Growing up in Santa Barbara, I would occasionally visit the forest rangers stationed at this fire lookout tower. Today, the tower is no longer an active station and has fallen into disrepair yet it still stands prominently atop La Cumbre Peak. Several benchmarks can be found at the peak; the tower itself is a benchmark (EW8008). Other caches can be found along the Tunnel Trail and along East Camino Cielo Rd.
Bring a camera and a picnic lunch. The views of the Channel Islands, Santa Barbara, the Santa Ynez Mountains and Gibraltar Reservoir are phenomenal. The Forest Service once maintained a clean outhouse, benches and picnic tables at the peak. Like the tower, they are now relics but the picnic tables remain.
This is a two part multi-cache... The coordinates of the final cache location can be found in three separate ways. Once at ground zero, look for: a bison tube hanging in manzanita bush, a match tube under a suspicious pile or a rock with the coordinates painted underneath. Bring a pen or pencil to write them down.
A path on the northeast corner of the fenced off antenna and satellite dish area leads to the first stage. Please place the coordinate card back into the container. The final cache (a six inch diameter tin) is within easy walking distance.
Good luck & Happy caching!
La Cumbre Peak Day Use
Coulter pines, maple trees, manzanita, bay trees, chaparral and a picnic area, all at the top of the Santa Ynez Mountain Range, overlooking the city of Santa Barbara.
Tunnel Trail information
One of the most popular trails in Santa Barbara. It is within 5 minutes from downtown and has enough twists, turns, and surprises to keep hikers interested all the way to La Cumbre Peak.