Crews rescued an injured hiker from the Cold Spring Trail above Montecito Friday afternoon. 

A man was headed back from Tangerine Falls when he injured his knee, according to the Montecito Fire Department. 

Firefighters, Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue, and County Air Support Unit Copter 3 responded to the 12:33 p.m. call and located the hiker along the West Fork of the trail. 

He was rescued, hoisted up to the helicopter and airlifted to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, according to Montecito Fire. 

This is at least the fourth helicopter rescue from frontcountry trails this year. 

Injured hikers have been rescued and airlifted off the Tangerine Falls Trail, Tunnel Road Trail and San Ysidro Trail in early 2026.