The Tunnel Trail - June 7, 2003   --  Back to Events Index Page

We made it to inspiration point! Of course, there was no view, due to the fog -- oops -- marine layer, but the hike was good exercise plus good conversation with friends.

This is our second attempt on this popular view-spot; our intrepid dozen in April just ran out of time... 

The climb to the Summit is along a well-maintained trail with wonderful views and only a short distance of steep incline. A moderately easy hike of 3.6 miles round trip and 800 foot elevation gain. We made it to the top in just an hour. 

The day was June-gloomy, and this probably explains the very sparse turnout. So, in case others would like to catch up on their own in a few days, here are the instructions:

From the Santa Barbara Mission, take Mission Canyon Road to Foothill Road. Turn right on Foothill Road, go 0.2 miles, then turn left at the fire station onto Mission Canyon Road. At the distinct V-intersection, veer left onto Tunnel Road and go 1.2 miles to the end of the road. Park on the
right side of the road. DO NOT DRIVE BEYOND THE 'NO PARKING' SIGN. Parking is limited, so try to car-pool, and park ONLY in designated areas or you will be ticketed. They're serious about this! 

Hike up to the end of the road by the large water tank and metal gate across the road. This is the trailhead. 

P6070904.jpg
...see, this neighborhood really is serious about the parking!

P6070906.jpg
Just at the trailhead is some evidence of why this is "Tunnel Trail". Water tunnels go through these mountains to the north of the city, to reservoirs/lakes over the first ridgeline. Note we're already in the bases of the "marine layer" . 

P6070908.jpg
Fire is a large concern. Things look green and moist now, but in a month or two it'll all be tinder-dry and brown. A lot of fuel, which combined with late-day "sundowner" winds down the canyons can cause real trouble.

P6070909.jpg
Two-thirds of our intrepid crew for today's hike - Elden Dellanina and his daughter, Gina.

P6070911.jpg
The white-haired one (Bob Lilley) is the third third of the team.

P6070912.jpg
We're hiking up the canyon formed by Mission Creek; some very nice scenery.

P6070926.jpg
More of that scenery, and the fog we euphemistically call the "marine layer."

P6070913.jpg

P6070915.jpg
A nice crossing-point on Mission Creek, without people.

P6070918.jpg
And with people - finally got all three of us in one shot!

P6070921.jpg
"Caterpillar plant" and yellow flowers.

P6070922.jpg
Another mixture of unidentified plants. Much blooming going on on the mountains this time of year. 

P6070925.jpg
We reach "Inspiration Point" after climbing about 800 feet; "Elden's Chair" is waiting. The view seems somewhat less than inspirational today. Ordinarily we'd have that panorama of ocean, harbor and city.

P6070923.jpg
Well, maybe it's inspirational after all -- Father and daughter walk in the misty morning.
Another good hike; followed by brunch at Santa Barbara's East  Beach Grill

6/7/2003 21:22