The hike to Forbush Flat begins on Camino Cielo Rd across the road from a cement water tank. There is a rusty metal sign marking the trail that says "Forbush Flat". The trail is actually the Cold Springs Trail which begins in Montecito and goes all the way over the mountains, down into the Forbush Flat area, and down into the deeper back country to Mono Campground and Little Caliente Hot Springs. But this hike is the Forbush Flat hike, and all we are doing is hiking downhill to the meadow where the camp is located.

At about 1/2 mile down there is a bench and a square concrete water trough for horses. At about the 1 mile mark you find yourself on a ridge with sweeping views into Blue Canyon to the right. In the distance you can make out Jameson Resevoir which provides water for Montecito. At the bottom of the canyon you reach a rusty metal sign and a trail junction. This is actually under 2 miles, but close enough. The sign marks the junction to the Blue Canyon trial.

If you continue straight up and over the ridge you will resume the descent and in about 2 more miles reach the Santa Ynez River. This hike is just to Forbush Flat, which we have already reached at the 2 mile mark and the rusty metal sign. Just turn left at the rusty metal sign marking Blue Canyon and Mono and head into the meadow. You'll find some picnic tables, firecircles, and appletrees.

Look above Forbush Flats to the north and see the rocky cliff just above. A little exploration of that cliff may yield the discovery of an unnamed trail that traverses the ridge of that cliff. That trail is not described here. It is left for you to discover.

To return to your car, turn back and head uphill the way you came.