Join Great Outdoors for a moderate hike up the Franklin Trail in Carpinteria. This beautiful trail has suffered in the past few years, was in the middle of the burn area in December 2017, flood damaged in 2018, closed for over a year during the pandemic, and recently washed out in places during the torrential rains in January-March. All is in good order now and it’s time to enjoy it.
The head of the trail is in Carpinteria, goes around the high school property, then ascends through two private avocado ranches, climbs steadily but moderately (steep-ish in one section) and takes us to U.S. Forest land gate, where we’ll turn around.
Distance: 4.5 miles (out and back)
Time: 2.5 – 3 hours
Elevation gain: 800 feet
Difficulty level: Moderate
The trailhead is at Franklin Park in Carpinteria. There is plenty of parking on Sterling Avenue alongside the park. Let’s meet there at the north end of the park. Directions: from northbound 101 take the Casitas Pass exit, left then straight on Via Real; right on Linden after the roundabout, left on Malibu Drive, right on Sterling Avenue; park on Sterling alongside the park. From southbound 101 take the Linden Avenue exit, left on Linden, left on Malibu Drive, right on Sterling Avenue; park on Sterling alongside the park.
Bring water, sunscreen, hat, snack, etc.
Lunch afterwards in Carpinteria, probably at the Spot.
Please register if you wish to participate.
Thomas Larson thomassbca@yahoo.com or 805-220-8276
