Literally stumbled upon this trail by accident! I was doing a training run for an upcoming marathon and needed to run 16 miles. Needless to say, I explored a lot of Carpinteria, one of the places being the Franklin Trail. I didn't go all the way up because I didn't have trail runners on -- I did just over two miles (so, about a quarter of what most reviewers did). Such a hidden gem and a nice place to enjoy and appreciate nature. I saw one other person ahead of me and then two other people going up when I was on my way down. It was super overcast when I went, but if I'm ever back in the area, I'd like to explore it on a clear day. 2022: 42/100 read more

This is a hidden gem of a hiking trail! Starting behind the high school, the trail has plenty of switch backs in between breaks of flat ground to provide a solid hike. Not to mention there's a gorgeous view of the ocean all the way to the top. The beginning of the trail is a bit tricky to find, but just make your way to the back of the baseball fields and you should be on your way. Not crowded compared to other trails in the area. read more

Franklin Trail - View on the way up - Hiking Near Me

See all

A newer, or more accurately stated, recently reopened trail in Carpinteria. Construction is still underway, currently Phase 1 of 3 is the only open section, word is that phase 2 will open in 2016. Eventually the trail will enter the Los Padres National Forest. Phase 1- Distance is 2.25 miles each way, making the loop 4.5 miles. It is an easy hike with some areas of incline. There visibility of the city and ocean during 90% of the hike which make for pretty scenery however limited shade. Bring water, wear sunscreen, etc... Directions- Easiest is to enter the address for Carpinteria High School as the trailhead starts to the left of the school (when facing it from the from entrance). Parking is at Meadowview Lane as it is prohibited on school property. A short walk on a walking/biking path leads you from parking to school. read more

Franklin Trail - Top of phase 1 - Hiking Near Me

Avocado orchards, sea view, and rolling hills! Franklin Trail is an amazing hike. I surprised myself and went 8.5 miles total; much further than my usual. 1) The trailhead is behind Carpinteria high school, which was quaint and cute to me. I parked on the side of the road and didn't have trouble finding a spot on a Saturday afternoon. 2) Then it winds through agriculture, including avocado orchards. 3) Next, it starts ramping uphill on switchbacks on a well-maintained dirt path. Enter the sea view! Despite the uphill, I found it easier somehow than other hikes I've done up mountains. 4) About 2-2.5 miles up, you reach a bench with a lovely view that's maintained in honor of a local. Also very quaint and cute. 5) You also reach a sign warning that it's Bear country! I'm not going to lie, I was scared of encountering a bear and mountain lion the rest of the way up- but I was hiking alone and am prone to being afraid. The sign recommended making noise, so I clapped intermittently and played an audiobook on speaker on my phone. I have no idea if this is good advice for others! Do your research. That said, I believe that dangerous encounters with these predators in this area are rare. 6) The hike then entered an incredibly gorgeous phase dotted with wildflowers, on ridges overlooking mountains and the sea, then down through dense, green forest. 7) It's a there-and-back-again hike, so I turned around a bit past the 4 mile marker. Was it crowded? Not at all. I saw some people on the stretch to and from the bench overlook. But was alone past mile 3 or so. Was it hard? Surprisingly less hard than it seems like it should have been. Although I am a bit sore a couple days later and my feet were tired that evening and the next morning. Is it well-maintained? Yes! I would use the word "lovingly." No trash, great signs, and an overall feelings of being beloved by the local community. Is it worth it? Absolutely. One of the most beautiful hikes I've done in SoCal. read more

Carpinteria has a new hike and it is great! It starts with a jaunt around the high school, and then you hike up, up, and into some incredible views of this lovely beach community. The fenced in beginning parts make you feel like a convict, but I promise it gets better. read more

Franklin Trail - Hiking Near Me

See all

What a beautiful hike. Anyone living in Carp must hike this at least once - even visitors should. Soooo soo beautiful from the top (peak of the Moutain) great pics too read more

Great views, definitely good for a semi-quick workout (if you just go to the bench) with the switchbacks. This is a no-shade hike so on a hot day it can be strenuous for those not hydrated/used to physical activity. Part 2 (after the bench) is also pretty nice scenic wise and it goes on literally forever! read more

This is my FAVORITE hike in Santa Barbara County (so far)! Though it is straight incline upwards and a rocky downpour on the way back I love love love the beautiful scenery each way, and of course the breath taking ocean view at the top. It also helps that there is really close, free parking and a number of craft breweries down the street for afterwards! I think the first bench is a perfect distance for those looking for a great outdoor workout that doesn't take up too much of their time/day but gives them that feeling that they went out and worked hard. Great to do with friends, run clubs, mountain biking (somewhat high intensity), and of course our four-legged furry members of the family! I used to run or walk this every day when I lived closer and really miss the wonderful feeling I got during and after. I am excited to announce (if you haven't heard already) that the second bench, or the 3.5 mile second phase, is officially open and ready for trekking on. Who's with me? Will definitely be checking that out when I get a free moment and sunny day sometime soon! Pictures to come.. read more

unbelievable views! Definately worth the drive. come at see for yourself. you will not believe the views. read more

Franklin Trail - Hiking Near Me

Wonderful Trail in Carp--starts right behind high school and provides a nice incline/climb up to great views of ocean and Carp. Lots of flowers this time of year! read more

After the fires there is no shade on the trail. It crosses a fire road at about 2 miles and you can go for many more miles up the road but again, no shade. The trail starts at the high school so make sure to go to the left side and you will begin in a fenced off trail, not where google maps leads you. I walked around for a while looking for the trail head and didn't find it for a while because google maps leads you through an orchard. There are clear markers on the trail showing the distance and markers and the view and wildflowers were beautiful. read more

Okay we did this hike yesterday and really enjoyed it. We are not hikers but do regularly exercise and like exploring the outdoors. That said, some people might say this is an easy hike, and it kind of is because the trail path is pretty wide, clear, and you don't have to climb over any boulders or maneuver around obstacles. But, it is almost all uphill for the first half (once you get around the high school) and even with regular exercise in our routines, we were pretty tired from the climbing up, up, up. There are a lot of little rocks in the path, so for older people who have trouble with balance (or anyone who has trouble with balance), it would be a little tricky because you would have to watch your stepping. Beautiful expansive ocean views. read more

The trailhead entrance is located right next to Carpinteria high school. You can park at the high school on the weekends and walk to the trail from there. read more