It’s back! From the wild and remote westernmost California beaches to the warm gentle coast of the Riviera enclave, walk the Santa Barbara Coast not visible from Highway 1. Camp 4 nights at El Capitan. Walk west of the railroad tracks on the seldom seen pocket beaches; enjoy gourmet meals and evening talks around the campfire with local naturalists; hike Gaviota State Park’s Wind Cave Trail; bathe in the hidden hot springs; catch a glimpse of the Hollister Ranch and learn about the Coastwalk battle for public access within; pass by the beach homes of the rich and famous; and much more.
Camping: We have a large group campsite at El Capitan State Beach where we will be based for the entire Coastwalk. Those who prefer a room rather than a tent should make private reservations. Nearby lodging is available at elcapitancanyon.com minutes from our camp. Airbnbs are available in nearby Santa Barbara.
*Please note this itinerary is subject to change to due to weather and tidal conditions (see note below). These hikes can be modified with shuttles available for those who may want to return to camp mid-hike. We’ll have a variety of hikes, some with later starting times due to the tides. Here is a brief description of what to expect.
Monday May 6
2 ½ Miles hiking El Capitan Beach and bluffs.
Tuesday May 7
6 mile hike in Gaviota State Park on trails and fire roads. 1000’ elevation gain
Wednesday May 8
6 miles bluffs and beaches +40’/ -40’ Dos Pueblos to Ellwood Shores
Thursday May 9
12 to 14 miles bluffs and beach +60’/ -60’ Ellwood Shores to Stearns Wharf
Friday May 10
TBD
What to Bring On a Coastwalk
Clothing
Hat
Jacket – (wind and water resistant)
Long pants
Hiking shorts
Hiking boots
Walking shoes
Vest
Long Sleeve shirt
Sweater
Underwear
Tee shirt
Socks
Bandanna, handkerchief
Toiletries
Soap or body wash, Bio based/biodegradable
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Dental floss
Daily Medications and vitamins
Shampoo, bio based/biodegradable
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Comb or brush
Towel and wash cloth
Personnel first aid items
Sleep wear
Poncho or rain gear
Camping gear
Tent, with footprint (pad underneath tent to keep your tent dry)
Sleeping bag with pad
Plate, bowl, cup, knife, fork and spoon
Cloth napkin
Tupperware container, for left–overs
Flashlight or head lamp
Small Folding chair/ camp chair
Day pack
Canteen, hydration pack or 2 water bottles, 1 liter minimum each
Food
All meals are included but if you would like something different please feel free to bring your own.
Nice to Have
Camera
Binoculars
Hiking poles
Walk Leader, Mike Minky
Mike’s first Coastwalk was joining the 2003 Border to Border walkers for 3 weeks on the San Simeon to Carpinteria leg. Mike has been hiking and exploring the California Coastal Trail and leading Coastwalks for more than two decades. In 2023 Mike joined Coastwalk’s Board of Directors. Mike owns several record companies specializing in a wide range of classics from Cambodian psychedelic surf bands to Calypso to ‘60’s East L.A. garage bands.
Co-Walk Leader, Andy Vought
Andy is a lifelong hiker, as a kid in the Adirondacks, then for three decades in the Sierras when he lived in Northern California. He moved with Andrea to Venice Beach a decade ago and now enjoys the mountains and deserts of Southern California. His hiking heaven is the Dolomites in Italy.
Andy loves Coast Redwoods and Giant Sequoias; in addition to hiking the trails he has been a volunteer for Save the Redwoods League. Before retiring Andy was in the semiconductor industry, developing DSL and fiber-to-the-curb computer chips for companies in California and Europe.
California Coastal Trail Map – Santa Barbara
https://californiacoastaltrail.org/southern-california/santa-barbara/
El Capitan State Beach
https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=601
Aerial Photos of the California Coast
https://www.californiacoastline.org/
KCET Gaviota Coastal Trail Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adGUqPci9Jw
Gaviota State Park:
https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=606
Explore Santa Barbara:
https://www.visitcalifornia.com/destination/spotlight-santa-barbara
Gaviota Coastal Conservancy:
https://www.gaviotacoastconservancy.org/
5 days/4 nights
Rating: Moderate
Max Capacity: 20
$650 Member Price
$700 Non-Member Price