JasonKoivu

Update: Here's a video I put together of a few of the hikes found in this book! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5AMFt85VV8


Fantastically helpful book for getting your hike on in the Santa Barbara area.

First off, Santa Barbara is a naturally gorgeous spot on this earth. If you get the chance to visit it try to fit in a hike or two. The city is wedged between the ocean and a sweep of high rocky hills that reach to near mountain heights. Because of the marine layer mists that daily sprinkle this narrow strip, the land is green much of the year, a rare occurrence in parched Southern California.

Hikes in these hills will take you along streams and waterfalls, to hilltop vistas overlooking the sea, through patches of dense vegetation that burn away to bare-faced rocks and ledges. Wildlife, though not overly abundant, is often found upon trails with expressive names like Rattlesnake Canyon, Lion Canyon and Loon Point. Take in the region's history with a walk to places like the Chumash Indians' Painted Cave or Knapp's Castle.

There are 82 hikes herein. I can vouch that some of them are not "great," but rather just okay. One of them lasts all of five minutes and there's nothing much to see. Hardly great, I'd say. The directions are generally solid, if occasionally confusing here and there, and the maps are not perfect, but of course trails change their shape over time so the author can't be entirely held to blame. On the whole though, Stone's book served me well over numerous successful and highly enjoyable hikes.