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Quintessential trail bike loop for Santa Barbara's front country trails: technical, but intermediate by SB standards.


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Map Key

16.9

Miles

27.2

KM

65%

Singletrack

1,910' 582 m

High

402' 123 m

Low

2,797' 852 m

Up

2,802' 854 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (4°)

34%

Max Grade (19°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Overview

This route leverages elevation gained along Gibraltar Road to provide quick access to some of the best descent trail sections in the SB front country. Included trails: West Fork Cold Spring, Cold Springs, Hot Springs, Girard Trail, McMenemy, and Pueblo.

The ride back to the car along Mountain Drive is lauded as one of the best road rides in the USA as well. This route is technical in both climbing and descending, but not expert level by SB standards. Can be ridden on a normal trail bike.

Need to Know

Free parking, no restrooms.

Description

In order of operation: Gibraltar Road is a strenuous but beautiful road climb up 1,500 feet. West Fork Cold Spring is a shale based flowy downhill trail of moderate difficulty. Cold Spring Trail - South is a moderately technical climb, but should be rideable for most. Hot Springs is a rocky descent, as is Girard Trail. Lower McMenemy is back to easy flow, the same of which comprises the end at Old Pueblo Trail.

This route provides a fair number of stunning viewpoints, shade under oak trees, small creek crossings, and historic sites. Overall, a must-do route in the SB front country that is attainable for most.

History & Background

Many of these trails are along old water lines to springs that brought water to the cities of Santa Barbara and Montecito.

Contacts

Shared By:

Dillon Osleger

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 2 votes

#2410

Overall
  4.5 from 2 votes
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Recommended Route Rankings

#285

in California

#2,410

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Photos

Such a fun shorty loop with fun rocks.
Apr 17, 2022 near Montecito, CA
So fun, SB front country's smoothest downhill.
Apr 17, 2022 near Montecito, CA
Top of Girard
Feb 12, 2022 near Montecito, CA
Turn towards Lower McMenemy at the Girard/McMeney intersection.
Apr 4, 2016 near Montecito, CA
It's passable, but not safe.  There is a large slide that must have happened from the rains last week.  This is not an old sign.
Jan 28, 2019 near Mission…, CA

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Current Trail Conditions

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Aug 2, 2024
Andrew Ball
16.9mi
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