Trail Brushing Fun @ Midland School Trails

Want to celebrate Labor Day weekend? Here’s a chance to give back and show your appreciation for our community trails.

If you’re interested, join us on Saturday morning, September 5th, at the trailhead for the Lover’s Loop Trail on Figueroa Mountain Road in the Santa Ynez Valley. We’ll be cutting back brush at the creek crossings and weedwhipping back the grasses on the east side of the Loop. We will provide tools like loppers, rakes, and electric weed whippers.

The event will take place from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM PDT.
The forecast is for abundant sunshine. High 83F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. We will stop work before the temperature reaches 80 degrees. Afterward, we invite everyone to join us for lunch at a local spot in Los Olivos. Lunch is on us.

Please arrive at the trailhead by 8:15 AM to sign waivers and join a short safety and tool talk. No experience is necessary to take part. We welcome new volunteers and will provide brief training at the start so everyone feels confident using the tools and helping out on the trail. If you have work gloves, bring them along. We’ll also have some available for you.

What to bring: plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat, and eye protection (sunglasses are fine). Please wear long pants and sturdy shoes. Do not wear sandals or shorts.

Our tasks include cutting back weeds and grasses along the trail edges and trimming bushes that have grown into the path.

Map: https://santabarbaratrails.org/maps/midland/Midland-School-Trails-Map-2026.pdf

DIRECTIONS from the South:
The trailhead is on Figueroa Mountain Rd, Santa Ynez, CA 93460. There is a small parking area available at the trailhead with no parking fee. Please arrive early, as spaces are limited. If the main lot fills up, you may park along the road where it is safe and permitted. Carpooling is encouraged.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/qK5KaDop6XZS9uP3A

To reach the Lovers’ Loop / Grass Mountain Trailhead from Santa Barbara, start by taking Highway 154 north over San Marcos Pass. Continue for approximately 14.6 miles until you arrive at the town of Los Olivos, where you’ll turn right onto Figueroa Mountain Road. Proceed for about 5 miles, passing Midland School on your right. The trailhead is located 1.7 miles past the school’s entrance at 34.74182, -120.06195.

Giving Back

Over a decade ago, the Trails Council built the trail network on the Midland School property. The public has access to this private property due to the generosity of the school. Maintaining 10 miles of trails, especially after the 2024 Lake Fire, is challenging in terms of time and expense. We rely on community support to cover all the maintenance expenses and provide a volunteer workforce. Please note that there are no restroom facilities at the trailhead, so plan accordingly before you arrive.

We’re lucky to have access to such stunning trails, but keeping them safe and accessible takes effort. Consider supporting the Santa Barbara County Trails Council by volunteering or becoming a member:

Join the Trails Council
Or contribute to the Trail Fund:

Donate to the Midland School Trail Fund
Your support helps maintain and protect the beautiful outdoor spaces we love. We truly appreciate the time and effort our volunteers contribute—thank you for making a difference and helping keep our trails safe, beautiful, and open for everyone.