Sedgwick Reserve | Walking Ecology and Public Hikes

Our docent guides will lead multiple levels of hikes to accommodate a diversity of abilities while offering insights into the unique geologic history, flora, and fauna of our spectacular Reserve. Come visit one of the crown jewels of the University of California Natural Reserve System!

Check-in for registrants opens at 8:30am and hikes depart from the field station promptly at 9am. Hikes last two to three hours. Hikers are welcome to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in the shade of beautiful valley oaks at our Field Station picnic area after your hike and take advantage of the opportunity to see the newly-renovated century-old historic Sedgwick barn, the Sedgwick pond (home to numerous rare and special-status species, including the Western pond turtle and the tricolored blackbird), and the LEED-certified Tipton Meeting House.

Hikes are by-donation; suggested donation is $20/person ($10 for students). Your support allows us to continue this offering!

In the event of rain hikes will be cancelled and registrants will be notified via email 24 hours in advance.Registration required: http://sedgwick.nrs.ucsb.edu/classes/march-public-hike-day

Check-in opens at 8:30am and hikes will depart promptly at 9am.

Three levels of intensity are offered for the March hike day:

Easy Hike: Mesa Trail.

Approximately 1.5 hours and 1 mile with 400 feet of elevation gain. An easy stroll along the Mesa with a good share of interpretation and vistas. Includes a long stair climb and a short down hill stretch, about two hours total. An optional tour of the restored Ranch House and the hundred year old barn, home of our Sedgwick Barn Owl. Appropriate for children and seniors. Bring water and snacks. The easy hike is limited to the first 25 people who sign up.
 Register here!

Moderate Hike: Blue Schist Trail.

Approximately 2.35 miles with 630 feet of elevation gain. A moderately strenuous hike with two long grades to climb. Moderate amount of interpretation by docents, beautiful vistas, wildflowers in season, the results of a dormant earthquake uplift to see, and interesting rock formations. Almost three hours. Our most popular hike. Bring water and snacks. The moderate hike is limited to the first 25 people who sign up. Register here!

Strenuous Hike: Northeast Loop.

Approximately 5 miles with 1460 feet elevation change. An aerobic workout at the northern end of the Reserve. Hills to climb and wonderful vistas and wildflowers in season. Not much interpretation by docents and almost four hours long. Bring water and snacks. The moderate hike is limited to the first 25 people who sign up. Register here!  Register here!