Santa Barbara Trail Work Series presented by Runners for Public Lands and the Los Padres Forest Association
About this race
Runners for Public Lands (RPL) envisions a world in which everyone has access to healthy, runnable landscapes. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that empowers runners to protect public lands and expand access to nature for all.
We are excited to partner with the Santa Barbara Foundation, Los Padres Forest Association, the Santa Barbara Trail League, and the United States Forest Service (USFS), to present the 2026 Trail Work Series in Santa Barbara County. This brings our local community of runners together to learn about and care for the living landscapes we run with. Through repetitive, hands-on service events, we can grow ecological values and create strong connections that inspire runners to care for the places they love.
The 2026 Santa Barbara Trail Work Series will include 4 independent trail work events. Each event will be approved, permitted, and insured by the USFS, led by the Los Padres Forest Association trail work leaders, and managed by Runners for Public Lands Ambassadors. Attend multiple events and win prizes from our brand coalition sponsors, including Athletic Brewing, GU, Fractel, On, Altra, as well as local partners and Runners for Public Lands.
Registration opens on February 7 th for the first event of the season, which will be held on Saturday, March 7th. Later events will be held in April and May. Please note that the days and times of all events are subject to change based on the discretion of the USFS, current conditions, and weather. We will keep everyone informed through the Runners for Public Lands Ventura/Santa Barbara Strava Club and direct emails to registrants.
Pick your distance
Running
Trail Work Series - Event #1 Rattlesnake Canyon
Help prepare Rattlesnake Canyon Trail for the legendary Santa Barbara Nine Trails Endurance Runs! Volunteers will park and meet at Skofield Park, in the grassy overflow parking area to the left as soon as you enter the park—located here (34.456523, -119.693249). Schedule: Once we’re all together; we'll have a brief welcome, educational session and a safety talk to go over the plan for the day, distribute the tools and then start up the trail. Expect to hike 3 miles round trip. Project Description: We’ll break into teams and the work will consist of brushing. While there is some shade, plan on being in the sun. Please bring water, snacks, and lunch as we’ll plan on working until 1 pm or so and then heading back down to the trailhead. Trail work refreshments will be provided as well as some RPL swag and giveaways from our sponsor Teva, including a pair of Hurricane Trailsetters and more! Recommended items for trail work: - Closed toed shoes are required (Teva's will be provided!) - Long sleeves and pants - Hat - Sunglasses/Eye protection - Work gloves (if you have them) - Sunscreen - Water - Personal snacks/ Food (especially if you have food sensitivities) - Pack Layers as it will be cold in the morning. Location to Meet: Skofield Park: https://maps.app.goo.gl/awdTu2YcUpJTQ5Ti9 *Note: This trail work project is approved and permitted under the volunteer service agreement between the USFS, the Los Padres Forest Association, and Runners for Public Lands. The USFS may require that we change the location or cancel this event for any reason, especially if weather or hazardous conditions exist. Should a change of plans be necessary we will inform all participants as soon as possible. The Runners for Public Lands Ventura/ Santa Barbara Strava Club Page is the best place to see these updates.
Trail Work Series - Event # 2 Baron Ranch
This project will include tread work. Trailhead where volunteers will park is (34.471102, -120.115147). Distance covered will be up to 2 miles round trip. Trail work refreshments will be provided as well as some RPL swag and giveaways from our sponsors! Recommended items for trail work: - Close-toed shoes - Long sleeves and pants - Hat - Sunglasses/Eye protection - Work gloves (if you have them) - Sunscreen - Water - Personal snacks/ Food (especially if you have food sensitivities) - Pack Layers as it will be cold in the morning.
Trail Work Series - Event #3 Cold Springs Trail After Work Project
This project will remove non-native trees. Volunteers will meet at Cold Springs Trailhead (34.45644, -119.65367). Distance covered will be up to 1/2 a mile round trip. Trail work refreshments will be provided as well as some RPL swag and giveaways from our sponsors! Recommended items for trail work: - Close-toed shoes - Long sleeves and pants - Hat - Sunglasses/Eye protection - Work gloves (if you have them) - Sunscreen - Water - Personal snacks/ Food (especially if you have food sensitivities) - Pack Layers
Trail Work Series - Event #4 Santa Cruz Trail Clean Up
Volunteers will meet at First Crossing (34.545750, -119.778881). RPL Ambassadors will email volunteers a parking pass. We will group up and carpool/caravan to the locked gate above Upper Oso Campground. Work will focus on brushing the Santa Cruz Trail, about 3 miles round trip and relatively flat. As additional details are finalized, they will be provided in updates to registered participants. Recommended items for trail work: - Closed-toe shoes - Long sleeves and pants - Hat - Sunglasses/eye protection - Work gloves (if you have them) - Sunscreen - Water - Personal snacks/food (especially if you have food sensitivities) Los Padres Forest Association will have all tools, hardhats, and some extra work gloves.
Typical race-day weather
Based on 2 years of Open-Meteo archive data for this event's race dates in Santa Barbara, plus the 3 days either side.
The sun rises at 6:19 AM and sets at 6:00 PM local time (PST) in Santa Barbara on March 7, 2026 — 11h 40m of daylight.
Course
No course map published yet.
The organizer hasn't released a route for this event, and we don't publish guesses. If you're the organizer, send us a GPX file and we'll draw the profile.
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🏃 Plan Your Next Race in Santa Barbara
Find upcoming events by distance:
- Santa Barbara 5K Races 5 races
- Santa Barbara Running Calendar 2026 8 races
Where this page comes from. Race details were last updated on . We re-check listings regularly and again in the week before race day.
- Entries, prices, waves and inclusions — the event's official registration page
- Temperature and humidity — Copernicus ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0)
- Elevation and terrain relief — Copernicus DEM GLO-90, ESA (CC BY 4.0)
- Comparisons and counts — Race Discovery calendar, 10 Santa Barbara events
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