Santa Barbara’s mountains are calling avid hikers to test their limits during the third annual 5-Peaks Challenge, sponsored by Santa Barbara County Trails Council.

The 5-Peaks Challenge, which runs Feb. 1-May 1, combines a love for our local trails with a community-building experience, organizers said.

“It is more than just a physical test, it’s about bringing together Santa Barbara’s outdoor community and celebrating the beauty that extends across the vast San Rafael and Santa Ynez Mountains,” they said.

Participants can choose five peaks from a list of 11, each offering a unique glimpse into Santa Barbara County’s varied landscapes.

“Each climb offers panoramic views in all directions and an opportunity to connect with the pristine nature these areas have to offer,” the Trails Council said.
 
The featured peaks, accessible for day trips from anywhere in Santa Barbara County, are Arlington Peak, Cachuma Mountain, Cathedral Peak, Flores Peak, Gaviota Peak, La Cumbre Peak, Little Pine Mountain, Montecito Peak, White Mountain, Ranger Peak, and Barger Peak.
 
“It was so exciting watching people reach the top of a summit for the first time,” said Riley Clark, an adventure guide, “We would just all soak in the moment at the top together, feeling proud and grateful.”

The challenge’s self-paced structure allows participants to complete hikes on their own time during a three-month period.

“It’s up to you whether you want to conquer all five peaks in a week, or spread out the adventure well into the spring,” organizers said. “The challenge is designed to be physically demanding, with trails that range from moderate to strenuous, making it ideal for experienced hikers.”

The Trails Council suggests beginner hikers train for the challenge with a moderate hike like Gaviota Peak via Tunnel View/Trespass Trail.

Participants can register here, or on the Trails Council website.
 
To verify each climb, participants must submit a photo of themselves at the summit. You only need to choose one of the following submission methods:

●  Post your summit photos on Instagram with peak names and hashtags #SB5Peaks and #SantaBarbaraTrails (private Instagram accounts are not visible).
● Join the Strava club at https://www.strava.com/clubs/5-Peaks-Challenge and log your hikes.
●  Submit photos directly through the Google Form https://forms.gle/zvM2byocKFg9xgy86
●  Email photo to explore@santabarbaratrails.org.

5-Peaks summit climbers will be recognized on the Trails Council’s social media. Participants who verify five climbs will receive a certificate and commemorative sticker, and will be entered into a drawing for gift certificates to be awarded at a Trails & Ales event in early May.

The Santa Barbara County Trails Council’s mission is to protect public trail access, build and maintain safe and sustainable trails, and promote public engagement in land stewardship and trail use for all types of outdoor recreation.

For more, visit https://sbtrails.org/.