Santa Barbara Riviera Coastwalk

Welcome to an extraordinary adventure as we hike beaches, hills and trails along the beautiful Central Coast on the Santa Barbara Classic Coastwalk for some extraordinary adventures! You can expect a daily 5 to 7 hour walk of 5 to 11 miles, including stops for lunch and to enjoy the sites and views. Hikes will usually start at 9:00 am. The trails can be moderately difficult with some elevation climbs, but most are fairly level. Some trails are well defined and maintained; however the many beachwalks can be rocky and involve some wet feet. All of the trails will provide the excitement of an infrequently traveled area. Evening programs will highlight some aspects of the local ecology or history.

We may experience some gusty winds; be prepared to deep stake down your tent. The beaches have tar; we will provide oil for foot and shoe cleaning. The walks have been scheduled during seasonally comparatively low tides, but be prepared for wet feet and rocky points that may necessitate some ocean walking. Sandals such as Keen are the best footwear for the coastwalks; hiking shoes for the bluff and hill hikes. A walking stick or pole is highly recommended for the rock hopping. Many of our hikes will be led by members of the Santa Barbara County Trail Council.

Food: Coffee (and decaf), juice, and milk will be available each morning, as well as a variety of breakfast and lunch foods. Soft drinks will be available each day to refresh you contingent on donations to the food kitty.

Dinners are provided each evening.

You will only need to carry lunch items, water and layers while hiking.

Wednesday July 8^th: Set up our permanent camp at Refugio State Beach then hike the trails of the Arroyo Hondo Preserve.

Thursday July 9^th: Transport for a day trip to Jalama State Beach, the Dangermond Preserve and Point Conception.

Friday July 10^th: Hike Gaviota State Park’s Wind Cave Trail and bathe in the hidden hot springs!

Saturday July 11^th: Beach and bluff walk from Dos Pueblos to Elwood Shores

Sunday July 12^th: Continue our beach and bluff walk to Santa Barbara Marina

Monday July 13^th: A morning walk to El Capitan State Beach; break camp and hit the road!

• Hiking shoes, boots or sturdy walking shoes
• Waterproof sandals
• Spare walking shoes & laces
• Comfy camp shoes
• Hiking poles
• Water-proof windbreaker/ or parka for cold nights
• Long pants and long sleeve shirt (protection against sunburn, poison oak, and bugs)
• Layers for upper body
• Hat for sun protection that ties under chin
• Beanie for cold, windy conditions
• Other clothing – underwear, T-shirts, lots of socks, etc.
• Bandana
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Sunscreen (minimum 30 spf)
• Natural bug repellant
• Personal first aid kit (band aids, blister pads)
• Personal medicines
• Day pack
• Plate, cup, bowl, and eating utensils
• Sturdy Tupperware for leftovers
• Flashlight & headlamp with new batteries
• Spare batteries
• Folding camp chair
• Tent & Ground Cloth
• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping pad
• REUSABLE Water Bottle
• Trail snacks (power bars or jerky)
• Credit Card & cash for camp showers and treats
• Solar shower if there is no shower at campsite
• Shower towel

What’s Included: 

Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided.

Breakfast:   

• Coffee: (Regular in percolator with caffeine free available upon request), Teas, Cocoa, Juice, Milk (1/2 & 1/2, 2% Milk, Soy & Almond Milks)
• Sweeteners- (sugar, honey)
• Yogurt
• Biscotti
• Hot Cereals (Instant Oatmeal, and prepare it yourself steel cut oats available)
• Granola
• Walnuts or assorted nuts
• Fruit (fresh)- (Blueberries, Bananas, Apples, Oranges / Cuties)
• Fruit (dried)- Raisins & Craisins

  Lunch:   

• Breads- (Multi Grail & Gluten Free)
• Almond Butter
• Fruit spreads
• Cold Cuts
• Cheeses (sliced)
• Condiments, (Mustard, Mayonnaise)
• Butter, (Regular and dairy free)

Dinner: 

• Dinners are included unless otherwise noted and will be provided by Coastwalk’s Volunteer Food Angels. 

Our Chuckwagon Wrangler will do their best to accommodate you but if you have special dietary needs please bring your food in a small cooler and we will be sure to provide you with ice throughout the trip.

2019 will be the 2nd year that Mike Minky leads the Santa Barbara Coastwalk. A retired CPA, 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. Mike’s first Coastwalk was joining the 2003 Border to Border walkers for 3 weeks on the San Simeon to Carpentaria leg. As land acquisitions have opened up new trails on the Central Coast, Mike has been bushwhacking and marking for the future route of the California Coastal Trail.