Cold Spring Trail and Montecito Peak

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 1/4 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 power lines. 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 power lines 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 power lines 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: December 27, 2009, 8:37 pm
by: rkd

Made it to the top today - amazing views. The last part of the climb up to Montecito peak was a bit of a scramble as the dirt was loose. Otherwise, there is water in the creek so there are mini waterfalls along the way.

If you take the path that starts going directly upward from the trailhead, it will meet with the original Cold Springs trail going up to the fire road. When you meet an intersection, go right (uphill). I found this route was much easier to not get lost on. If you do start on the trail that goes along the water, make sure you follow the directions outlined below in that: SECOND WATER CROSSING GO RIGHT AND NOT ALONG THE WATER.

At the peak there is a green metal box with notepads and today it was located by the largest boulders a little below the very highest point. Took me about 2.5 hours up with a large 'getting lost adventure' detour and about 1.5 hours down at a moderate pace and stopping to take pictures as the sun was setting. Enjoy!

Posted: November 9, 2009, 11:01 pm
by: Tina

On Saturday 11/7, I was out exploring the east side of Cold Springs trail and I believe I ended up on the same path of boulders, smaller rocks and almost endless rock slide slope that Jade describes (I wish I had read Jade's warning prior to my excursion).
Long story short, if you attempt this (hopefully nobody will be hiking up the same trail below you), stay to the left and use the manzanita to help you ... eventually you'll find a little off-trail route that takes you to the upper East Fork of Cold Spring's Trail. If you do this, at the very least be prepared to eat some dirt & bush & get some scratches. But, please save your good scrambling skills for firmer soil.

Posted: July 19, 2009, 11:28 am
by: Jade

I'll second everything jbaysurfer said - bring extra water on this hike! It was not only hot when we did this hike, but unusually humid - I've never needed more water than I had in my camelbak until this time! Also, the word "steep" is a drastic understatement for the final climb to the peak. It's fairly short, but not for the faint of heart.

I'd like to add a separate warning, though: some time ago, I set out on Cold Spring intending to go to Montecito Peak, but I took a wrong turn. After the 2nd creek crossing, there was a choice between going left and going right. I didn't have a map, so I thought that going upstream made sense and went left.

There is a very nice trail that goes up the creek for a ways, and it's a very pleasant walk if you're just out for a short stroll in the woods. But at some point the trail turns sharply to the right, and you'll find yourself climbing straight up the hill over large boulders. Large boulders will eventually become small boulders, then smaller rocks, and every time you look up the "trail" will continue up the slope as far as the eye can see.

This is not a trail. This is a rockslide. Proceed at your own risk. I normally enjoy having off-trail adventures and climbing up slippery slopes, but this is an exception. If you go more than halfway up, coming down will be very very dangerous, and not at all fun. I went all the way to the top, and there is absolutely nothing up there, and no way to rejoin the trail!

I'm posting about it now because some friends of mine had the exact same experience last weekend, so apparently it's an easy mistake to make, and it's worth warning other newcomers to this trail. When you reach the 2nd creek crossing, go to the right! If you do choose to go left, turn back when you get to this point - it is NOT worth it.

Posted: June 22, 2009, 5:14 pm
by: jbaysurfer

hiked this trail to Mont. Pk. on Fri 6/19. It was very warm. I've climbed virtually all the front country peaks, but this was the last one on my list and I think it may have been the toughest. Maybe it was the heat, maybe it was flies, maybe it was the bags of dog-doo hanging from bushes (do people think there's some sort of dog poop maid service or what!!!!?), maybe it was the 5' long, 4" in diameter that scared the heck out of me, maybe it was the fact I didn't bring enough water, or maybe it was the ubiquitous Poison Oak. But it was HARD!

That said, I loved every minute of it !

Fair warning, when you climb the final trail to the peak, which is short and incredibly steep with slick footing, don't let your Poison Oak guard down one little bit. There's a very large bush growing adjacent to /almost overhanging a very narrow steep section. I was surprised because I've noticed the P.O. in the front country usually is most prevalent below 2k' and this was higher than that. At any rate. It's a great hike, and the summit logbooks are a hoot to read (recent engagement was a great one!).

But it's tough!

BTW to the above poster, I saw bobcat scat right on the trail!

Posted: January 9, 2009, 5:14 pm
by: BillV

I was hiking with Haley, a full-grown golden retriever, yesterday. As we were going up the long gradual switchback to the Edison road I noticed what at first appeared to be a similarly sized dog about 150 ft. ahead. It was grayish and had some sort of texture in its coat but I couldn't tell much more. I assumed that we were coming up on another hiker and his dog. Was about to tell Haley when I realized that it wasn't a dog. Quickly and quietly got Haley onto a leash. About then the "dog" looked back, saw me and promptly got off the trail. Was originally thinking mountain lion but after looking at some pictures, now believe that it was a bobcat.

Here's how I would explain the location in more detail. I consider Cold Spring and the Ridge Trail to be a big loop. Near the highest point of the loop (and nominally where the two trails meet) are two forks, each having a branch that goes up to the Edison road. The southernmost branch is steeper and shorter. The northermost branch is gradual and longer. We saw the bobcat about in the middle of the longer branch.

We immediately turned around and returned to the Ridge Trail. Decided that since the cat went down that we could safely go up. Did so via the other branch without incident.

Posted: November 17, 2008, 10:41 am
by: StephenD

Amazingly enough, despite the fact that the Tea Fire started within several hundred yards of the Cold Spring Trailheads on East Mountain Drive, none of the Cold Srping Trails seem to have sustained significant fire damage.

The main Cold Spring Trail (aka the East Fork) was literally the south east flank of the fire. The fire crossed Montecito Creek near the trailhead but stopped within yards of the trail itself. Other than a very small spot, the East Fork of the Cold Spring Trail received no damage past the bench.

The Cold Spring Ridge Trail was completely unscathed by the fire.

As of this writing on Nov. 17th, the West Fork is closed, but it appears that the damage may be limited to the area near the old trailhead at East Mountain Drive.

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.

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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.