Supervisor Roy Lee’s Update on the Hot Springs Trail

First District Supervisor Roy Lee has been working with the Hot Springs Trail (HST) Stakeholders Group to resolve the ongoing concerns from all sides of the issue since last year. The formal update on the progress of the resolutions was provided to the Montecito Journal via his Deputy Chief Aida Thau.

I reached out to Lee for his statement on the data points in his letter [printed below], which he provided:

“It’s one of my top priorities to listen to the needs of the community. I’ve heard from Montecito Fire and from residents that fire dangers on Hot Springs Trail are a huge concern. We’ve been working to prevent illegal use and fire danger on all of our front country trails. This is a pretty lengthy process, but we are coordinating closely with the hiking community, as well as multiple working groups being run by our office, to come up with solutions that make sense. Everything we are working on in the area will allow law enforcement to keep the trails safe while respecting our local hikers.” – Sup. Roy Lee

Lee’s May 13 Letter to the Montecito Stakeholders:

Dear Montecito Stakeholders,

In response to numerous inquiries regarding ongoing efforts to minimize fire risks at the Hot Springs Trail, our office has compiled the following update on recent activities and upcoming plans concerning fire safety, enforcement, and public education.

As we all know, effective solutions require collaboration, so our office is working closely with Montecito Fire Department, Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, California Highway Patrol, U.S. Forest Service, Montecito Water District, County Parks, County Public Works, Montecito Trails Foundation, Montecito Stewards, Santa Barbara Wildfire Protection Team, and Montecito neighbors on short-term and long-term solutions.

The Hot Springs Trail Fire Safety Taskforce and the Hot Springs Trail Public Education/Social Media Taskforce have guided these efforts during their monthly meetings. They have been instrumental in identifying necessary improvements and community outreach as we head into the summer season, aiming to improve fire safety conditions and facilitate responsible public use of the Hot Springs Trail. Many thanks to all those who have volunteered their time and work at these taskforce groups. 

Recent Actions and Ongoing Improvements  (as of May 1, 2025):

– Resolution for Red Flag Fire Warning Closures Pilot Program: County Public Works brought the approved pilot program resolution to the Board of Supervisors for adoption on May 6, 2025.

– Enhanced HST Closure Fencing: County Parks is upgrading the fencing around the Hot Springs Trail gate with higher, no-climb mesh to improve closures during Red Flag Warning days. They will also place A-Frames with improved signage to close the HST parking area during restricted times, a method that has proven effective in the past. ETA end of May 2025.

– Oversize Vehicle Restrictions: County Public Works will propose 24/7 parking restrictions on oversize vehicles (24 foot long or/and 7 feet tall) and corresponding towing enforcement on East Mountain Drive area. This item was proposed to the Board of Supervisors for consideration on May 13, 2025.

– Road Work Completion: The dike work and shoulder backing on East Mountain Drive (on properties that pushed back their landscaping) is scheduled for completion by County Public Works in mid-May 2025.

– Road Markings: County Public Works will repaint white lines in the area to improve safety and clarify parking zones. The work on Riven Rock is contingent on a Caltrans permit. ETA June 2-20, 2025.

– Overnight Parking Restrictions: County Public Works will propose an amendment to the existing ordinance to implement no overnight parking restrictions for all vehicles and corresponding towing enforcement on East Mountain Drive, Ashley Road, Riven Rock Road, and in the Hot Springs Trail entrance parking lot. This item will be proposed to the Board of Supervisors for consideration on June 24, 2025, or early July. (This would be in addition to the already approved oversized vehicle towing mentioned above.)

– Street Signage: Once all changes are approved by the Board of Supervisors, the corresponding signage will be installed and enforced. Public Works will issue the work orders for new signage. New signs are usually installed within 2-6 weeks after work orders are issued, depending on availability of the materials and crew. ETA end of July or early August 2025.

– Additional Parking Study: The efficiency and impact of these changes will be reviewed after six months. If this review indicates a need, we will then study the feasibility of developing additional parking spaces near the Cold Spring Trail entrance (which connects to the Hot Springs Trail) or near the Cold Spring Basin area. ETA November 2025.

– Outreach & Public Education: To ensure that the public is informed before each implementation phase, standardized social media messages, emails, and press releases will be distributed and shared across all collaborating agencies and shared with most used sites such as All Trails, Visit Santa Barbara, etc.  

We hope this update is informative. Our office remains committed to support Montecito Fire enhancing fire safety and improving responsible access through collaboration and proactive measures.

Thank you,

Aida Thau, Deputy Chief for Supervisor Roy Lee
411: www.countyofsb.org/1632/First-District