2025 Project Update
Santa Maria Valley Open Space and the County of Santa Barbara Parks Division coordinate ongoing trail planning, design, and construction for trails near Rice Ranch.
Trail Map:
Rice Ranch Trail map created in 2017: https://sbtrails.org/maps/west-rice-ranch-open-space-trails.jpg
Project History
Location:
County of Santa Barbara | Orcutt, CA
Description:
Initiated in 2016, the Rice Ranch Trails Valley View Segment project involved the design and construction of approximately 3 miles of new trail, along with the restoration of about 1.6 miles of existing trail tread. The Trails Council updated and refined the trail system design based on conceptual County layouts from the Orcutt Community Plan, making realignments to ensure compatibility with proposed roads, development, and habitat areas. The design met U.S. Forest Service standards for trail corridor width, grade, and drainage improvements. The project was coordinated with Shea Homes, County staff, and concerned residents and included participation in public hearings with the Orcutt Trails Commission members. In addition, the team designed and installed 20 trail signs and 3 trailhead kiosks. For reference, the Rice Ranch Trail map is available here: https://sbtrails.org/maps/west-rice-ranch-open-space-trails.jpg
Client:
County of Santa Barbara | Community Services | Parks Division
Funding:
Trail planning and construction were funded by a $53,000 donation from Shea Homes. For further information, please contact Jill Van Wie, Capital Projects Manager, at 805-568-2470 or jvanwie@co.santa-barbara.ca.us.