This is a Friday 8:30am meetup – no need to register.

SNYDER TRAIL TO KNAPP’S CASTLE – 8:30am.  This is a backcountry hike accessed from Paradise Road.  Knapp’s Castle was a sandstone hilltop lodge and compound built by George Owen Knapp, the founder of Union Carbide and completed in 1920.  Located just below Camino Cielo road, it burned down in 1940 and was never rebuilt, until recently.  The current owner has attempted to recreate the original lodge building as it was from the 1920's and it is nearly complete. The hike offers great views of the Santa Ynez Valley, Cachuma Lake and the San Rafael Mountains.

The Snyder Trail climbs from Paradise Road up the ridge alongside Lewis Canyon.  The hike utilizes service roads and trails as it climbs through forests and grassy slopes on its way up to Knapp’s Castle.  This hike is rated strenuous as it is long and has a 2,000 elevation gain.  It is not slippery or steep however. 

After the hike, we can head over to the Cold Spring Tavern for lunch if you'd like.

Here is a map of the trail.

Elevation gain ~2000’

Distance ~6.6 miles

Google map link for the trailhead  (20 min once you get on 154)

DIRECTIONS: From Highway 101 in Santa Barbara, take the State Street/Highway 154 exit.  Turn right onto Highway 154 and drive approximately 10 miles to Paradise Road on the right.  Turn right and continue 4.2 miles to the trailhead, which is a turnout on the right side of the road near a gate.  There is a small "Snyder Trail" sign. If that area fills up, there is parking in and around the Ranger Station about 0.25 miles further down the road.  Avoid parking in campgrounds or other areas that have facilities unless you are willing to pay the $10 day use fee that is collected in those areas.

Hope to see you there!