Grand Opening of Arroyo Quemado Trail Set for February 16, 2024

Nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers rejoice! Santa Barbara County proudly announces the grand opening of the highly anticipated Arroyo Quemado Trail at Baron Ranch, a scenic new addition to the Gaviota Coast's recreational tapestry. Please mark your calendars for Friday, February 16, 2024, at 10 am as we officially unveil this 6-mile trail, offering stunning vistas, diverse ecosystems, and a chance to connect with the Gaviota's rich natural heritage.

Nestled along the picturesque Gaviota Coast, approximately 13 miles west of Goleta, Baron Ranch boasts 1,083 acres of rugged terrain, vibrant chaparral, and the meandering Arroyo Quemado Creek. The meticulously crafted trail winds through this captivating landscape, inviting hikers, bikers, and equestrians to experience its wonders.

"The Arroyo Quemado Trail represents a significant milestone in our commitment to providing accessible outdoor recreation for all," says Third District Supervisor Joan Hartmann, "This project exemplifies our dedication to environmental stewardship and public access, offering a gateway to explore Gaviota's ecological treasures while fostering a deeper appreciation for our natural world."

A weekend of fun for the whole family will kick off on Friday, February 16, at 10 am with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by a guided hike. Educational displays will showcase Gaviota's unique flora and fauna, while snacks and refreshments will add to the celebratory atmosphere.

"We are pleased to celebrate the long-awaited opening of the Arroyo Quemado Trail," said Otis Calef, Trails Council President. "The Alisal Fire and subsequent rains took their toll; however, the outpouring of support from volunteers, donors, and partner organizations has been truly inspiring."

The fun will continue on Saturday, March 2, with guided hikes, including a 12-mile hike to Camino Cielo, a Bird walk, a 6.5-mile hike that takes in the Loop Trail, and a Baron Ranch History hike. On Sunday, March 3, trail runners will be moving through the scenic wilderness in the morning, vying for a personal best in distances ranging from 2-13 miles. The trail will be open to all users throughout the event. 

Key Highlights of the Arroyo Quemado Trail:

• A 6-mile trail from Calle Real to Camino Cielo (12-mile round trip) traverses diverse landscapes, including grasslands, oak woodlands, and riparian corridors.
• Connection to the West Camino Cielo opens access to vast hiking and biking opportunities within the Los Padres National Forest and Gaviota State Park.
• Panoramic vistas provide awe-inspiring experiences overlooking the Gaviota Coast and the Pacific Ocean.
• Habitat for wildlife includes birds, bears, mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, rattlesnakes, red-legged frogs, and ticks.
• Family-friendly, with trail difficulty rated easy for the first mile before gains in elevation generate moderate to strenuous difficulty ratings. Dogs are not allowed on Baron Ranch trails.

The Arroyo Quemado Trail represents a collaborative effort between the Santa Barbara County Community Services Department - Parks Division, County Public Works Department, Resource Recovery and Waste Management Division, the U.S. Forest Service, the Santa Barbara County Trails Council, Los Padres Forest Association, and dedicated community volunteers. Their combined vision has brought to life this remarkable pathway, enriching the Gaviota Coast and offering endless opportunities for outdoor exploration and environmental appreciation.

Join us for the grand opening celebration and be among the first to experience the magic of the new Arroyo Quemado Trail!

For more information about the trail, please visit https://bit.ly/baron-ranch or contact Mark Wilkinson at explore@nullsbtrails.org.

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About the Third District: The Third District now includes the Santa Ynez Valley, the City of Lompoc, the Gaviota Coast, and most of the City of Goleta. The District encompasses a large swath of the Los Padres National Forest and the entire Santa Ynez River Watershed, one of California's most spectacular coastal stretches. It extends over the historic territory of the Chumash Tribe, whose origins date back at least 13,000 years. Economic drivers include high-tech industries, small-scale agriculture, world-renowned wineries, and visitor-serving businesses. The area is characterized by rugged mountains, beautiful open spaces, a scenic coastline, vibrant town centers, and charming neighborhoods.

About the Santa Barbara County Trails Council: The Trails Council is a nonprofit advocacy group that supports outdoor recreation and enhancing the Santa Barbara County trail system for safe, shared use by everyone. The organization advocates for conserving natural spaces to create opportunities to expand a county-wide network of shared-use trails for recreation. The Trails Council guides and effectively manages trail planning, permitting, funding, construction, and maintenance projects for government agencies. The Trails Council also facilitates a popular year-round recreational hiking program and a volunteer-supported trail maintenance program. On the web at http://sbtrails.org