Cold Springs Trail to Reopen Sunday

Pictured (mostly L to R) Ashlee Mayfield – MTF, Aanjelae Rhoades – Los Padres Forest Association, Neighbor, Paul Cronshaw – Los Padres Forest Association/The Beeman, 1st District Supervisor Das Williams, Daughters Ya’Ash and Khaya, Jane Murray – MTF, Neighbors Ms. Little and Ester Garcia (Photo: Montecito Trail Foundation)

By edhat staff

The Montecito Trails Foundation will officially reopen Cold Springs Trail on Sunday morning.

The majority of the trail has been closed since the debris flow on January 9, 2018. Officials had warned this trail was unstable and in need of work.

Two years later, the trail is reopening at 9:00 a.m. on January 12, sponsored by the Montecito Trails Foundation and First District Supervisor Das Williams. The celebration will take place at the Cold Spring Trailhead on East Mountain Drive in Montecito.

“Over the last two years, the Cold Spring Trail has hosted many months of trail work, but more than that it’s been a place for us to get together and begin to rebuild our lives alongside the trail. Restoring access to these public spaces has been a priority for the City, County and Forest Service. We have been thoroughly supported by them in our efforts,” said Ashlee Mayfield, President of the Montecito Trails Foundation.

The official opening of the trailhead is the result of a valuable partnership between the Montecito Trails Foundation, Santa Barbara County’s Community Services Department Parks Division and Public Works Department, and the City of Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Department. The work on the trail itself following the devastating January 9th Montecito debris flow was supported through a number of volunteer trail workdays. Major trail repair work was completed by Montecito Trails Foundation and funded by donations from a local resident, Dancing Tides Foundation, and The Outhwaite Foundation in conjunction with FEMA.

“So many people have worked on this trail. We can’t wait to see them out enjoying it: Los Padres Forest Association, Trailscape, Inc., Los Padres Forest Service, Santa Barbara City Park’s Steve Biddle, Bucket Brigade, Dave Everett, Sage Trail Alliance, The Dons’ and countless individuals,” said Mayfield.

“As we continue to mourn the devastation of the 1/9 debris flow, especially the week of the two-year anniversary, it’s also important to celebrate the accomplishments we’ve made in recovery,” said Supervisor Williams. “Our County staff have worked above and beyond over these two years on recovery and the progress we’ve made would not be possible without the countless dedicated community volunteers willing to do the work to rebuild. It’s really awe-inspiring to be a part of.”

East Mountain Drive is still closed at Cold Springs Creek while a new bridge is being designed and constructed. However, the trailheads are accessible to pedestrians.