Starting along the East Fork Cold Spring Trail.Junction with West Fork Cold Spring Trail (left). Stay right along the East Fork Trail.Following the creek.Gaining some elevation via a set of switchbacks.The trail crosses the creek at this waterfall. You can see a group of hikers on the other side.Only a modest flow of water on this late-summer day.Continuing along the west side of the creek.A second creek crossing at this popular rest area.View back as I ascend the east side of the creek.Arriving at the junction with Ridge Trail. Turn left to stay on the East Fork Trail.The trail merges with this service road for about 100 yards.Back on the trail.View back toward Santa Barbara. Much of the route is visible from here. Entering the fog.Wrapping around the west side of Montecito Peak.A use-trail branches off Cold Spring Trail to the right and leads directly up the north ridge of Montecito Peak.Montecito Peak, barely visible through the fog.Steep and heavily eroded.Montecito Peak summit, facing north.The rest of the summit area to the south.
