The Santa Barbara Front Country

In addition to the Channel Islands, Santa Barbara or “The American Riviera” holds a special place in our hearts. It’s our base of operations and home to some of the most incredible trails and tributaries that we work to conserve. From the North Campus Open Space in Goleta to the Los Padres National Forest, our organization helps to protect these, and many more important habitats that native plants and animals depend on for their survival.

The Santa Barbara front-country is easily accessible to residents and visitors alike, and offers numerous opportunities to learn more about the environment and our work. We’ve included a few examples of trails in the area that you can explore, to expand your environmental interests and enjoy the serene beauty that Santa Barbara County has to offer.

If you’re interested in helping us protect our local land, please consider becoming a volunteer of Channel Islands Restoration.

Santa Barbara Hikes and Restoration Areas

The Santa Barbara front country is where most people will hike in Santa Barbara for a casual day-hike or afternoon walk.
The front country encompasses the south-facing slope of the Santa Ynez Mountains. We’ve listed some of the most common front country hikes in Santa Barbara and some additional information about common types of flora and fauna one might find on these trails when you click on each individual hike. Because the Santa Barbara trail system is so interconnected, many of these trails are linked and can be extended or shortened depending on one’s personal preference for the day. You can help support our front country and backcountry trail system when you become a member of Channel Islands Restoration.