San Ysidro Canyon, like Cold Springs, begins high in the Juncal Formation and thus the creek flows late in the summer when other creeks are nearly dry. It is a beautiful canyon and a nice one for taking trail novices because there is such a range of options.

Due to the tireless efforts of the Montecito Trails Foundation there is a large network of trails to be found in this area and one new trail just about to be completed: the Girard Trail. It is named for Bud Girard, long-time volunteer and manager of the MTF trail system. If you see a new trail sign, a set of stairs which wasn't there last trip, or the trail has been brushed out nicely—more than likely you should thank Bud and his crew.

If you would like more information about the Montecito Trails Foundation call the MTF message line at 969-3514 or write them at P.O. Box 5481, Santa Barbara, CA 93150. Family or individual memberships cost $25 and the money is well spent.

San Ysidro is a canyon of contrasts. In the lower canyon you pass by the San Ysidro Guest Ranch where you can spy tennis courts, swimming pools and cottages of all sorts, including one named for President John Kennedy when he stayed here after marrying Jacqueline. There are also several magnificent estates along the way, one of which is landscaped along either side of the Old Pueblo Trail.

Then suddenly, the trail drops down into the canyon and civilization is left behind. The road bobs up and down on the edge of the creek and there are glimpses of the mountains which lie just ahead of you. Side trails lead off at regular intervals and as you reach the top of one knoll a wall of sandstone appears on the west side of the canyon where most likely you will be able to sit and watch the climbers making their way like spiders up one of a number of routes.

Oddly, the canyon is much narrower where it passes through the Cozy Dell Shale than at this point, where it courses through the usually resistant Coldwater Sandstone. This is due to the peculiar nature of the geologic layers of the Santa Ynez Mountains which do not run parallel to the crest, but pass obliquely over the crest and then dip to the east across the mountains and under the coastal plain.

The character of each layer changes as it descends from top to bottom. For instance, when crossing the top of the mountains, Coldwater Sandstone crops out as intricately worn boulder fields, such as those at Lizard’s Mouth or the Playground. Closer to Santa Barbara this sandstone angles down to form the Mission Crags and the magnificent toothed shape of Cathedral Peak. At lower elevations the sandstone forms exquisite narrows such as those at Seven Falls and Rattlesnake Canyon.

As it dips under the coastal flood plain, as it does in San Ysidro Canyon, the sandstone is well eroded and the canyons are wider. This occurred during the Pleistocene, the period of rapid uplift, when the canyons were much deeper and continued farther seaward, perhaps as much as three miles.