If you want to come, you can still register for Trailpalooza or make a donation at the website www.smvos.org any time this week.

The hike will be combined with this month's Land Trust Trek and led by docents and biologists from the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County, the Natural History Museum of Santa Maria, and Santa Maria Valley Open Space. We will look for wildflowers, birds, and animals while enjoying the views of the Solomon Hills.

The hike will follow the trail run course for Trailpalooza. The course is a 5-mile-loop, mostly single track along cattle trails and some oil field roads. The tread has sections of moderate sidehill, irregular footing, and short sections of mud (that may dry out this week). The net elevation gain is about 1,000 feet for the entire course. We will have an option to return for a 2.5 to 3 mile out and back also, and you can skip the section to the top of Solomon Peak. There are restroom facilities at the picnic grounds but not on the trail.

TIME AND DATE. Saturday, April 27, Hike starts at 9AM. Gates will be open by 830AM.

DIRECTIONS. From US101 southbound, exit onto Orcutt Hill Rd at the unmarked exit 1.5 miles south of Clark Avenue. Look for the Trailpalooza feather flags. Search Newl. Access to the hill is only allowed from the US101 side of Orcutt Hill Road.

PLACE: Newlove Picnic Grounds. Self-park in an orderly manner in the field on the right side of the driveway as you enter the picnic and baseball field area.

WHAT TO BRING: Water, snacks, sun protection, and appropriate footwear for hiking 

You are responsible for assessing your own fitness to participate in this hike.

All participants must stay with the group and an authorized docent at all times during the hike.