Arroyo Hondo Preserve
Hike leader: Kyle Richards
Day Hike in Santa Barbara County, Saturday June 17
Meet at Goleta IHOP for carpooling, University Plaza Shopping Center (near the DMV), 7127 Hollister Ave
Time: Meet at 9:30am for carpooling, or if you'd like to join us for breakfast at IHOP then come at 8:30am. (The preserve doesn't open until 10am, so we can't go any earlier.)
RSVP Required. We have a limited number of spaces reserved, so we need to make sure we know who is coming.
This beautiful hike through the coastal canyon foothills is a great opportunity to explore a protected area rich in Chumash and early California history and the canyon and meadows are thriving with wildlife.
About the Arroyo Hondo Preserve:
The Arroyo Hondo Preserve is managed by the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County and offers a mix of trails up a mountain ridge and cool, stream-side paths through native California bay laurels and sycamore trees. The terrain transitions through ancient oak trees, tall yucca blooms and aromatic sages up the high ridges of the Santa Ynez Mountains. Enjoy sweeping vistas of the Gaviota coastline and the distant islands of the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. The watershed is home to thousands of plant and animal species, including several that are considered threatened or endangered. There are sure to be beautiful wildflowers, even if it's past the height of the blooming season. (Note: The Preserve is only open 10:00am to 4:00pm on the first and third full weekends of the month. Free online reservations are required in advance.)
Date: Saturday, June 17
Time: Meet at Goleta IHOP at 9:30 to check-in or 8:30 for breakfast. Parking at the preserve is limited, so we may leave some cars in the parking lot so that we minimize the parking at the trailhead.
Distance: 4 miles; about 2.5 hours
Elevation gain: about 750 feet
Difficulty: The hike is moderately strenuous with one steep, long climb up the ridge, in addition to a pleasantly shaded trail along the creek.
