In 1973, in partnership with over 25 organizations and agencies, the Trails Council published a landmark report outlining a proposal for a countywide connected trail system across Santa Barbara County including coastal and mission-to-mission trails. More than 50 years later, these objectives remain at the core of ongoing efforts to enhance regional trail access and conservation.
The increasing popularity of Mission to Mission hiking has underscored the importance of these efforts, and significant progress is being made. One of the most exciting developments is the planned expansion of the California Coastal Trail along the Gaviota Coast, adding miles of bluff-top trails in the coming years. To support this vision, the Trails Council published the Gaviota Coastal Trail and Access Study Guide (2013), building upon the foundational work of the 1973 report by providing a framework for future trail planning and construction.
The original Santa Barbara County Coastal Trails System plan envisioned a triple-use recreational trails system for the County of Santa Barbara. Designed for hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians, the system aimed to balance recreation, environmental protection, and accessibility. Key goals included:
- Connecting four units of the State Park System
- Establishing a model for sustainable, multi-use recreational trails
- Creating a crucial link in California’s Pacific Coast Trail System
- Addressing the specific needs of hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians
- Providing designated sites for overnight stays, day-use, and environmental observation
- Expanding recreational and wilderness opportunities while preserving natural and historical resources
These ambitious goals remain relevant today as Santa Barbara County continues to enhance its trail networks while ensuring responsible environmental stewardship.
For more details, a copy of the original 30-page Coastal Trails System report is available.