excitement. On the return, we’ll leave the trail to explore directly in the creek for about 1 mile—hiking, rock hopping or wading, and immersing ourselves in the wild charm of the canyon before making our way back to the trailhead. Expect a beautiful, invigorating hike and a few hours of rewarding workout in stunning nature. 🌿💧🥾

If you are also passionate about exploring in wild & beautiful nature, committed to health, fitness & agility, and meet the quality below by self assessment, you are welcome to join.

Mindset: adventurous yet very safety conscious, self responsible & self accountable, self reflective, intellectually curious, independent thinking, open-minded worldview, collaborative & can do attitude

Personality & Character: upright, authentic yet respectful, sincere, down to earth, cheerful, pleasant to chat with, thoughtful, effective in communicating, intelligent, competent

Physical & Mental: healthy & fit for strenuous hiking & exploring adventure, mentally & emotionally sound

Ability: assess and manage risks effectively, carry on meaningful conversation

Experience & Skill: uneven & steep terrain, wilderness hiking & exploring, wet & slippery surface, potential rock hopping & wading

Distance & Climb: up to 5 miles, 1500’ climb & descent

Trailhead: Cold Spring Trailhead

Dragon's Back Ridge, Arlington Peak, Cathedral Peak, La Cumbre Peak, White Mountain/ Rock Garden and Flores Peak, these are some of the most scenic and beautiful areas in Santa Barbara, or anywhere else. We would do this hike at a fun and safe pace, taking time to marvel at the beautiful scenery and views. Join me if you appreciate beautiful nature, enjoy a challenging hiking adventure, and are pleasant to socialize with.

If you could pull this hike off, it would be quite an accomplishment. Arlington Peak by itself is rated as hard by Alltrails. 3 Peaks Loop (Arlington, Cathedral & La Cumbre) is rated as strenuous. 5 Peaks is even more strenuous. Last year I did 5 Peaks twice, both times ascended from Dragon's Back Ridge. For this hike, I am taking the group to do the opposite direction, taking Tunnel Trail, then connect to Rattlesnake Canyon Trail, Gibraltar Rd, Flores Peak, Rock Garden Trail, White Mountain/ Rock Garden, Rocky Pine Ridge Trail, E Camino Cielo, La Cumbre Peak, then descend Cathedral Peak Trail, Cathedral Peak, Arlington Peak, down Dragon's Back. It is very likely we could descend from the mountain after sunset, therefore, reliable headlamp & layered clothing is necessary.

This hike is also set up to coincide with Santa Barbara Trails Council's 5 Peaks Challenge. More information:
https://santabarbaratrails.org/program/peak-bagging/