Romero Canyon Trail, October 3, 2009, 8:45 AM

Directions: Meet at upper village in Montecito in the parking lot across from Santa Barbara Bank and Trust at 8:45am.

Description: Romero Canyon is a popular destination for hikers and mountainbikers. The trail is shady and along a creek bed for the first half. There is a strong scent of bay laurel in the air. The creek almost always has plenty of water, making the first half of the hike a tranquil forest hike. Then about 2 miles up, there is a junction with a very old road that is almost completely grown over with the chaparral until it is narrow as a trail again. Mountainbikers often use this road because it offers a challenge. We will probably turn around at the two mile point, but if everyone's game, we can go further:!

As the trail continues you can follow the trail instead of the road for a challenging climb up and over the Santa Ynez range to East Camino Cielo Rd, which is a dirt road where the trail meets. Follow East Camino Cielo leftward to the watertower and follow the old fire road back down to the junction. Then choose to follow the shady trail or the interesting, shaley road back to the trailhead. 
Helpful hints: Be sure to bring drinking water, and wear a hat. 
Friends: Bring 'em all!
Cost: None, except for optional brunch after the hike, at a place we'll choose during the hike.
Reservations: None -- Rain cancels.
More information? See this website. Notice that mountain bikers frequent ththis trail, so we need to be watchful.