Linking Carpinteria to the Backcountry

In January 2011, a group of dedicated Carpinteria community members created Friends of Franklin Trail to raise the necessary funds to reopen the historic Franklin Trail which was first opened back in 1913 (photo to the right courtesy of the Carpinteria Historical Society). Until the late 1970s, hikers used the Edison Maintenance Road through Horton Ranch and Rancho Monte Alegre (Stegall Ranch). For a more indepth history of the trail, click here.

Fundraising Complete

Working with the County of Santa Barbara Parks Department and the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County, Friends of Franklin Trail has surpassed its goal of raising the $450,000 needed to complete construction. With a school district license and three easements obtained by County Parks in place, the trail project will involve a range of construction projects necessary to meet the requirements for building through each of the properties. The goal is to have the trail construction complete by Summer of 2013 because of the earliest easement condition of completion. Read the latest update on the project from the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County.

Friends of Franklin Steering Committee, led by Co-Chairs Bud Girard and Jane Murray, has been actively raising funds through private donors, foundations and community service organizations. Once complete, the Franklin Trail will provide members of the community with 5 miles of mulit-use trail for hikers, bikers and equestrians, connecting Carpinteria to the Los Padres National Forest and its beloved backcountry. Donations will continue to be accepted to help support future trail expansion and maintenance. Donate online now >>