Santa Barbara County Search And Rescue

Extreme Heat Warning for Santa Barbara County

The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Warning through Thursday at 8:00 PM. Expect temperatures of 90–110°F, hottest on Wednesday, with warm nights and rising humidity offering little relief.

If you’re planning to hike or spend time outdoors, take extra precautions:

• Carry more water than you think you’ll need and drink regularly. Supplement with electrolytes (especially on longer hikes) to replace salts lost through heavy sweating.

• Start early and avoid strenuous activity during peak heat (10 AM–4 PM).

• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing, a hat, and sunscreen.

• Know your limits, monitor how you feel, and when in doubt, turn around.

• Always tell someone your route and expected return time.

• Keep pets off hot trails and pavement.

Heat illness can strike fast. Signs like dizziness, nausea, confusion, weakness, or rapid heartbeat mean it’s time to get to shade/cool air immediately and call 911.

Santa Barbara County Search & Rescue
regularly responds to hikers and outdoor users in distress due to heat related illness. Many of these calls are preventable with smart planning, adequate hydration, and electrolyte replacement.

During periods of extreme heat, the safest choice may be to postpone your hike or outdoor adventure until temperatures return to normal.

Stay safe out there!

Rattlesnake season has already started, and outdoor enthusiasts should expect to encounter more rattlesnakes on trails throughout Santa Barbara County as temperatures continue to rise.

Before your next hike, trail run, or mountain bike ride, take a moment to review these safety tips. Knowing how to avoid an encounter and what to do if you or someone else is bitten can make a significant difference in an emergency.

Our local trails are a great place to explore, and rattlesnakes are a natural part of that environment. Staying alert, giving wildlife space, and being prepared helps keep everyone safe.

Save this post for your next outdoor adventure and share it with your hiking partners.

Stay prepared. Stay aware. Hike safe.

All Night Rescue in McCoy Canyon - Yesterday afternoon, April 26, 2026, two women began hiking from Lizard’s Mouth on West Camino Cielo, planning to descend McCoy Canyon to their home in Goleta. Believing there was a trail leading out to Glen Annie Road, they encountered thick brush, large boulders, and steep waterfalls instead.

After reaching a vertical waterfall they could not safely navigate — and unable to climb back up — they contacted a family member for help. The husband attempted to reach them but was stopped by the difficult terrain and called 911.

Our team was paged at 10:43 PM last night. Using cell phone contact and SMS location sharing, we deployed two ground teams up the canyon from the north end of Glen Annie Road.

At 2:18 AM this morning, our teams made contact with the hikers. After a medical assessment confirmed they were uninjured, we set up rope systems to belay them safely down the waterfall. We then assisted them through the steep, heavily brushed canyon to our vehicles for transport back home.

The incident was completed at 7:52 AM.

Both hikers are now safe with their family. This incident highlights how quickly familiar canyons can become technical and hazardous when leaving established trails, especially after dark.

Grateful for the teamwork and dedication of our SAR volunteers who made this rescue possible. We’re glad this ended safely.

Safety Reminder:
Not all “routes” on maps or word-of-mouth are safe or passable trails. Our local canyons can quickly become technical, impassable, and dangerous—especially after dark.
✔ Research your route carefully
✔ Turn around before terrain becomes unsafe
✔ Carry a fully charged phone and emergency signaling tools
✔ When in doubt, don’t commit to unfamiliar descents

santabarbara KnowBeforeYouGo