3.0 Coastal Trail and Access Framework
3.2 Central Segment - Proposed Gaviota Coastal Trail and Access 3.0
Alignment Overview: This segment of the proposed Coastal Trail would run for 5.6 miles through El Capitan and Refugio State Beaches, following a series of already developed paved bike paths, roads and trails, including 3.5 miles of paved bluff top bike path (Figure 3-3). This segment would be located entirely on public land or ROW, primarily on land under the ownership of California State Parks. Completion of this segment and repair and improvements to existing trails would require coordination between State Parks, the County and Caltrans.
The central segment of the proposed Coastal Trail features the existing 2.5 mile long bluff top Aniso Trail offering informal beach access and spectacular views across the Pacific to El Capitan Point. Coastal erosion threatens a segment of this trail and has caused closure of part of the trail, although it remains in use by hikers and cyclists.
More than 4.3 miles (72%) of this segment would follow existing paved bike paths with an additional 1.0 mile along existing roads or road shoulders, with parallel existing scenic offroad trails available for 0.6 miles of this reach. While segments of these roads and trails require improvement or maintenance (one major), only 0.4 miles (6%) would require new construction. The central segment of the Coastal Trail would provide a more developed trail experience than the eastern segment, with the majority of the trail following paved bike paths through two State Parks with associated restrooms, stores, picnic ground and improved beach access. Trail users would experience scenic trails in riparian and oak woodlands, coastal meadows, stands of Monterey cypress and eucalyptus and multiple beach access trails, ranging from beachfront picnic grounds to isolated sandy pocket beaches. Many segments offer panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Channel Islands and the shoreline of the Gaviota Coast. Details of the existing alignment and route of various trail segments along with design issues are addressed below. Central Segment Proposed Trail and Access Summary
Trail Segment Length: 5.6 miles- 4.3 miles of existing bike path Land Ownership: California State Parks, Caltrans, Santa Barbara County Railroad Crossings: Two existing under crossings; no new crossing required. Highway Crossings: Two existing under crossings. Creek Crossings: Six over existing bridges/ culverts. Trail Repair Issues: Major repair required for 580 feet of trail damaged by coastal erosion. Coastal Access Points: Multiple existing developed access points in El Capitan and Refugio State Beaches and 2 informal access trails. Parking: Two fee parking lots with 170 spaces; 40+ free US 101 roadside spaces.
Gaviota Coastal Trail and Access Study
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