Hiking with Newcomers!

Arroyo Hondo Preserve

When: Saturday, June 17, 2006 at 8:30am (at B of A)

Description: This is a moderately strenuous 5 mile round trip hike.

Called the "Jewel of the Gaviota Coast," the 782-acre Arroyo Hondo Preserve is a magnificent canyon located west of Santa Barbara between Refugio State Beach and Gaviota State Park.

The old ranch is rich in early California history and has an abundance of outstanding natural features. Within its steep canyon walls is a hidden place of extraordinary beauty and serenity. Cool, stream-side paths through the bay and sycamore trees transition into trails past ancient oak trees, tall yucca blooms and aromatic sages up the high ridges of the Santa Ynez Mountains. There, you are greeted with sweeping vistas of the Gaviota coastline and the distant islands of the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary.

The watershed is home to thousands of plant and animal species, including several that are considered threatened or endangered. Purchased from the Hollister family in late 2001, Arroyo Hondo is now protected forever and managed by the Land Trust as a natural and historic preserve.

Due to the sensitivity of the resources in the canyon, dogs, mountain bikes, horses, hunting, fishing and campfires are not allowed.

Reservations: I have made reservations to visit the Preserve on June 17.

Cost: None. Bring water and lunch/snacks for yourself.

Where: Meet at the Bank of America parking lot on upper State St (at Hope Ave) at 8:30am. Leave in carpools at 8:45 am sharp. I think it best to follow one of the carpool cars if you are driving by yourself because it might be a little tricky to find.

Directions: Traveling northbound on U.S. 101, the Preserve is approximately 23 miles from the La Cumbre Rd. overpass. The entrance to the Preserve is approximately 4.5 miles past Refugio State Beach. Make a sharp right turn into the Preserve at the bottom of the hill immediately after CalTrans Call Box #101-412.

Committee:
964-8357 683-7637 967-8911	Elaine Duffens Rhonda Jean Carrol Nancy & Norm Kozak (This Hike’s leader)