The San Marcos Foothills Preserve is a County of Santa Barbara open space located in the foothills between Santa Barbara and Goleta. Encompassing 200 acres, the Preserve offers extraordinary views of the Santa Ynez Mountains, Pacific Ocean, and the Channel Islands.

The Preserve is the feeding ground for hawks, kestrels, kites, roadrunners, coyotes, bobcats, and hundreds of other animal species. It offers nesting locations for dozens of native bird species, and it provides connecting corridors for wildlife to Los Padres National Forest and Goleta Slough. 

This hike is a little more challenging than some other Weekend Ambler walks, with a couple of steep hills to walk up (and down). However, admiring the views will give us a chance to go slowly, take breaks, and catch our breath. There are many places to stop and go back to the entrance as well. 

Bring hats, sunscreen, and water. On-leash dogs are welcome. There are no restrooms. We plan to meet for coffee and treats after the walk at Java Station, 4447 Hollister Avenue.

How to Get There:  Please read this carefully, as there are two entrances, and somebody always goes to the other entrance.  

We will meet at the main public access at the western portion of the Preserve.  Though San Marcos Foothills Preserve is located just east of Highway 154, you access it from west of Highway 154 and north of Cathedral Oaks Road. From Cathedral Oaks/Foothill Road, go north on Via Chaparral; turn right on Salvar Road (over the bridge to nowhere); and turn left on Via Gaitero.  The address is 1155 Via Gaitero, Santa Barbara.