Rattlesnake Canyon

When: Saturday, August 20, Gather at 8:15am; leave 8:30am sharp.

Description: Rattlesnake Canyon is one of Santa Barbara’s most popular trails. The trail leads up the winding canyon through a lush, riparian forest with water pools, waterfalls and many stream crossings. There is lots of shade and hopefully we’ll have water in the stream during this hot month. There is a grotto, meadow and a panoramic vista overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the Channel Islands. Rattlesnake Canyon received its name for the winding canyon, not for snake occupancy. Because of the 1000-foot elevation gain, this is a moderately strenuous 2-hour hike. We will be crossing the stream several times, rock hopping uneven boulders and hiking through the canyon via switchback trails. The hike is 3.5 miles round trip. Water, snacks, sturdy shoes or hiking boots, hat, pullover and sunscreen are recommended. Contact Kathleen Elsey with any questions.
Reservations: None. Heavy rain cancels.

Cost: None. 

Directions: From the Santa Barbara Mission, take Mission Canyon Road north towards the mountains for .6 miles to Foothill Road. Turn right. Drive .2 miles to Mission Canyon Road and turn left. Continue .5 miles to Las Canoas Road and turn sharply to the right, following the Skofield Park sign. Take this winding road 1.2 miles to the trailhead, located by a beautiful stone bridge over Rattlesnake Creek. Park in the pullouts along the right side of the road, or continue past the bridge a short distance to the parking lot for Skofield Park. Hike leader: Kathleen Elsey

Committee:
Alterio Banks
Kathleen Elsey
Nancy & Norm Kozak
Kyra & Tony Rogers