Hiked in the morning on the 4th of July. Length: 3 miles one-way Let's see. From easy family-friendly hikes through sycamore-studded canyons to challenging summit climbs, Santa Barbara is a hiker's haven. County recreation trails serve the public in a variety of ways that includes neighborhood trails which provide safe routes to school and commercial centers; beach access way trails; trails that make connections from the urban areas into the national forest and other public lands; as well as self-contained trails within our parks and open spaces providing access for pleasure, nature enjoyment . It's now a popular hiking and biking trail. It's a perfect trail to tackle with tots in tow. Directions Walking Difficulty Length Suitability More filters Top trails ( 43) Moderate 4.6 (254) Road Cycling Routes around Santa Barbara - Komoot 140 m. 140 m. Easy road ride. Our tours take placeat Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island (part of Channel Islands National Park). Once you reach the summit, linger for a while and enjoy the beautiful Santa Barbara views before tackling the return descent. Access to the trailhead is from Tunnel Road, about three quarters of a mile beyond the locked gate. And you can still soak up gorgeous views along the way. Back on State Street, continue riding away from the ocean and make a right on E. Los Olivos Street. If you're not up for a long trek, you can tackle the first phase, which climbs 2.25 miles up to 822 feet. Santa Barbara County Mountain Biking Trails | Trailforks Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. On a clear day, you can even see the Channel Islands. 5 Bike Routes #1 Beachfront Breeze / 9.3 miles #2 Downtown to Riviera / 9.1 miles #3 Goleta the Goodland / 33 miles #4 The Montecito Mt. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. Before going, please confirm the trail is open and safe for hiking. Lots of hiking trails are listed here with directions to the trailhead. Is it time to get your Om on? Start at N. San Marcos Road and after three miles, cross Highway 154 onto Painted Cave Road. No description for Santa Barbara has been added yet! Santa Barbara Maps | Bike Paths | Bike Trails | best bicycling advice Turn right onto Ortega Hill Road which shortly turns into Lillie Avenue, then Via Real. Elevation Gain: 2,392 feet In the spring, purple and yellow wildflowers fleck the hillsides. Santa Barbara, CA 93101 Many things have moved and have been removed. Besides the breathtaking views from the summit, highlights of this hike include the wide-open canyon views, creek crossings, and distinctive sandstone rock crags rising from the rugged landscape. The peak is just two miles inland of the ocean, which means youre going to have some steep climbing (there is a 2,150-foot elevation gain on the way up), and youre going to get some excellent views of the Pacific once you get there. Santa Barbara Hikes. If you still have energy, turn right on E. Camino Cielo and ride an additional 8.4 miles to Gibraltar Road. View full map. When you arrive in Carpinteria, make a right onto Santa Ynez Avenue to ride over Highway 101 again before making a left onto Carpinteria Avenue. Bring binoculars to spot the wildlife. The, Located in the chic and laid-back village of Montecito, Butterfly Beach is a favorite among Santa Barbara locals. 17 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in California, 21 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Los Angeles, 23 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in San Francisco, 18 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Santa Barbara, CA, Santa Barbara with Kids: 13 Top Things to Do, 12 Best Beach Resorts in Santa Barbara, CA, 16 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Ventura, CA, 7 Top Things to Do in Channel Islands National Park, CA, 12 Best Things to Do in Santa Clarita, CA, 17 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Pismo Beach, CA, 16 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Santa Monica, CA, From Queenstown to Wanaka: 4 Best Ways to Get There, 24 Best Places to Visit in the United States, 21 Best Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts in the World, Best Day Hikes on the Pacific Crest Trail, Average minimum and maximum temperatures for Santa Barbara, CA in, Average monthly precipitation totals for Santa Barbara, CA in. Please check the. 02:12. Visitors may encounter: snakes and other wildlife. 14 Top-Rated Hiking Trails in Santa Barbara, CA | PlanetWare Start at Leadbetter Beach along Santa Barbaras Waterfront and follow the bike path toward Stearns Wharf. We foster this relationship across Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. . This is a great hike for hot, sunny days, as the trail remains shady to the waterfall. Now it's ready and ripe for adventure. Park Use Rules, Regulations, and Code of Conduct Visitors are likely to encounter: hikers/joggers, dogs, and poison oak. A gentle 3.5-mile roundtrip hike, Rattlesnake Trail is perfect for the whole family, Fido included. Login or . An easy trail ride with one or two intermediate sections. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Once you're at the top, you can soak up sweeping views of the chaparral-cloaked mountain peaks to the north, which dip to the Santa Ynez River and Jameson Lake. Length: 9 miles This strenuous four-mile round-trip hike gains 2,350 feet in elevation and is not suitable for children or anyone with agility issues. Sage Trail Alliance Explore other itineraries that are great examples of Outdoor & Active. Ridge Trail | Parks and Recreation This list of the best hikes in Santa Barbara, California will help you find your perfect trail. There are many bike rental shops around town with everything from beach cruisers to mountain bikes. As one local hiker said, this is the trail for "those who want it all". The five islands; Santa Barbara, Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa and San Miguel, all have unbelievable trails leading to amazing wildlife, rare forests, and jaw-dropping scenery. Looking for the best cycling routes around Santa Barbara? From Yosemite to Joshua Tree, California boasts more national parks than any other state, as well as a bevy of national forests, seashores and monuments. > 96% > 90% > 80% > 70% > 50% < 50%; bi-directional trail . These seven stone basins usually fill with water in the spring, cascading down in steps. With dinosaur adventures, 25,000 artworks under one roof and rooftop vistas aplenty, Santa Barbaras best museums have it all. Elevation gain is minimal at about 230 feet. Late fall, winter, and spring are the best times to hike Phase 1, as the south-facing slopes can be hot and dusty in the midday summer sun. The 7.9-mile Franklin Trail is the hike for you. One of the most popular Santa Barbara hikes, Tunnel Trail hits its quota for amazing city views, twists, turns, rock formations, and breathtaking waterfalls during the rainy season. Please research all hikes before embarking, and adequately prepare yourself and your group with ample water, hiking shoes, food, medical supplies and anything else you may need to ensure a safe and enjoyable hike. Choose from a sunset beach ride, secluded trail ride with ocean views, 1/2 day Sespe or a multi-day catered pack trip in the Sespe wilderness and Los Padres Outfitters will provide an epic experience for all levels of riders. Access the trailhead via Las Canoas Road. Hikers get complacent because they think they are in a developed area close to Santa Barbara. Pack those hiking boots and head to Tunnel Road, a paved road that will lead you straight to the trailhead, of which many well-known hikes have in common. Finally, when E. Los Olivos Street turns into Mission Canyon Road, make a left onto Las Encias Road, and your next left onto Puesta Del Sol, where youll find the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History (2559 Puesta Del Sol). DISCLAIMER: Hiking is an inherently dangerous activity. The 2,458-foot Gaviota Peak is an excellent challenge for those who want a more serious hike. 11181 reviews. Dance, Fitness, Active Adults, and Seniors, Outdoor Fitness & Commercial Activity Permits, 1960 Stanwood Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93103. From here, you can return the way you came for a 3.5-mile hike, or take a fork in the road and zigzag up switchbacks about a half mile to Gibraltar Road, where you can breathe in beautiful views across the mountains to the sea. A looping trail follows the edge of the drop-off and affords views that will have you constantly stopping for a longer look. 2023 Best 10 Trails and Hikes in Santa Barbara | AllTrails Spread out your picnic blanket, snap some photos, and soak up the sweeping views over the mountains. The famous Pacific Crest Trail also slices through California. Circle Bar B Stables - Scenic Santa Barbara Horseback Riding Length: 9.9-mile loop Parking is very very limited. Santa Barbara creates a postcard-perfect backdrop for your next hiking adventure. (805) 564-5418Email Parks & Rec, Park Use Rules, Length: 5.5 miles one-way Over 1000 types of plants native to the region can be found in the carefully tended areas. The debris flow of January 2018 scoured this canyon, sending huge boulders tumbling down the slopes, but it's still a beautiful hike. When the pool here is full of water, you can enjoy a refreshing dip and turn around at the waterfall for an easy 4.4-mile round-trip hike or continue, zigzagging steeply upwards through dry chaparral and oak forests to the 3,450-foot summit at East Camino Cielo. Obern Trail to Goleta Beach Park After a few creek crossings and some boulder scrambling, the falls lie about a quarter of a mile up the trail. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Trail is still a little muddy from the recent storms & careful as the rocks on the trail are slippery for that same reason. > 96% > 90% > 80% > 70% > 50% < 50%; bi-directional trail; no data; . Top 20 Bike Rides and Cycling Routes around Santa Barbara - Komoot But even visitors on quick visits can easily pluck out some excellent options for many different routes in the area. Whether you're getting ready to hike, bike, trail run, or explore other outdoor activities, AllTrails has 94 scenic trails in the Santa Barbara area. As you round the last turn, Butterfly Beach will come into view on your right. Trail is decently maintained, a bit overgrown in some parts. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. Inspiration Point from Tunnel Road (via Jesusita Trail) A hiker enjoying the view from Inspiration Point | Photo Copyright: Karen Hastings One of Santa Barbara's most popular hikes, Inspiration Point is true to its name, culminating at a small summit with gorgeous 180-degree views of the city, ocean, islands, and Santa Ynez Mountains. The Lizard's Mouth hike in Santa Barbara is a top choice. Cross the pedestrian bridge at the end of W. Anapamu Street and cut over to Victoria Street. Be prepared to climb as you hike the trail to the top of Gaviota Peak. **Kindly note that restroom and trash services may be limited or non-existent, so be sure to plan ahead and pack out any trash. Amtrak drops you off right downtown (with additional stops in nearby Goleta). Scenic views are everywhere. Choices include walks along the coast and beaches, as well as routes up into the mountains that take in waterfalls, gardens, and sublime views. CHANNEL ISLANDS TOURS Sea Cave, From sunrise to sunset, the sublime mountain range of Santa Barbara never fails to impress. 2.7 miles (4.4km) round trip, 23 hours, moderate. Downtown Santa Barbara La Cumbre Peak loop from Santa Barbara, Downtown Santa Barbara Emma Wood State Beach loop from Santa Barbara, Leadbetter Beach Park Santa Barbara Harbor loop from East Side, Goleta Pier Obern Trail loop from The Mesa, Downtown Santa Barbara View from Franceschi Park loop from Santa Barbara, Downtown Carpinteria Andree Clark Bird Refuge loop from Zoo Train, Downtown Santa Barbara Obern Trail loop from Santa Barbara, Downtown Santa Barbara Santa Barbara Harbor loop from Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Harbor Leadbetter Beach Park loop from The Mesa, Santa Barbara Harbor Downtown Santa Barbara loop from The Mesa, Andree Clark Bird Refuge loop from Zoo Train, Santa Barbara Harbor Downtown Santa Barbara loop from Las Positas, Leadbetter Beach Park Santa Barbara Harbor loop from The Mesa, Santa Barbara Harbor Leadbetter Beach Park loop from Santa Barbara. Good beginner off road trail with some off shoots that are slightly more technical. The hike is easily accessible west of Santa Barbara via Hwy 101. When you arrive at the famous Lizard's Mouth, you'll know how it earned its name. Note that parking is limited at the trailhead, and tickets are frequently issued for parking violations. Dogs are allowed on-leash; cleanup is required. Deer snooze during the day in the shadows. Start at the Dolphin Fountain at the foot of Stearns Wharf, pedal up State Street past the AMTRAK Station and under the freeway. Has plenty of parking. 9.26 km. The park is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is one of the largest privately-funded parks in the country. Refuel along the way by stopping for lunch at one of the recommended spots. This is a great hike for a hot day since the trail is shaded until the upper reaches. The Amtrak Pacific Surfliner offers six trains per day into Santa Barbara from the south with a large portion of the route running along the peaceful Pacific. The historic Mission Dam and aqueduct here is a Santa Barbara County Historic Landmark. After lunch, head back toward Cliff Drive, but make a left onto Las Positas Road. #9 - San Ysidro Trail to San Ysidro Creek. Tweet. Throw the necessities in your backpack and hit the trail because the view is about to get incredible when hiking in Santa Barbara. This 3.75-mile, out-and-back, moderate trail is a great hike for visitors to Santa Barbara, as it provides a lovely overview of the entire area. There are a few spots that could use a little more signage. Santa Barbara Hiking Trails and Scenic Vistas | Visit Santa Barbara Look for wildflowers after the rains. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. Horseback Trail Riding in Santa Barbara - Los Padres Outfitters You gain most of the elevation on the drive to the trailhead off West Camino Cielo Road. The beachs pristine shoreline is ideal for swimming, surfing and sunbathing, and its unique east-west orientation makes for, Elings Park has been serving the Santa Barbara community for more than 50 years. You can take your pooch, but dogs must be kept on a leash. Length: 4.3 miles one-way Online or call 805-755-8687. Experience downtown Santa Barbara on two wheels by riding up State Street with this easy, family-friendly ride. Only serious cyclists should consider riding one of these unforgettable, but also more difficult, trails. Call today to book your ride: 805-968-3901. . Santa Barbara has some of the best hiking anywhere, and lots of it! Be sure to wear sturdy shoes and bring lots of water, and dont forget your camera to capture the insane heights. Park your bike and after enjoying lunch, follow the stairs behind the restaurant to the observatory for a breathtaking lookout. Whether you're getting ready to hike, bike, trail run, or explore other outdoor activities, AllTrails has 94 scenic trails in the Santa Barbara area. Where can you hike to a Japanese teahouse, wander through a wildflower meadow and redwood grove, and soak up some history at the same time? Seductively squeezed between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the sea, Santa Barbara offers some of the most scenic day hikes in California. Frequently asked trail questions about Santa Barbara. We polled @visitsantabarbara Instagram followers, and here are 11 resoundingly popular Santa Barbara hiking trails that highlight the best of what Santa Barbara has to offer, listed by voter ranking. Once over the freeway, navigate to San Pascual Street, which will lead you to Modoc Road. For about two miles, the trail follows a shady creek bed through the narrow canyon before ascending to the ridge line through chaparral. Mostly well-paved . Along the way, you'll encounter several creek crossings and beautiful wildflowers in the spring. This is an easy family hike. Santa Barbara creates a postcard-perfect backdrop for your next coastal retreat. The elevation gain is just over 1,600 feet. No thick mud to get into but enough to get dirty. Trail surfaces: asphalt and concrete Downtown Sights Experience downtown Santa Barbara on two wheels by riding up State Street with this easy, family-friendly ride. The hike itself winds its way up 175 feet through a shaded canyon covered with a canopy of oaks and laurels. Beginners can take a shorter out-and-back approach rather than the full distance. Best Hikes in Santa Barbara - Visit Santa Barbara