Cold Spring Trail and Montecito Peak
Cold Spring Trail (I've been admonished that there is no "s" in the name) begins gently in shade by a creek that almost always has plenty of water. It leads to an overlook under some powerlines with great views of Montecito and the ocean. Beyond this viewpoint you can climb to either Montecito Peak, a prominent peak overlooking the city or to East Camino Cielo Road where there are also great views.
Cold Spring Trail actually continues over the other side into Forbush Canyon where there are wilderness backpacking camps, making Cold Spring Trail a great starting point for backpacking adventures.
The full Cold Spring Trail round trip is 8 miles. To Montecito Peak is closer to 6 or 7.
I find that the easier starting point for Cold Spring is at at the Montecito Trails Association Sign on the east side of water crossing, but you can start on the west side. The two starting trails will meet.
Be careful at the east starting point because there are two trails starting a few feet apart from one another. The steeper trail is not described here, but makes a nice, steep hike that eventually meets Cold Spring Trail again making for a perfect loop (with a choice of a shorter or longer loop) just right for a quick workout.
The Cold Spring Trail immediately climbs steeply into the canyon.
At about 1/4 mile you reach a junction with the West Fork of the Cold Spring Trail. The junction is marked and crosses the creek. Continue straight past the junction, heading uphill.
There are some stream crossings that may be a bit difficult after heavy rains. The trail crosses the stream two separate times, then climbs switchbacks up to a junction with a dirt road (Hot Springs Rd.) with some power lines. There are good views of Montecito and the ocean. This is the mile and a half mark.
The Cold Spring Trail continues by taking the fire road to the left (east) for a few hundred feet. Look to the left for a small sign marked “trail” and continue steeply uphill.
At just under 2 miles, there is a junction with a trail that will take you to the Hot Springs. The Hot Springs are a nice oasis of very hot water.
At 2 and 3/4 miles, there is a large Eucalyptus tree with roots you can sit on for resting and taking in the views.
At about 3 and 3/4 miles look to the right for a small trail that goes up to Montecito Peak, elevation 3214ft. This trail is very steep, making for a tough climb to a triumphant summit. There are greate views 360 degrees around you. You can see other hiking trails from this vista, including San Ysidro Trail, part of Romero Canyon Trail, and Cold Springs East and West Fork.
If your destination isn't to summit Montecito Peak, continue on the trail until it meets with East Camino Cielo Rd. at the 4 mile mark. There is a rusty metal sign, a parking spot and a water tank at this spot. Cross East Camino Cielo to get a good view of the remote back country. The Trail continues across the road to Forbush Flat, a nice spot for an overnight back pack.
To return, go back the same way you came.