Snowy Plover Habitat

It was Snowy Plover all over! Signs, signs, everywhere were signs. Stop signs blocking out the scenery, crowding my mind, they hung at predictable intervals along the winding wooden dune path. Securely partitioned, parts of the dunes are closed between March and October with metal link fences creating a California Least Tern and Western Snowy Plover sacred bird sanctuary. A no trespassing area where these endangered birds are given a second chance to nest in the sand and repopulate. The Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area is expertly managed by California State Parks and together with adjacent Guadalupe–Nipomo Dunes National Wildlife Refuge, this protected area forms the most intact coastal dune ecosystem on the entire West Coast. We are lucky because we can still enjoy hiking along this amazing riparian corridor to the Pacific Ocean. Wild flowers, native scrubs and trees grow in abundance along the path offering a nurturing habitat for mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians...So keep your eyes open! An interesting fact for film buffs...The Preserve was also the location used in the 1923 film, "The Ten Commandments" by Cecil B. DeMille.

Visit the Guadalupe Dunes Center

Learn More: Watch a Video about the Western Snowy Plover

Poly Canyon Architecture Graveyard

Horses roamed and students came in herds to spend the day among the ruins in jovial song!  Steel girders, glass, wood, cable, cement, cloth and plastic were skillfully crafted in their heyday giving hope to the future of new habitat design. Memorial Day weekend proved to be a great time to view the experimental architecture structures of Poly Canyon Design Village in San Luis Obispo. Started in 1962, among the rolling hills of the California Polytechnic State University, the first of 20 structures would break ground.  A definite sign of the times, these buildings were constructed in the style and so named "Geodesic Dome," "Shell House," "Bridge House" and "Cantilever Ship Structure." Currently 5 structures have been removed due to safety issues, leaving 15 still in a sad state of disrepair. Alas, the day was successful and this afternoon hike to the students' creative area was not uneventful with the spotting of a snake along the entrance road and a chance meeting of a former student builder. We looked, we entered, we climbed and we enjoyed a part of history built by talented CalPoly architecture and engineering students who came before. The "A" ladies ROCK!

Poly Canyon Architecture Hike Directions

Each Step a New Beginning

Really and truly there is no one "right way" to hike, there are pitfalls along this seemingly easy path too. Also, there is built in mindfulness here, so beware of the poison oak which lines this walkway. There is much to be seen along this path; light, color and shadow are virtually changing in stillness. Covering ground on foot always unfolds out of the uniqueness of the present. And if I hike a trail ten times, I'll solve the problem of each footstep differently each time. Each moment can be fresh, each breath a new beginning, a letting go. And when you take your long time dog friend with you it's heavenly. "Heigh-Ho, Heigh-Ho, it's off to Oprah's house we go!"

 San Ysidro Creek Trail

Lookout Park

In salt air and bright light, I watch the heaving sea beyond the eucalyptus trees, tide absconding with the sand, waves cooling the shore. Lookout Park is a great rest stop off the 101 freeway complete with picnic tables, barbecues, playground equipment and even a deluxe dog wash. A sloping asphalt walkway leads down to the ocean and a mile wide beachfront of sand offers plenty of space to set up beach gear yet still feel like you have the entire area to yourself. Yet my favorite way to get down to Summerland Beach from Lookout Park is by the way less traveled. From the East parking lot area you will find a small trail head which offers a lush overgrown creek path, a refreshingly cool secluded aperture. Come at low tide and you can easily walk to Loon Point, Miramar or even the Biltmore. Don't be surprised if you see a horse loping along the surf or a pack of dogs chasing birds, this island view beach is approved for horse back riding just be sure to BYOH.

Private Beach Horseback Rides

Lizard's Mouth

Grey and white thunderheads floated overhead and rung bombastically their schedule for the day, while pea sized balls of hail rained down as if to remind us it was still winter. Umbrellas in hand we braved the chaparral towards our favorite rock. This area, Lizard's Mouth is known for its natural rock art sculptures that bring strange shapes to life in sandstone. Free form hollows create cozy places to nestle while exploring; other rocks hold rain water or frame a majestic view of this West Camino Cielo landscape. Offering a mountaintop view of the ocean and the town of Santa Barbara this hike reminds one to take time to rest and recharge in mother natures wonders.

Bouldering at Lizard's Mouth

Montecito Hot Springs

A blanket of pure white fog spreads out moistly shrouding the ocean coastline making it the perfect day for hikers who crave sunshine to climb into the canyons seeking warmth and healing energies. Always a topic of conversation are the many wildfires that have scorched this vista. Still Mother Nature is confident in her skills to transform even the most deeply scarred landscape or human spirit. Feeling the delicate balance of life as I climb up out of the fog and into a lush oak lined canyon, croaking frogs and the occasional pungent wafts of sulphur let me know I'm nearing the healing mineral springs. Banana trees shelter vibrant turquoise colored water inviting me to sit and reflect how very lucky I am to know about this hidden medicinal gem. Ališhawi ‘O’ - is the traditional Chumash name for this thermal spot when once this was the commonwealth. Mother nature is doing her best to make me forget all about holiday shopping and the work a day world. As I sit in silence I can feel the vast emptiness of meditation tugging at my heart telling me things will be set right in the world and everything is still under Mother's divine control.

Save the Hot Springs

Knapp's Castle

Though Knapp’s Castle isn’t exactly a castle anymore, you'll appreciate this secluded location as a great place to meditate, picnic, take in a sunset, or just observe wildlife. Just a mile hike from the parking area it's easy to see why this breathtaking landscape has become a local favorite. Sandstone archways and chimneys are all that remain of this once magnificent mountain abode. What a view! You'll feel like you're on top of the world!

History of Knapp's Castle

Romero Canyon

The allure of Romero Canyon is the fact that it is an awesome mountain bike trail in a secluded canyon above Summerland, just south-west of Santa Barbara. This was my first encounter with the "Bike Bells" and I can see why their use is a necessity. Because this is one of the only trails in SB County where you can still ride the trails to your hearts content. But the hiker on foot should be vigil and listen for the mini cow bells that jingle as they bounce on the handlebars of conscientious mountain bikers. And be sure to step aside when you hear the bells! Rider's passing will usually shout out the number of biker's following the entourage. For the first half mile the trail stays on the right side of the creek, following a small ridge steadily uphill through a series of oak forests. Then Romero Canyon trail crosses to the left side, continues along the creek another quarter mile to a crossing where there is a small fern-lined waterfall and plenty of nice spots to stop and enjoy nature. The sun plays warmly in the canyon and proves to be a bonus to a lovely Sunday afternoon.

Santa Barbara & Ventura County Trails

Romero Canyon Trail

Carpinteria Salt Marsh Nature Park

This 230-acre reserve is one of the only places left where the land meets the ocean, providing an essential environment for numerous plants and wildlife. The Carpinteria Salt Marsh is one of the largest and most ecologically important coastal estuaries in California. Over 35 species of fish have been reported from the marsh, including the Leopard Shark, Diamond Turbot and the Longjaw Mudsucker. Waterfowl such as the Snowy Egret, Osprey and Horned Grebe also make use of this habitat. Level walking trails allow people to easily visit and learn about the coastal environment.

http://www.carpinteriacoast.com/salt_marsh.html