The East Fork Cold Spring Trail (often called Cold Springs) is a popular hike that leads from Montecito over the mountain and into the backcountry.  The trail is broken into two sections: the southern or frontcountry side and the northern of backcountry side. 

The southern portioin of the East Fork Trail is used primarily by dayhikers and mountain bikers looking for a little exercise or an excuse to get out for some fresh air.  There are multiple routes leading from the trailhead but ultimately you’ll find your way up past the Eucalyptus Trees and along the western edge of Montecito Peak.  You can ascend Montecito Peak as an end destination or continue up to Cold Spring Saddle atop East Camino Cielo.  It is possible to loop this trail in with nearby San Ysidro Canyon Trail.  While the trail can be crowded, it offers the best of what the Santa Barbara Frontcountry has to offer.  Great views of the ocean and Channel Islands, waterfalls and pools for cooling off and a wide variety of plants to marvel at.

From the parking area the path follows the east side of the stream, gradually rising through a forest of live oak before returning back to the creek and a profusion of alders. A very beautiful twin-spouted waterfall and bench from which to enjoy it can be spotted near the side of the creek. In a thin opening, easily missed, you’ll find the turnoff to the West Fork trail.

Beyond here the East Fork trail heads away from the creek, switching back and forth several times to a point where there is a nice view of West Fork canyon. From there the trail is level. It is also is narrow and a bit dangerous unless you are careful; the mountainside falls away rather precipitously. After a half mile the trail rejoins the creek at a lovely grouping of alders, a small waterfall and a pool.

The trail then crosses the stream, heads left up into a chaparral then switches back to the right, bringing you to a bedrock canyon where there are a number of  waterfalls and pools. The open sandstone ledges and sunning spots are very popular for afternoon lunches.

This also marks the end of the canyon section of the East Fork. A hundred yards beyond, the trail turns right, crosses the creek, and rises up a strike canyon into the chaparral. Continue up the creek if you like. Though it rises rather steeply, the hike up canyon is worthwhile. Many surprises await you if you have the energy to travel far enough. Even if you don’t get too far there are plenty of places to stop and have a place all to yourself.

The main trail follows the side canyon, which was formed by the weathering of the easily-eroded Cozy Dell Shale. The path curves in a clockwise direction around the canyon then begins to switch back and forth up to a viewpoint where there are several power line towers and very nice vistas. The dirt road built to service these towers leads into Hot Springs Canyon and eventually over to San Ysidro Canyon.

Just before the last switchback leading up to the towers you’ll notice a trail intersection. This marks the beginning of the Cold Spring Ridge Trail which will take you back down to Mountain Drive. To many, the   combination of the canyon hike up and ridge hike back down is the best loop hike in the Santa Barbara area.

If your intent is to continue towards the crest you will reach the powerlines about a quarter mile beyond the loop intersection. Follow the Edison Jeepway fifty yards east and you’ll spot the start of  the upper section of the Cold Springs Trail on the left. It rises quickly up into the Matilija Sandstone. The route curves around the east side of a large knoll, which you will appreciate very much if you are hiking up in the afternoon, because the knoll shades this section, which is steep.

As you round the final curve you’ll notice an intersection leading down into Hot Springs Canyon. There is a “No Trespassing” sign posted at the entrance and the trail hasn’t been maintained for quite awhile. That sign is likely to go away soon as the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County has raised the funds to purchase the private ranch that includes the Hot Springs and is in the process of transferring it to Los Padres Forest.

A mile further up, after a series of switchbacks, the solitary eucalyptus trees will tell you that Montecito Peak is not too far ahead. The trail crosses the western flank. If you want to hike to the top of the peak continue on the trail until you are almost past it. The route leads very steeply up the north side of the 3214’ Montecito Peak. It is a 2500’ (a half mile!) climb from the trailhead to the top but what a feeling once you are there.

After this the trail continues upward along a ridgeline and then curves left into the upper end of Cold Springs Canyon. Gradually the steepness begins to lessen and the walking becomes easier as you enter the Juncal Formation. From there is it a half mile of much more pleasant walking to the crest.

From here you can continue on down the back side of the Santa Ynez Mountains, either to Forbush Flats or all the way to the river (see the Forbush trail description). Or you can turn right on Camino Cielo and walk east several hundred yards to the San Ysidro Trail and drop back down it.

Ray Ford - http://www.sboutdoors.com/cold-spring-east-trail.html