Midland School’s 2,860-acre property lies adjacent to the Los Padres Forest and five miles north of Los Olivos. With steep mountain slopes, winding creeks, oak woodlands, and sagebrush chaparral, the Midland property contains a diverse array of habitats, ecosystems, and geological features.
Midland uses every corner of the property to support the school’s mission. Science students practice observation and data-collection skills, ecology students document the growth of the rare Santa Barbara Jewel flower, anthropology students learn the history of the Chumash, and art and writing students find inspiration in the quiet landscape. When not in class, the cross-country team trains on the hills, equestrians ride the 35 miles of trails, and all students go on backpacking trips. On one random day in the spring, school is canceled, and everyone hikes to the top of Grass Mountain.
In 2008, Midland placed 95% of its 2,860 acres into a conservation easement with The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County. While Midland still owns the property, neither the school nor any subsequent owner can develop it—the easement preserves Midland’s land forever. Students will continue to live close to nature and receive the benefits of a truly unique education, and the public will continue to have access to some of the most stunning trails in the county.
Midland School does not charge for using its trails; however, donations are greatly appreciated and help the school maintain public access. To learn more about Midland or to make a gift to help preserve the property, please email office@midland-school.org, visit midland-school.org, or call 805-688-5114.
Trail Access
Two entry points to the trail network are available to the public for hikers and horseback riders[1] only. Mountain biking is NOT permitted.
The Green Gate trailhead is located at mile marker 5.2 on the east side of Figueroa Mountain Road. Equestrians will find parking for trailers 200 yards beyond the gate entrance. The main trailhead begins a mile further east on the road, just after the bridge over Birabent Creek.
The Santa Barbara County Trails Council builds, maintains, and improves the trail system. Midland’s outdoor leadership group also maintains trails. Occasionally, Midland closes all or part of the trail system for maintenance, during hunting seasons, within 48 hours of rain or in case of a fire. Parking is limited; do not park on the road or block gate access.
PERMITS REQUIRED
The Midland School trails are a private trail system opened to the public through the generosity of the school. Permits must be obtained prior to using the trails. Hikers must fill out a permit/parking pass at the trailheads where permit boxes are located. Horseback riders must make a reservation at least 48 hours in advance through the online registration system at https://midland-school.org/our-trails-land-trust/horseback-riders/. Permission to ride will be granted via email with detailed instructions. Midland does not accept trail ride requests by phone.
TRAIL DETAILS
Grass Mountain Trail
- Distance—0.65 miles up the creek to crossing where you head uphill; 1.65 miles to the top of the ridge; 2.65 miles to the top of Grass Mountain; 3.0 to Zaca Ridge.
- Elevation Gain—125’ along the creek; 790’ to the ridge-top; 1000’ to base; 2380’ to the top of Grass Mountain; 2550’ to Zaca Ridge.
- Difficulty—Moderate to the ridge; hardcore to the top.
Maple Canyon Trail
- Distance—0.65 miles up the creek to the crossing; .8 miles to Red Rock Springs; .9 miles to the Senior Cutoff; 1.4 miles up the canyon to High Country turnoff; 1.75 miles to start of High Country Trail; 2.0 miles to end of the canyon.
- Elevation Gain—125’ along the creek; 300’ to Senior Cutoff; 500’ to High Country intersection; 700’ to the start of High Country Trail; or 680’ to the end of Maple Canyon.
- Difficulty—Moderately strenuous up the canyon; hardcore via High Country loop, which adds 425’ gain and 2.5 miles in length.
Green Gate Loop and High Country Trail
- Distance—2.5 miles for Jeep Loop; 1.25 miles from Green Gate to top of Jeep Loop; 1.8 miles to Red Rock Springs Trail; 1.85 miles to “T” intersection; 2.3 miles west to High Country Loop; 3.2 miles to Coulter saddle; 3.9 miles down to Maple Connector; 3.7 miles back to “T”; 5.55 back to Green Gate.
- Elevation Gain—379’ to top of Jeep Loop; 700’ to “T” intersection; 1150’ to Coulter Saddle; 2300’ to top of Coulter Pine Ridge.
- Difficulty—Moderate for Jeep Loop; Strenuous to High County Loop; Hard Core to top of Coulter Pine Ridge.
Lover’s Loop Trail
- Distance—0.8 miles for short loop; 1.2 miles to end of meadow;
- 2.7 miles across and down to the creek; 3.65 miles for the entire loop.
- Elevation Gain—150’ to top of short loop; 300’ to top of the ridge; 680’ to the high point; 500’ elevation loss down to the creek.
- Difficulty—Easy to short loop; Moderate to end of meadow; Moderately strenuous for the entire loop.
HIKING SAFETY AND ETIQUETTE
- Stay on the trails: taking shortcuts causes erosion.
- Carry and drink plenty of water: dehydration contributes to most injuries on the trail.
- Dogs must be on leash.
- Be prepared for sudden changes in weather and conditions.
- Horses and mules have the right of way on trails.
- Do not litter. Pack out what you pack in. Leave no trace.
- Trails are often steep and uneven. Travel carefully and at your own risk.
- Stay alert. The chaparral and mountainous terrain is home to bears, mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, rattlesnakes, and ticks.
- High Fire Hazard Area. All fires prohibited. No smoking!
- In case of an emergency: Call 911
ABOUT MIDLAND
Midland School, a co-ed boarding school for grades 9-12, has been the leader of place-based college preparatory education since 1932. Midland’s curriculum focuses on rigorous academics, community, and stewardship. Midland’s scale empowers students with authentic leadership opportunities, provides highly personalized learning, and inspires the pursuit of intellectual passions. At Midland, over half of students receive financial aid, and the depth of the experience facilitates both top-tier college admissions and future success.
