Outside Insider
Get the inside perspective on what's happening on the outdoor scene. Weekly column by Ray Ford explores a variety of issues and topics.
OP Your Trail Treat
Learning How to Pick Your Your Doggie Do
Have you ever noticed those tiny trail treats that seem to be popping up along the trails? Read story.
Starbucks Leaves a Bad Taste in a Very Needy Guy
Great Tasting Instant But Is It Right for the Trail?
Ray checks out the new VIA line of coffee. Read story.
Good Deed Gone Really, Really Bad?
County Fire Investigators Say Trail Gnomes May Have Sparked Jesusita Fire
Ray takes a look back at the Jesusita Fire investigation. Read story.
Pano Provides Perspective
Image from Colson Canyon Ridge Shows Difficulty of Task
Why take just one picture when you can stitch five together? Read story.
Time to Rebuild Local Trails
Jeusita Fire The Perfect Opportunity to Rehabilitate Fire-Damaged Trails to Meet 21st Century Needs
A look at why it may be better to go slow in opening fire-damaged trails. Read story.
The Trail Tools Are Being Sharpened
With last week's rain the soil is almost ready to work and it's getting time to start working the trails again. Read story.
New Wilderness Map Available
Detailed Backcountry Map Is a Must for Every Hiking Enthusiast
New Dick Smith map will provide a valuable addition to any wilderness enthusiast's collection. Read story.
Coming Like a Freight Train
The Time to Prepare for Post-Gap Fire Impacts Is Now
New County emergency post-fire plan deals with the impacts of the Gap Fire which could be heading our way once the rainy season begins. Read story.
First Look at the Gap Fire's Aftermath
With Wet Weather Coming Soon, What Will Happen to the Canyons Above Goleta?
With wet weather coming soon, what will happen to the canyons above Goleta? Read story.
Hot Days, No Water, and Dead Dogs
Erin and Brian Caramadre are from Thousand Oaks, but they visit Santa Barbara often because they love our trails. One of their favorites is Romero Canyon because of the variety of scenery and the views from the top of the crest. Read story.
Trail Picture Becoming Brighter
City, County and Forest Service Reach Historic Agreement
Though it may not seem like it, a lot is happening on our local trails, including a new agreement among the agency partners. Read story.
The Lure of Going Lite
Shed the Pounds and Have Way More Fun
It no longer takes 40 pounds of gear to get out in the wilderness. With new technology, it's possible to shave your gear down to less than 10 pounds, not counting food and water. Read story.
Why Mountain Bikes Need Regulating
A Closer Look at the Front Country Trails
Ray takes a look at the reasons why we should be wary of mechanization of the front country trails. Read story.
Zaca Fire Impacts Drinking Water Treatment
City Confident Water Will Meet Strict Health Standards
Ray takes a look at how the Zaca Fire has impacted local water resources. Read story.
Go Online, Get Outdoors
Check out our new online outdoor guide. Read story.
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