Scramble lovers only! This one has been on my list for a while. Full disclosure – I have not done this route before. There are different options on the scramble up so we will look for the one that best suits the group. Limiting to those I’m comfortable climbing with since it will be a long day on the rocks. There will be almost 2000′ of gain in the second mile so be sure to read the write up to know what you’re signing up for.
NOT FOR BEGINNERS!
NO SWEEP!!
STATS
Distance: ~9 miles
Elevation: >3400
Level: 9/10
Trail: SCRAMBLING!! Single track, bushwhacking, route finding
Duration: 7+ hours, bring snacks and/or lunch
Parking pass/fee: NO
Come prepared!! Bring:
PLENTY OF WATER – bring more than you think you’ll need
ELECTROLYTES
SNACKS/LUNCH
SUN PROTECTION – this is an exposed ridge
GLOVES
POLES
THE PLAN
This is known as one of the toughest hikes around but worth the spectacular views. It is an exposed scramble and not recommended for those not comfortable with this type of terrain. Bring more water than you think you’ll need. Electrolytes are also a good idea. Gloves, poles and long sleeves/pants may also be helpful.
We’ll follow the paved road through the lower part of Mission Canyon. It will wind through chaparral and over boulders. Once we reach a small rock outcropping, we’ll have a view of Seven Falls – something to look forward to on another day. The trail heads steeply up the ridge through interesting sandstone formations to the summit of Arlington Peak. From here, our next peak is visible. We’ll take a use trail off the north side of Arlington along a ridge to reach Cathedral Peak. There will be class 3 scrambling but this area should have good handholds. Lunch break will likely be somewhere along the way.
The trail to La Cumbre Peak is overgrown and may be difficult to follow. From the summit of Cathedral, we will drop down across rocky ledges towards the saddle between Cathedral and La Cumbre. We’ll look for another use trail to take to the summit of La Cumbre where we’ll take a short break and regroup before heading back down.
Directions: From downtown Santa Barbara, take State St to Mission Blvd and turn right. Follow Mission Blvd to the Santa Barbara Mission. Drive up Mission Canyon Rd and turn right. After several hundred yards, near the fire station, turn left. Continue up Mission Canyon. At the fork in the road, take the left fork up Tunnel Rd and continue several miles to the end. Parking is available on the right side of the road.
Carpool/Caravan: please post a comment or arrange a private carpool, if you’d like. Park and rides along the 101 fwy are options for meeting locations. I will likely be coming from the Goleta area so won’t be available to meet but you can message me if you need help arranging a ride.
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PLEASE – Know your limits and abilities. Bring snacks and drink plenty of liquids when hiking. Check weather conditions and dress accordingly and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Watching out for poison oak, snakes, ticks, uneven footing, spectacular views, beautiful fauna all while interacting with awesome (usually) fellow hikers can be extremely hazardous, rewarding and fun.
The Farzan Rule: Posted hike times are the time the hike starts or we leave from a posted shuttle location. I’m aware other Meetup groups offer a grace period for late arrivals; we don’t. It’s your responsibility to know the location of the meeting spot and be there and ready to participate at the posted time. If you have any concerns about the directions feel free to contact the organizer of the event, preferably in advance of the event and not at the start time. I’m of the opinion that it’s not fair to delay an event when the majority of attendees have arrived on-time. (so named after a conversation I had with a certain un-named member)
RSVP’s: If you RSVP for an event be responsible and update your RSVP if your plans change. If your plans change at the last second and you’re not able to update your RSVP also let us know. In my opinion a no-show is someone who has no regard for following the guidelines we request from our members and will risk being removed from future events that have a limit.
VHC HIKE RATING SCALE
Rating a hike is subjective, meaning the difficulty of a hike will be in direct relation to how often you hike and the type of hike you prefer. Keep in mind that any hike can have the following: un-even hiking surfaces, various obstructions, water and/or water crossings or bouldering and/or rock hopping. A great hike will have all of these!
1 – A long walk
2 – 4 mile hike w/little elevation gain
3 – 5 mile hike w/up to 1000 ft. elevation gain
4 – 5+ mile hike w/up to 1500 ft. elevation gain (heart rate increases at times)
5 – 7+ mile hike w/over 1500 ft. elevation gain (heart rate increasing even more at times)
6 – 7+ mile hike w/over 2000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be trying to remember how to perform CPR)
7 – 5+ mile hike w/over 2000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be muttering expletives to yourself)
8 – 10+ mile hike w/over 3500 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be angry with the hike leader)
9 – 10+ mile hike w/over 5000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be thinking of reporting the hike leader to the authorities)
10 – Use your imagination
Class 3 Scrambling: Scrambling or un-roped climbing. You must use your hands at times to hold the terrain or find your route. This may be caused by a combination of boulders, steepness and extreme terrain. Some Class 3 routes have ropes in place for assistance.
DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY
IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY:
I am a volunteer (i.e. not liable for the group). Safety is a priority for everyone in the group. Think of this as hiking with a group of friends.
Outdoor sports and other events we plan can be inherently dangerous and accidents may happen. By participating in any posted event, you’re taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The Valencia Hiking Crew Meetup Group and its organizers are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions. If you choose to sign up for any Valencia Hiking Crew Meetup events, you are releasing the Valencia Hiking Crew Meetup Group and it’s organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries as stated in paragraph 6.2 of the Meetup “Terms of Service” located on the bottom of the Meetup website. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience.
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