Franklin Trail Carpinteria California 44 Stock Photo

Originally opened in 1913 by the Forrest Service and with permission of the Franklin Family, for who the Franklin Trail in Carpinteria, California is named, as they are the ones who gave the public permission to use of their land for hiking and picnicking. But the big problem came in the 1970`s, when the ranchers of the surrounding properties were concerned about people and horses passing by, their shoes would drop contaminated soils that was fatal to their trees. The trail was closed for the next forty years. With the assistance of a lot of good volunteers and time, the trail is again open to the public for hiking, starting right in front of Carpinteria High School, winding past their track field and the now fenced off ranches still there, winding up swiitchbacks nearly seven and half miles 12,000 K, to an elevation of nearly 3,700 ft 1127.76 m. Along the way are benches to stop and enjoy the views below, including the Salt Marsh, and one special, beautiful bench in memory of Carpinteria native and avid surfer Frank Louda, who died doing what he loved to do most. Just a word of warning, you will not find any restrooms or drinking fountains along the way. As enjoyed 1 April 2024