all hikes

Channel Islands National Park: Anacapa Island

Anacapa Island's oceanfront overlooks, throngs of wildlife, and a picture-perfect lighthouse highlight this classic 2.5-mile loop in Channel Islands National Park.

Jicarita 10/09

Plan to head out early in the morning of Oct 17th. This will be my 3rd attempt on the mountain, the other two have been thwarted by weather during May of the past couple years. This will be my first solo attempt.

Santa Barbara, CA: Cold Springs to Tangerine Falls

Look for banana slugs, newts, and canyon tree frogs on this 2.5-mile hike to Tangerine Falls, the largest cascade in the Santa Barbara frontcountry.

Santa Barbara, CA: Gibraltar Road 48

Climb from downtown Santa Barbara into the rugged Santa Ynez Mountains on this gnarly 48-mile loop serving up quad-killing efforts up Rattlesnake Canyon and breathtaking Pacific vistas.

Santa Barbara, CA: Inspiration Point via Jesusita Trail

Cruise through oak-filled canyon country and shrubland meadows to overlooks of the Channel Islands, city lights, and the Pacific coast on this 7-mile out-and-back.

Santa Barbara, CA: Lake Casitas Loop

This 66-mile ride rolls by Carpinteria orchards before tackling Casitas Pass. Cut south to Ventura for a return along the beach.

Santa Barbara, CA: Rattlesnake Canyon

Delve deep into the Santa Ynez Mountains on this 4.7-mile, creek-hopping, canyon traverse to rock climbing walls and a hang glider launch pad.

Santa Barbara, CA: Romero Canyon

Marvel at Pacific coast views, tree-lined canyons, snowy peaks and tumbling waterfalls on this 7.5-mile highlight reel of Santa Barbara's frontcountry.

Santa Barbara, CA: Santa Ynez Ridge via San Ysidro Trail

Hike or run past oak forests, vernal pools, rock climbing walls, and fields of chaparral on this 9-mile out-and-back to the Santa Ynez Ridge.

Santa Barbara, CA: Seven Falls via Tunnel Trail

Don't forget to pack a swimsuit: This 2.4-mile out-and-back leads to a multi-tiered cascade with sandstone swimming holes and views of the Santa Ynez Mountains.

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Photos + Videos

Packing for a Backcountry Ski Day Kristin Hostetter shows you the essential gear, and how to pack it, for a day of backcountry skiing.	Adjust Your Pack Straps on the Trail Maximize your pack's comfort with a few easy, on-trail strap adjustments.

Life's Short, Hike More!

What makes a backpacker a backpacker? It's not the garage full of gear or piles of guidebooks--it's the experiences, from thru-hiking a long trail to pushing your personal envelope to inspiring a child's love of wilderness. Here we present BACKPACKER's new Life List: 10 experiences to add to your tick-listnow--and the key skills you need to nail them.