There are four ways to find the public land destination you are seeking.
The destinations can be accessed through the Home/Search Page as follows:
1) Search by Destination
This search button will bring you to a list of all 50 locations listed alphabetically, with each linked to the full description for that destination.
2) Search by Distance
The destinations are divided into distances from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
3) Choose a Map Location
Just click on a Pindrop in the area you would like to explore.
4) Search by Activity
You can click on as many activities as you would like to engage in. Then you will be taken to a page that indicates which destinations meet your activity criteria. If there are too many destinations listed, you can narrow your search by choosing different distances from UCSB.
Accessible Features: To search for destinations that have accessible features, click on Accessible Features in the Activity Search. For more information on Accessible Features in State Parks, both generally and specifically, click here. An excellent website entitled "A Wheelchair Rider's Guide to the California Coast" can be accessed here.
For UCSB Students, and others, the distances shown for each destination are from Campbell Hall on the UCSB Campus. The “How To Get There” information is also from Campbell Hall. If a bus route takes you to, or very near, the location, the Bus option is indicated. If the destination is less than 12 miles, and there is a way to walk there, then walking is indicated as an option. If the destination is less than 100 miles and there is a way to bike there, then biking is indicated as an option.
After identifying one or more places you would like to explore, take a look at the brief description and photos in this website. If you are still interested, the links will provide you with more information, including directions, maps and species lists, where available.
REMEMBER, BEFORE MAKING FINAL PLANS TO VISIT A DESTINATION, CHECK THE OFFICIAL PUBLIC LAND WEBSITE TO MAKE SURE THE AREA WILL BE OPEN.
In general, the public lands agency websites are very helpful in providing you the information you need. Click them and take a look. If there is an on-line brochure link, this can be especially useful.
Also, destination-specific species lists and other links are included, where available. For many destinations listed, Santa Barbara Hikes provides great wildflower information on where to find wildflowers in the Santa Barbara area, including the San Rafael Mountains. To enhance your experience getting to the destination and at many destinations, I recommend using Arthur Sylvester's wonderful books: "Roadside Geology of Southern California" and "Geology Underfoot in Southern California."
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