SBVC - San Marcos Foothill Preserve

San Marcos Foothills Preserve Day Hike

Hike leader: Kyle Richards

This beautiful hike through the foothills is a good opportunity to regain your hiking confidence and start conditioning for more strenuous hikes when the trails in Los Padres Forest reopen, which is scheduled for May 10. 

 

About the San Marcos Foothills Preserve:

The San Marcos Foothills provides valuable habitation for a number of native and endangered birds, plants and animals in our area, including various hawks, owls, kestrels, roadrunners, coyotes, rabbits, rattlesnakes and even mountain lions. Because of its sensitive status as a preserve, dogs must be kept on a leash.

Date: Saturday, April 15                             Time: Meet at 9:00 AM

Distance: 4.5 miles; about 2.5 hours          Elevation gain: about 840 feet

Difficulty: This hike is moderately strenuous with a lot of ups-and-downs over rolling hills. 

Directions: From the 101 in Santa Barbara, take the 154 North. Exit for Foothill Road/ Cathedral Oaks. Turn left, go under the bridge, and then take the first right onto Via Chaparral. Take the first right onto Salvar Road, cross over the Bridge to Nowhere, and then turn left. The road ends in about a quarter mile at the trailhead.