"Seeing people out enjoying the trails is the best gift we can receive in return for our work." ashleemayfield@mac.com

"I love all the front country trails, but my favorites are the smaller, less traveled single tracks near my home. I consider myself fortunate that MTF helps provide a resource of trails so close to our city where we can readily exercise and rediscover nature and open space. paddymcmahon@verizon.net

"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves." ~John Muir kristine.sperling@gmail.com

"I love the drive and short hike from Camino Cielo to Montecito Peak. But, my favorite is the spectacular 7-trail triangle loop connecting San Ysidro, Cold Spring, Connector, Hot Springs, McMenemy, Old Pueblo and Wiman. An early start, food, sunscreen, plenty of water and 11+ miles of absolute front country bliss. It's an all time epic hike." kylenslattery@yahoo.com

"Santa Barbara's trails are some of the only trails where you feel equally connected to the earth, the sky, and the sea. There's nothing quite like that feeling of being so far up, with such unobstructed views. It really is a reminder that there's no place like home." ms.kristiana@gmail.com

"What I love most about our trails is no matter how much I run them I discover something new every time." jennifer@nshmlaw.com

"San Ysidro Trail is my go-to place for nature appreciation and self-reflection." tonymorrisca@gmail.com

"One of my favorite trails has to be Franklin, as it is very close to my house. I can get in a quick hike with a nice climb up the single track to get my heart pumping and enjoy beautiful views of the vallet and islands along the way. For more of an adventure one can climb the 8 miles to the crest and then over the top to Alder Camp and Jameson Lake." ltvolunteer@yahoo.com

"I feel fortunate to live in such a magical place where the mountains meet the sea. I have a deep passion for our trails which I hike or ride everyday." chris_r_russo@yahoo.com

"In the early 80's I kept a young horse on Lilac Drive. The pasture bordered the Fearing connector trail to so I could easily reach the Old Pueblo Trail, the San Ysidro and Romero Trails, and the pathways along East Valley and Ortega Ridge. I marveled at how nicely kept these trails were. A neighbor and founding member of MTF explained that membership dues covered the cost of maintenance...and why wasn't I a member? I signed up and have served on the board for almost 40 years!" haybarn@cox.net

sossb@silcom.com

Growing up in beautiful Santa Barbara, I’ve had the pleasure of hiking, running, biking, and rock climbing on our local trails for many years. As a public educator, I strongly believe in multi-use trails, the power of partnerships, and our collective responsibility to care for our trails. In the words of John Muir: “Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul.”