Observing Sites

Being located in Santa Barbara, Ca the sites that I observe and image at are the Winchester Gun Club, located about 10 miles from Santa Barbara, Figueroa Mountain just over an hour from Santa Barbara.

Winchester Gun Club is located in our local mountains and only takes about 20 to 30 mins to get there.
You really can't do any imaging there because of the skyglow from town, but it is a nice place to go to just get out for a good view.

The Gun Club is located at an elevation of roughly 3000 feet. 
There are several concrete pads and picnic tables which make for a nice area to setup. 
 

Looking West Towards the Entry Gate	Looking North towards Figueroa Mt	Looking East SkyGlow from SB

For Darker and Steadier skies I will head to Figueroa Mountain. The turn off up to the site is located near the town of Los Olivos, Ca in the Santa Ynes Valley.
This is the best Dark sky you can get to around here in an less than 1 1/2 Hour drive. 
From where I live, its about 1 1/4 hour to get to the site. 

Looking South	Looking North East	Looking North
	Coming Soon

Mt Pinos, Ca
This is considered one of the best post in Southern California. I would have to say that most of the time it is one of the darkest sites, but I have seen it darker and better seeing at Figueroa Mt. This fantastic place is located about 20 miles off Interstate 5 north in Frazier Park, Ca.  

It takes me about 2 1/2 hour to drive there from Santa Barbara and a little over 3 if I'm pulling my travel trailer. One of the best things about Mt Pinos, is all the Astronomers that go there. I have seen the place so packed that if your not there by early Friday you might not find a good spot.