Romero Canyon Watershed Walk

Romero Canyon Watershed Walk with Biologist Ian Jackson

Join us for an exploration of the Romero Canyon with local biologist and environmental educator, Ian Jackson. The hike will focus on identifying the plants and animals that call this watershed home. We’ll be walking the first mile or so of the trail at a leisurely pace, stopping along the way to investigate anything that catches our eyes or ears. The morning will bring beautiful scenery, abundant wildlife (birds, butterflies, lizards, frogs), wildflowers, tall trees, an opportunity to see the Sonoran maiden fern (a rare plant that reaches its northern range limit here in Santa Barbara). If we’re lucky, we’ll hear the beautiful song of the resident canyon wrens, and possibly, a glimpse of a spectacularly colorful (though completely harmless!) coast mountain kingsnake. Regardless, we will enjoy the soothing sounds of Romero Creek flowing downstream to the ocean and the lovely scenery of steep, sandstone canyon walls rising above a rich riparian and oak woodland habitat.

The trail terrain is moderately steep and often uneven and loose, so this will be a leisurely-paced hike with many stops. There will be two or three creek crossings that require some rock hopping. This walk will be about 2.5 miles round trip.

Free parking at the trailhead or at pullouts to the east and west of the trailhead. Please arrive early to find the meeting location and sign a participant waiver. We will begin promptly at 9:00 a.m. with introductions before hitting the trail.

Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes, a hat and/or sunscreen, and layers in case it gets windy or chilly. Bring a water bottle and binoculars (if you have them!). Hiking poles may be useful for creek crossings. There are no bathrooms at the trailhead. Dogs are welcome to join if they are well behaved and on a leash. Please consider carpooling to reduce your carbon footprint and ensure easier parking on a Sunday morning. In the event of rain, the event will be rescheduled.

Please register in advance for this free event. Space is limited to 15. Registration will also allow us to send you timely updates about the event.

Meeting Location: Romero Canyon Trailhead. (Google Maps)

From the 101 Freeway driving south, take exit 92 toward Sheffield Drive. Turn left toward N. Jameson Lane and then turn right onto N. Jameson Lane. Then turn left onto Sheffield Drive, then Left onto E. Valley Road, then right onto Romero Canyon Road, then right onto Bella Visa Drive. The trailhead will be on the right side of the road around a hair pin turn that crosses over Romero Creek.

Sunday, June 14, 2026
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.