Arroyo Hondo Preserve - Nature Hike
2026-06-20 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-04 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-18 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-08-01 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 15550 El Camino Real, Goleta, CA 93117, 15550 El Camino Real, Goleta, CA 93117, United States
Free docent-led nature hikes are offered at 10:00 am on Saturdays of open weekends. Visitors can also hike on their own on these days. Hikes are free of charge; however, donations to support Arroyo Hondo Preserve and the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County are gratefully accepted. Everyone is welcome to visit the Preserve to hike, picnic, paint, volunteer, or research, but advance reservations are required.
Online reservations can be made here: https://www.sblandtrust.org/arroyo-hondo-preserve-reservations/
The Arroyo Hondo Preserve is located west of Santa Barbara between Refugio State Beach and Gaviota State Park. The preserve is tucked into a magnificent canyon with winding trails, creeks, shady trees, and rewarding views. All 910 acres of Arroyo Hondo are protected forever and managed by the Land Trust. Due to the sensitivity of the canyon’s resources, dogs, mountain bikes, horses, hunting, fishing, and campfires are not allowed.
Directions to the Preserve: Traveling northbound on U.S. Highway 101, the Preserve is about a 30-minute drive from downtown Santa Barbara. Approximately 4 miles past Refugio State Beach, you will see a blue “Rest Area in 7 miles” sign followed closely by a yellow warning sign about falling rocks. The entrance to Arroyo Hondo is in 1/2 mile and will be visible on the right at the bottom of the hill. Make a right-hand turn into the driveway. Come down the driveway, cross the bridge on the right, and park near the barn.
Book a Reservation
Visitors are welcome to join a 10 a.m. guided tour on Saturday or Sunday, the first and third full weekend of every month! Free online reservations are required in advance; spaces are limited.
Knowledgeable docents will lead you on a 2-hour natural history tour along Arroyo Hondo Creek. Learn about the plants and animals of the canyon as well as the fire and flood cycles that help keep the Preserve wild. View the historic Ortega Adobe, built in 1842, and once used as a stagecoach stop on the route between Lompoc and Santa Barbara. Tours are approximately 1.5 miles over mostly flat terrain, including dirt, gravel, sand, and boards crossing the creek. Free parking, bathrooms, and water are available. To protect the Preserve’s natural habitat, dogs are not allowed.
To make your weekend tour reservation, select an open date on the calendar. You will receive a confirmation email with visit details. Reservations open one month in advance.
Guided tours for community groups of 10 or more are available on a limited basis, weekdays and weekends. To learn more about scheduling, please contact Leslie Chan at lchan@sblandtrust.org.
Environmental Education field trips are offered to schools for free— our calendar is full through the end of the 2025/2026 school year, but please contact Education Coordinator Sally Isaacson at volunteer@sblandtrust.org to learn more about scheduling a future trip.

Arroyo Hondo Preserve - Nature Hike
2026-06-21 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-05 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-19 10:00 - 12:00 | 15550 El Camino Real, Goleta, CA 93117, 15550 El Camino Real, Goleta, CA 93117, United States
Free docent-led nature hikes are offered at 10:00 am on Sundays of open weekends. Visitors can also hike on their own on these days. Hikes are free of charge; however, donations to support Arroyo Hondo Preserve and the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County are gratefully accepted. Everyone is welcome to visit the Preserve to hike, picnic, paint, volunteer, or research, but advance reservations are required.
Online reservations can be made here: https://www.sblandtrust.org/arroyo-hondo-preserve-reservations/
The Arroyo Hondo Preserve is located west of Santa Barbara between Refugio State Beach and Gaviota State Park. The preserve is tucked into a magnificent canyon with winding trails, creeks, shady trees, and rewarding views. All 910 acres of Arroyo Hondo are protected forever and managed by the Land Trust. Due to the sensitivity of the canyon’s resources, dogs, mountain bikes, horses, hunting, fishing, and campfires are not allowed.
Directions to the Preserve: Traveling northbound on U.S. Highway 101, the Preserve is about a 30-minute drive from downtown Santa Barbara. Approximately 4 miles past Refugio State Beach, you will see a blue “Rest Area in 7 miles” sign followed closely by a yellow warning sign about falling rocks. The entrance to Arroyo Hondo is in 1/2 mile and will be visible on the right at the bottom of the hill. Make a right-hand turn into the driveway. Come down the driveway, cross the bridge on the right, and park near the barn.
Book a Reservation
Visitors are welcome to join a 10 a.m. guided tour on Saturday or Sunday, the first and third full weekend of every month! Free online reservations are required in advance; spaces are limited.
Knowledgeable docents will lead you on a 2-hour natural history tour along Arroyo Hondo Creek. Learn about the plants and animals of the canyon as well as the fire and flood cycles that help keep the Preserve wild. View the historic Ortega Adobe, built in 1842, and once used as a stagecoach stop on the route between Lompoc and Santa Barbara. Tours are approximately 1.5 miles over mostly flat terrain, including dirt, gravel, sand, and boards crossing the creek. Free parking, bathrooms, and water are available. To protect the Preserve’s natural habitat, dogs are not allowed.
To make your weekend tour reservation, select an open date on the calendar. You will receive a confirmation email with visit details. Reservations open one month in advance.
Guided tours for community groups of 10 or more are available on a limited basis, weekdays and weekends. To learn more about scheduling, please contact Leslie Chan at lchan@sblandtrust.org.
Environmental Education field trips are offered to schools for free— our calendar is full through the end of the 2025/2026 school year, but please contact Education Coordinator Sally Isaacson at volunteer@sblandtrust.org to learn more about scheduling a future trip.

City of Carpinteria - AgeWell Walking Club
2026-06-23 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-06-30 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-07-07 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-07-14 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-07-21 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-07-28 09:00 - 11:00 | Carpinteria Community Library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave., Carpinteria, CA, 93103, United States
Meet, Greet & Move Your Feet!

The group meets on Tuesdays, 9 am at the Carpinteria Community Library.

For more information about the AgeWell program visit: https://carpinteriaca.gov/agewell/
Become an AgeWell member for free by signing up here: https://carpinteriaca.gov/agewell/become-a-member/

Bird Walk – Birds & Brews - Douglas Preserve
2026-06-25 17:30 - 19:00 | Douglas Preserve, 2551 Medcliff Rd, Santa Barbara, CA, 93109, United States
Join SBAS for a golden hour bird walk at the Douglas Preserve, a 70-acre oceanfront open space gem in Santa Barbara. We’ll stroll the coastal bluffs, wander through the oak woodlands, and make our way down to the riparian habitats of Mesa and Arroyo Burro creeks, covering approximately 2 miles of mostly flat terrain with one hill to descend and climb back up. Trip leader and local wildlife biologist Ian Jackson will help participants identify birds by sight and sound along the way and share insights into their life histories and ecology.
The walk will be followed by an optional drink/bite at Topa Topa Brewery in the Funk Zone, where folks can connect, plan their next bird outing, or discuss more ways to get involved with Santa Barbara Audubon, all while enjoying a delicious beverage crafted by a company that supports local environmental issues and organizations.
No sign-up necessary.
Friday, June 25, 2026 ~ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Directions
Take Mesa Ln. South, then turn right onto Medcliff Rd. before you reach the Mesa Lane Steps. Continue on Medcliff until it dead ends at the Preserve entrance, where parking is available on the street.
Other Information:
Bring water

Sierra Club Hike - Friday Mornings
2026-06-26 09:30 - 12:00, 2026-07-03 09:30 - 12:00, 2026-07-10 09:30 - 12:00, 2026-07-17 09:30 - 12:00, 2026-07-24 09:30 - 12:00, 2026-07-31 09:30 - 12:00 | SB Mission, Laguna & Los Olivos St, Santa Barbara, CA, SB Mission, Laguna & Los Olivos St, Santa Barbara, CA, CA, United States
We meet at the fountain in front of the mission at 9:30 AM in the morning for the morning hike. These hikes are on the front country trails behind Santa Barbara and Montecito. Dress appropriately with hiking boots, comfortable clothes and bring at least a liter of water in your backpack or fanny pack. Bring sunscreen and bug repellent when necessary.
The morning hike leaves at 9:30 AM SHARP and we get back between 11:30 AM and noon. There are no dogs allowed on the hikes for safety concerns. The hike is approximately 4 miles, 2 miles up and 2 miles back. These hikes are appropriate for beginners in good health. We will carpool to the hike from the mission. If you decide to ride with someone, please be kind enough to give the driver a dollar per person for their trouble and gas.
For more information, contact the leader Al Sladek at alsladek@gmail.com

Dunes Center | Point Sal Docent-Led Community Hike
2026-06-27 09:00 - 13:00 | Point Sal Trailhead, Brown Rd, Guadalupe, CA, 93434, United States
Point Sal is part of the ancestral territory of the Chumash people and holds great historical and cultural significance. The Point Sal State Marine Conservation Area (SMCA) proposal is co-sponsored by the Northern Chumash Tribal Council and seeks to enhance Tribal co-stewardship. The Dunes Center is working in collaboration with the Natural Resource Defense Council as well as the Northern Chumash Tribal Council to advocate for the designation of Point Sal as a State Marine Conservation Area! Below are some facts that we will explore further on our hike:

Designating this MPA would honor and strengthen Chumash stewardship of their ancestral waters, and elevate historical and present-day Chumash connections to the region.
Point Sal is exceptionally rich in ecological resources, supporting diverse marine wildlife and habitats—including kelp beds, rocky reefs, tide pools, sandy beaches, a migratory whale corridor, a critical larval retention zone, and a seabird and sea lion rookery.
Point Sal is an important area for baby fish and invertebrates in their earliest life stages. Protecting it would help maintain these populations and boost ecosystem health.
Because Point Sal is remote and accessible only by trail, it remains relatively pristine and healthy. Safeguarding areas like Point Sal is increasingly important amid warming waters, shifting ocean conditions, and expanding uses such as aquaculture, offshore wind, and continued oil and gas activity
By adding Point Sal to the state’s MPA network, Central California’s coast will benefit from increased habitat connectivity, representation, and replication – all key to increasing biodiversity in our waters.

Public access to Point Sal SB is available via Brown Road. No civilian access is available through Vandenberg Space Force Base. Motor vehicle access, bicycle access, and camping are not permitted. Access is from sunrise to sunset for recreational purposes only.
Please arrive 10-15 minutes early to get ready for this scenic adventure 🏞️
Don’t miss out on the stunning views and insights into nature. See you on the trail!
📅 Date: Saturday, June 27th, 2026
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM
📍 Meet at: Point Sal Trailhead (Brown Rd)
What to bring:
✔ Sturdy shoes 👟 (seriously, you’ll need ‘em)
✔ Water 💧 (stay hydrated, friends!)
✔ Layers ☀️🌬 (coastal weather can be sneaky)
Ready to hit the trail? Secure your spot by registering with the link below and let’s make this an awesome day outside!
🌱 Ticket Information:

$5 for Members: For your convenience, we will verify that your membership is current!
$10 for Non-Members: Not a member yet? Join today for as little as $50/year and enjoy discounted event tickets, exclusive perks, and the chance to support our mission of conserving and celebrating the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes!

Cachuma Lake Recreation Area Nature Walks
2026-06-27 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-07-04 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-07-11 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-07-18 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-07-25 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-08-01 10:00 - 11:30 | 1 Lakeview Dr. Santa Barbara, CA 93105, 1 Lakeview Dr. Santa Barbara, CA 93105, United States
Reservations are required by calling (805) 688-4515.
First come, first served. Available for ages 3 and older. No pets, please. Free to campers or free with the $10 park entrance fee for day-use visitors. There are also miles of trails for self-guided hikes within the park. Trail maps are available at the Main Gate.
Private guided walks outside of these times are also available depending upon staff availability and have a $30 group fee.

Wildlife & Vernal Pools Walk at More Mesa!
2026-06-30 17:30 - 19:30 | 1095 Mockingbird Lane Santa Barbara, CA 93110, 1095 Mockingbird Lane, Santa Barbara, CA, 93110, United States
Join the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County on Tuesday, June 30th from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm for an educational evening tour of More Mesa to learn about its wildlife and vernal pools!
Our tour leaders, Joanna Tang and Stephanie Ma Lucero, both received their PhDs in ecology at UCSB and work for Vollmar Natural Lands Consulting as local ecologists. Their graduate research focused on the process of habitat restoration and stewardship.
Joanna specifically studied the restoration of vernal pool wetlands, and More Mesa is home to one of the last remnant vernal pools in the County, which harbors unique species such as popcorn flower and clam shrimp.
Stephanie studied the restoration of coastal sage scrub ecosystems, another distinctive southern California ecosystem found at More Mesa.
More Mesa is special because it’s one of the last largest undeveloped coastlines in the County, providing a precious refuge for many native plants and animals. It also harbors many nonnative, invasive species, like Harding grass that was brought in for livestock grazing. More Mesa provides a great opportunity for you to spend more time in nature, learning about the treasures it has to offer and actively helping steward and restore your local ecosystem.
This tour will be roughly 1.5-2 miles round trip on mostly flat, sandy terrain. Please consider bringing hiking poles for extra stability, if desired.
Get outside with us! The Land Trust offers a number of free, guided public hikes and other outdoor experiences around Santa Barbara County. Join us for a volunteer day, explore beautiful places, and learn how you can support conservation work in your community!

Los Flores Ranch - Twilight Hike
2026-07-11 19:30 - 21:30 | 6271 Dominion Rd Santa Maria CA 93455, 6271 Dominion Rd Santa Maria CA 93455, United States
Bring a flashlight. Hikes start promptly. Dogs welcome on a leash.
2 different guided hikes offered. Be sure to join the one that meets your fitness level.

Moderate/Advanced (Hike with moderate/steep inclines): 4.5 miles round-trip.
Family Friendly (Light hike with some inclines): 2 miles round-trip

Meet at the event parking area. Follow the sign.
REGISTER AT WWW. CITYOFSANTAMARIA. ORG/REGISTER
Location: Los Flores Ranch, 6271 Dominion Rd.
For more information, please contact the City of Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department at (805) 925-0951 ext. 2260

Los Flores Ranch Park is a 1,778-acre open space in the Santa Maria Valley that offers visitors an array of outdoor activities.

Dunes Center | Mussel Rock Community Hike
2026-07-25 11:00 - 14:00 | Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve, 6999 W Main St, Guadalupe, CA, 93434, United States
Explore Mussel Rock with Us! This scenic trail will take us along the rugged coastline, where we’ll enjoy stunning ocean views, discover local wildlife, and connect with fellow nature enthusiasts. To savor this late-morning hike at its best, pack a lunch and/or a snack to enjoy at Mussel Rock!

Location: Mussel Rock
Date: Saturday, July 25th
Time: 11:00 AM
Difficulty: Moderate – sandy trails and coastal breezes ahead!

This is a perfect way to get outside, enjoy fresh air, and experience the beauty of the Central Coast.
What to bring:

Sturdy shoes
Water
Layers
Lunch and/ or snack

Ready to hit the trail? Secure your spot by registering with the link below and let’s make this an awesome day outside!
🌱 Ticket Information: https://checkout.square.site/merchant/4NPERD1J8349Y/checkout/RBB7O3TJU3XMAGFZHUIIWWXR

$5 for Members: For your convenience, we will verify that your membership is current!
$10 for Non-Members: Not a member yet? Join today for as little as $50/year and enjoy discounted event tickets, exclusive perks, and the chance to support our mission to conserve and celebrate the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes!
