Outdoors Features
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In depth stories about places to go, things to see and what to know. Focusing on the Santa Barbara area but featuring the western states.
The Hidden Costs of Mountain Biking
A Trip Up Romero Canyon With Native Plant Enthusiast Frank Sovich
Native plant lover Frank Sovitch explains why he feels Romero Canyon Trail should be closed to mountain bikes. Read story.
Trails Council Hosts Multi-Use Trails Conference
Intensive Workshop is Devoted to Trail Design for Sustainable Multi-Use Trails
Trails Council hosts a major trail design workshop that focuses on issues relating to our local front country trails. Read story.
Reclaiming Nature For Kids
Museum of Natural History Gathering Explores Issues Relating to Loss of Natural Experiences in Childhood
Workshop sponsored by Museum of Natural History explores ways to bring more nature into the lives of our kids. Read story.
Good Tips For Going Outdoors
Have Fun and Stay Out of Trouble
Tips for getting the most out of your outdoor adventure. Read story.
Vandenberg Offers Access to Shut-Off State Park
Return to Point Sal?
After more than a year without access to Point Sal State Park due to military security concerns, the 140-acre plot of prime ocean views once again opened to the public, as of Tuesday, April 8. Read story.
Follow That Saguaro
Lounging Around Scottsdale
Barney gets away from it all in Scottsdale. Read story.
Point Sal Now Open
Santa Barbara County and Vandenberg Agree on Plan to Re-Open Public Access to State Park
Santa Barbara County and Vandenberg agree on plan to re-open public access to state park. Read story.
Return to Point Sal?
Vandenberg Air Force Base Offers Access to Shut-Off State Park
Vandenberg Air Force Base offers access to shut-off state park. Read story.
Forest Service Reopens Burn Areas
Trail Damage Extensive; Public Urged to Use Extreme Caution
Los Padres National Forest officials announced Monday that Zaca Fire burn areas will be reopened at noon, April 4. Read story.
Will The Backcountry Trails Be Opened Soon?
Backcountry Experts to Share Information about Trail Conditions on March 10
Wilderness lovers have been wondering when the San Rafael and Dick Smith wildernesses will be open once again for use. Closed since last summer's 240,000-acre Zaca Fire, Forest Service officials had hoped to have many of the trails available for use this spring. Get the latest information at the annual Trails Council meeting this Monday night, March 10. Read story.
The Barren Beauty of Death Valley
Land of Surprises
I love nature’s wildness almost more than anything; its ability to restore me is incomparable. Read story.
Hiking Rim to Rim of the Grand Canyon
Into the Void
Grand Canyon National Park slices the Colorado Desert like a deep, open wound, the Colorado River flowing freely like a severed artery. Teetering on the South Rim, I imagined the canyon’s visitors as something akin to being medically corrupt — a throng of grunge surgeons hovering above the imposing gash. Read story.
Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day Coming Soon
4th annual event this Saturday open to all youngsters
Kids and parents riding bikes on trails, having fun, and learning about local natural resources! What more could you want? Join SBMTV experts at the 4th annual Take a Kid Mountain Biking day. Read story.
Forest Closure to be Reduced
Some parts of the forest will be re-opened for recreation but much of it will stay closed
Though it will be good news to those who want to get back out into Los Padres Forest, many will be disappointed at how little access will be allowed. What has been a summer-long closure of most of the Santa Barbara backcountry may extend thoughout the winter. Read story.
Fire Fighters Make Great Progress on Zaca Fireline
Sisquoc Line Almost Complete; Highway 33 Backfiring Gets Exciting
The backfire operations along Highway 33 provided fire fighters with lots of drama and plenty of fireworks. Read story.
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