@ Midland School Ranch Trails

On Saturday a group of 18 equestrians joined Trails Council board members Otis Calif and Natalie Hodges on an autumn tour of the beautiful Midland School Ranch Trails in the foothills of the San Rafael Mountains. The group took in panoramic views of the Santa Ynez Valley from a distinctive Blue Oak woodland setting. Astride either horses or mules, the trail riders explored 7 miles of trails including Lover's Loop, Maple Canyon Trail, Red Rock Springs Trail, and sections of the ranch roads.

Prior to saddling up, County of Santa Barbara Supervisor Joan Hartmann shared her vision for the future of recreation in Santa Barbara County and how community members can become an open-space, trails, and parks advocate in our County.

The fall season is a good time to hike or ride a horse on the school’s 2,860-acre property. The Midland property has a diverse array of habitats, ecosystems, and geological with steep mountain slopes, winding creeks, oak woodlands, and sagebrush chaparral.

Permits are required and bicycles are not allowed on the trails. The Midland School trails are a private trail system opened to the public through the generosity of the school. Permits must be obtained prior to using the trails. Hikers must fill out a permit/parking pass at the trailheads where permit boxes are located. Horseback riders must make a reservation at least 48 hours in advance through the online registration system at https://midland-school.org/horseback-riding/. Permission to ride will be granted via email with detailed instructions. Midland does not accept trail ride requests by phone.

In partnership with Midland School Staff and students, the Santa Barbara County Trails Council builds, maintains, and improves the trail system. Community support is needed to help maintain the trails. A map of the trails system is posted here: https://sbtrails.org/maps/midland/Midland-Trail-Map-2016.pdf

The tour of Midland School Ranch Trails took place on Saturday, November 2, 2019