2025 Project Update
Midland School Trails burned in the summer of 2024 during the Lake Fire. In the spring of 2025, the Trails Council will begin repairing the trails after the impact of winter rains is known. The Green Gate trails (ranch roads) are open, but the hiking trails are closed due to the fire's impact.
Two of Midland's more spectacular hikes/rides are the High Country Trail and Lover's Loop. The High Country Trail follows jeep roads and trails to a saddle on Coulter Pine Ridge, with eye-catching views of the entire Santa Ynez Valley. Lover's Loop combines meandering trails through grass-and-oak-covered hillsides, awesome ridges, and grass meadows, all with views of the impressive slopes of Grass Mountain.
Permits Required:
Those who want to experience the Midland trails are reminded that hiking and equestrian permits are required. They are easy to obtain. The Midland School trails are a private trail system opened to the public through the school's generosity. Permit information for hikers is posted here: https://midland-school.org/our-trails-land-trust/hikers/. Horseback riders must make a trail ride reservation at least 48 hours before their visit. Permit information for equestrians is posted here: https://midland-school.org/our-trails-land-trust/horseback-riders/ Note that trails may be closed due to cattle ranching, hunting season, or other purposes.
Trail Map:
https://sbtrails.org/maps/midland/Midland-School-Trails.pdf
Please support post-fire trail reconstruction and ongoing maintenance.
Project History
Location:
County of Santa Barbara | Santa Ynez Valley
Description:
The Trails Council designed and constructed nearly 10 miles of trails on an active cattle ranch owned and managed by Midland School, one of the few locations for public trails in the entire Santa Ynez Valley outside of Los Padres National Forest (LPNF). Midland School Trails are located on 2,860 acres of private property in Figueroa Mountain's foothills. The existing often informal trail system had evolved from cattle trails and ranch roads and, in many cases, did not comport with modern trail design standards for grade and width, contributing to the potential for erosion, increased maintenance costs, or environmental problems. Our team reviewed trail grade, connectivity, access to scenic areas, and how best to integrate trails with ongoing cattle operations. After two years of work, Trails Council crews have opened nearly 10 miles of reconstructed, realigned, or new trails, which Midland School allows for public use. Trails Council crews also designed and installed initial trail kiosks and way-finding signage. Our team coordinated with the Midland School Ranch Manager and other concerned parties. Trails Council provides ongoing trail maintenance in partnership with the Midland School. Planning and construction complete; maintenance ongoing since 2015
Client:
Midland School, 5100 Figueroa Mountain Road, Los Olivos, CA 93441
Funding:
A $20,000 grant from the WWW Foundation to the Trails Council funded initial trail planning and construction. Ongoing maintenance has been a combination of volunteer and trail crew support made possible by donations from community members.
Midland School Trail after Lake Fire in July 2024