Cold Spring Trail and Montecito Peak
Rating:
[out of 5] |  |
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| For: | Long, steady uphill, if you do the whole thing |
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Small Waterfall on Cold Spring Trail
Cold Spring Trail (I've been admonished that there is no "s" in the name) begins gently in shade by a creek that almost always has plenty of water. After a gentle uphill for 3/4 of a mile you reach a bench by the creek where you can sit and clear your mind with the gentle sounds of small waterfalls. This bench is at the junction of the West Fork of Cold Spring Trail. To stay on the main Cold Spring Trail, continue from the bench without crossing the creek. The trail climbs up and out of the shade to an Edison road with powerlines. If you are tall enough to see over the bushes you'll get a good view of Montecito. On the way up to this spot, be careful on one of those switchbacks that you don't head straight and get off the trail. You will end up on a loop trail that brings you back to the trailhead. Another place to find this loop trail is from the powerlines by turning right (west) and following the edison road. Either one of these detours will provide you with a nice short work-out hike perfect for after work or early morning, or just when you feel like a shorter hike.
After reaching the powerlines the trail continues eastward in chaparral up a very steep, rocky climb all the way to East Camino Cielo Rd. Before reaching the top is a turnoff to Montecito Peak, a very steep, but short climb to a pointy peak in the mountain range. There is a box hidden somewhere at the summit for logging your triumphant summit. At the top of Cold Spring Trail at East Camino Cielo Rd. by the water tower the trail actually continues down the other side of the mountain and deep into the back country. That part of the hike is described under Camino Cielo Hikes as Forbush Flat and Blue Canyon.
9 mile round trip.
Cold Springs Trail and Montecito Peak Updates
Update trail conditions
Posted: March 11, 2008, 4:03 pm
by: trav867
Did this hike last sunday 3/9/08. Trail is in great shape, there is good water flow in the creek, and wildflowers all the way up!
Posted: November 5, 2006, 8:11 am
by: echoproof
My wife, newly engaged friends, and I hiked to the summit of Montecito Peak on Saturday (11/4/2006). It was a beautiful day. It was hot and clear, but not too intense. The trail was in great condition. The view from the top was perfect. You could see miles of ocean on the other side of Anacapa Isl. The 'signing book' is now in a zip lock bag that is wrapped in another plastic bag and placed under a metal weight. It's located between 2 large rocks in a narrow crack. At first look it appears to be trash. The 'Doherty' family donated a nice weather proof book with attached pencil. Entries go back to early 2005. Another spiral bound book is in the back with entries going back to 2000. We signed, snapped some photos, and headed back down. We started the hike at 9:30am and were back in the car at 3pm. IT WAS A GREAT DAY FOR A GREAT HIKE! We will do it again.
Posted: March 20, 2006, 8:10 pm
by: Anonymous
Three of us tried to make it to Montecito Peak today taking the Cold Spring Canyon trail from East Mountain Drive. It was a beautiful hike, albeit the clouds moved quickly in as the rain approached slowly from the north throughout the day. Unfortunately, we missed the trail to Montecito Peak and wound up on East Camino Cielo by the water tank. I'm wondering where the trail to Montecito Peak is, exactly. Perhaps someone knows where it falls between the markers that are on the trail?
Posted: February 3, 2006, 2:28 pm
by: Anonymous
[I hiked up to the water tower on Wednesday evening. The trial was in great shape. I found it be quite easy. 1 1/2 hours to the top. Coming down in the dark with a flashlight was awesome[/quote]
Posted: January 7, 2006, 11:24 am
by: Anonymous
I Traveled the trail on Thursday, Jan 5. And may I say it was quiet an experience. A good friend, Brian, came down from Mississippi to join me. When we reached the top, the view was truly breath taking. The water was very cool and refreshing and I enjoyed taking a dip. I would encourage everyone to engage in this enlightening hike.
Posted: December 12, 2005, 8:03 am
by: BSA Troop 42
Hiked on 11 December. The trail is in great condition; Thank You. The Creek is flowing; the two crossings are rock hoppable. One bike bell set in the Saddle bell box in the morning; empty in the afternoon. Two pens in the Montecito Peak log box and the new pine seems to be doing well. Gibraltar Road is signed closed weekdays during working hours.
Posted: October 20, 2005, 4:23 pm
by: Anonymous
The trail's creeks are gorgeous at this time.
Although it hasnt rained the creek still has some beautiful waterfalls. Always the best hike!
Posted: September 5, 2005, 5:54 pm
by: Anonymous
Hiked Labor Day. For a great time, cross the creek, follow the water pipes and veer rt. at the fork. lots of water pools and final boulder/rock climb. Needed more tread than my 'light hikers,' but saw a guy come down in Teva's! Great workout.
Posted: July 10, 2005, 9:21 pm
by: Anonymous
| Uma wrote: |
| Hiked on July 3, 2005. The uncovered parts of the trail can make the sun a bit hard to take but the wildflowers and the views keep you going. The rest of the covered trail with its trees and streams is very scenic and peaceful. Watch out for dog and their "he barks but he won't do a thing" dog owners in the first 20 minutes. |
One caveat. We missed the diversion to Montecito peak and ended up hiking upto the water tank near Cielo Rd! There are atleast 2 diversions which are completely unmarked. As long as you enjoy hiking, either way should work!
Posted: July 10, 2005, 9:18 pm
by: Anonymous
Hiked on July 3, 2005. The uncovered parts of the trail can make the sun a bit hard to take but the wildflowers and the views keep you going. The rest of the covered trail with its trees and streams is very scenic and peaceful. Watch out for dog and their "he barks but he won't do a thing" dog owners in the first 20 minutes.
Posted: April 17, 2005, 3:39 pm
by: Jeff
Excellent condition to the top and to the peak. A couple of small slide areas about 1/2 & 3/4 mile from Camino Cielo, but hardly worth a mention. Deer on the trail this morning and a brilliant sunrise over the fog far below.
Posted: March 23, 2005, 7:13 pm
by: Diane
Post your update here.
