Live Oak Camp trails in northern Santa Barbara County will open for hikers and walkers in 2021.

The trails, nestled in the San Raphael and Santa Ynez mountains, were previously exclusive to equestrian use only.

The pilot program that launches in January will allow walkers and hikers on the trails, according to county Third District Supervisor Joan Hartmann.

“We’ve seen with COVID how important it is to get outside and keep up physical activity, and I think the rhythmic movement of hiking in nature is very important,” Hartmann said. “I am very supportive of opening the trails to hikers.”

There has been debate over whether to open the trails further to allow bikers on the paths, and Hartmann said her office has received many emails from equestrian riders voicing their concern on the matter.

While it was initially announced that the trails would be open to bikers in June 2021, it is still up for some discussion and the timing is uncertain, according to Hartmann.

“I think we have to look very carefully at bikes, particularly with electric bikes,” Hartmann said, noting that she is an equestrian rider. “If we manage this, we need to make sure it’s safe for everyone.”

— Noozhawk staff writer Jade Martinez-Pogue can be reached at jmartinez-pogue@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.