Trail Surfaces: asphalt and concrete, Cabrillo Bike Path to Butterfly Beach Written by Karen Hastings Updated Mar 21, 2023. Inspiration Point. Youll ride past the landmark Old Mission Santa Barbara (2201 Laguna Street) on your left. Catch sight of Santa Barbaras red tile roofs, white sand beaches, and the Pacific beyond it with breathtaking, panoramic views. And you can still soak up gorgeous views along the way. Has 2 spots to go in & saw some kids playing in the water. Leashed dogs are permitted on this trail. At this point the canyon branches with the Middle Fork and West Fork of the Rio Santa Barbara. It's also a great hike on a hot summer's day, thanks to the cool shade of ancient oaks and sycamores, which cast soft, dappled light on the forest floor. The colour categories are based on what percentage of riders are riding a trail in its intended direction. Mountain Bike Trails near Hiking Santa Barbara - MTB Project Directions Walking Difficulty Length Suitability More filters Top trails ( 43) Moderate 4.6 (254) Santa Barbara's mild climate affords comfortable hiking conditions along the coastline pretty much throughout the year. We are passionate about equitable access to nature, trail restoration, conservation, trail maintenance, and legislative advocacy for public lands. Trail is a bit tricky, would recommend having a map. The Porter Trail offers the best scenic views of the area. Whether it is trail work, public campaigns, or environmental analysis, we cannot achieve our goals without a community of support. This is a great hike for hot, sunny days, as the trail remains shady to the waterfall. County of Santa Barbara. This list of the best hikes in Santa Barbara, California will help you find your perfect trail. Bears, bobcats, and mountain lions still thrive in the rocky, rugged foothills of Carpinteria's backcountry, about 12 miles from downtown Santa Barbara, but don't worry sightings are rare, and the spectacular views from the top of the 3,700-foot Santa Ynez Ridge are worth the uphill trek. Red-tail hawks are also common, perched atop the trees. The 5 best hikes in Santa Barbara - Lonely Planet Please use a bike bell and practice good trail etiquette. If youre looking for a moderate hike that ends with a refreshing splash, Seven Falls is right up your alley. Let's enjoy the best of biking with the best of everything. Santa Barbara | List | AllTrails Youll find plenty of amazing vistas from the top of Inspiration Point, whose trailhead is located a short distance north of the Santa Barbara Bowl. Continue up State Street, toward Old Mission Santa Barbara, and take a right on E. Micheltorena Street to marvel at the lush Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden (1500 Santa Barbara Street) or, let the kids loose on the wooden castle playground at Alameda Park (1500 Santa Barbara Street). Cathedral Peak is one of the most challenging, yet rewarding hikes in Santa Barbara. Rather ride with a group? 1. Still a nice time. Performance & security by Cloudflare. It was built in 1807 to funnel water to the Santa Barbara Mission, one of the city's top attractions. Birding is also popularthe salt marsh is home to more than 200 species. Pause for vistas far out to sea. Best Off Road Driving Trails in Santa Barbara 100 Reviews Explore the most popular off-road driving trails near Santa Barbara with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. The 6.5-mile loop trail starts just west of Santa Barbara in Goleta, Calif., in theGaviota State Park, about a half hours drive from downtown Santa Barbara. Be the architect of your own trip as you discover the best things to do in the USA through insider tips, suggested itineraries and handy maps. The statuesque boulders are intimidating, and rightfully so! 9.26 km. But more importantly, hiking trails in Santa Barbara and surrounding areas feature some amazing vistas for hikers to explore. Where else can you find more than 1,000 native California plant species all within walking distance? Follow N. Jameson Lane until you arrive in Summerland. Good beginner off road trail with some off shoots that are slightly more technical. Please check theLos Padres National Forest,California State Parks,Santa Barbara County ParksandCity of Santa Barbara Parkswebsites for the most current information. In the spring, wildflowers bloom along the hillsides, where the blackened trunks of burnt oaks rise from the lush new growth after fires roared through this canyon. Santa Barbara Mountain Bike, E-Bike, Hike, Trail Running trails, California. The pools make for a great photo-op, and the 2.5-mile roundtrip hike will leave you with a sense of accomplishment (and just a bit of sweat). On Santa Barbara Island, youll find five miles of hiking trails that top the low mountain tops to offer incredible coastal views. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. Captain Jacks began in 2005 after the founders spent a week in Hawaii engaging in fun-filled adventure tours. California has a reputation for sunshine, beaches and palm trees, but there's much more to see in the Golden State. We are inclusive in our support for volunteering, collaborating and advocating for trail access on behalf of hikers, runners, bikers . ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Ride over Highway 101 and make a right on N. Jameson Lane. Bring plenty of water as the second part of the hike is exposed to the sun. With all these options, no wonder this is one of the favorite coastal hikes in Santa Barbara. The trail head is at the upper end of Tucker's Grove Park. Romero Canyon. Located in Santa Barbara, California, just north of Los Angeles, we are the closest location to LA County for horseback beach riding. We drove it to Refugio Rd and took Refugio out to the 101. The kids will enjoy visiting the barnyard animals. From there, its just 6.5 miles of climbing between you and the top! We foster this relationship across Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. Only 6.5 miles from downtown Santa Barbara are some of the regions best views. A large sign marks the trailhead, which lies near Skofield Park. .. .beaches, hiking trails, Dining and Shopping. You gain most of the elevation on the drive to the trailhead off West Camino Cielo Road. At the end of the parking lot, youll find Boathouse at Hendrys Beach (2981 Cliff Drive), plenty of bike parking, a repair station and even a pump to fill up your tires. Whether you want an easy jaunt, a challenging trek, or something in between, you can find a hike for your taste. About 3 miles up the canyon on Trail #24, you'll encounter the turnoff to Trail #25. All rights reserved. During winter and spring (if not other times), there's a series of clear, tree-shaded natural pools and small waterfalls, all fed by the trails namesake water source. Length: 3 miles one-way Elings Park Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. Looking for the best hiking trails in Santa Barbara? Check for trail and park closures, both temporary and long-term before setting out. From here, the views of the mountains, the sea, and, on clear days, the Channel Islands are gorgeous. Top 18 Most Beautiful MTB Trails in Santa Brbara | Komoot SAGE Trail Alliance sees outdoor recreation as a pathway towards environmental appreciation. (Credit: Greekmatthew, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons) Cold Spring Trail Loop. Accessed from the upscale enclave of Montecito, this is another great hike to appreciate the raw power of nature. 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. On a clear day, you can even see the Channel Islands. Call today to book your ride: 805-968-3901. . We have two locations to serve you. #SeeSB. However, ultra-experienced hikers know the strenuous four-mile roundtrip and 3,000-foot elevation gain is worth the wonderous views and bragging rights for making it far enough to autograph the coveted registration book nestled in a rock near the peak. Length: 9 miles Copyright 2023 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. 1.3 miles (2km) round trip, 12 hours, easy. Look for wildflowers after the rains. Yes, rattlesnakes do sometimes sun themselves on this trail, however chances are slim that you'll actually see one. Hiking trails also lace the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. Click to reveal Named for builder John P. Stearns and located at the end of State Street, it is Californias oldest working wharf and the perfect spot, There's no better way to explore Santa Barbara than with Wheel Fun Rentals. Cold Spring Trail - West Fork Trail at Santa Barbara No problem. Our Tour recommendations are based on thousands of activities completed by other people on komoot. Known by long-time locals as the Wilcox property, the 70-acre dog-friendly Douglas Family Preserve is one of the most rewarding of Santa Barbara's easy hikes. The most popular and difficult trail in Santa Barbara is Hot Springs Canyon Trail with a 4.6-star rating from 3,239 reviews. Looking for the best cycling routes around Santa Barbara? Lengths: 12.3 miles one-way Frequently asked trail questions about Santa Barbara. Standing atop these rugged peaks, you can gaze out over striking views of the city, the ocean, and the Channel Islands shimmering on the horizon. Whether you're in search of sun, surfing, paddling with your puppy, or a kayak adventure, we've got the perfect Santa Barbara beach for you. Trail rides on our 1,000 private acres take you up fern-lined canyons, across streams, and past waterfalls to magnificent vistas of the Pacific . Once you reach the summit, linger for a while and enjoy the beautiful Santa Barbara views before tackling the return descent. Linger on one of the strategically placed benches, or look for some of the many species of birds. Turn left once the asphalt ends and slosh your way up the path, but dont forget to pack your swimsuit! Looking for the best hiking trails in Santa Barbara? Intermediate. Every season is different. Santa Barbara: With an ascent of 5,692 ft. What is the most popular and difficult trail in Santa Barbara? Enjoy the best Santa Barbara horseback riding at the coastal mountain paradise of Circle Bar B Stables. 620 Laguna Street If you are looking for more of a picnic setting with space to relax, Lizards Mouth is the perfect hike to take on. The approach to Cathedral Peak, one of the Mission Crags, is steep and requires sure footing, but once at the top, the views are spectacular. The moderately-easy, 3.2-mile out-and-back Seven Falls trail offers cool cascades after good rains, and fun boulder hopping when the falls aren't flowing. Follow Modoc Road until you see the Obern Trailhead on your left. Code of Conduct, Copyright City of Santa BarbaraAccessibility|Policies. Over 1000 types of plants native to the region can be found in the carefully tended areas. The best time of day to attempt this hike is later in the afternoon, when the light turns to a rich honey-hue, and the trail offers more shade. Access to the trailhead is from Tunnel Road, about three quarters of a mile beyond the locked gate. This trail is mostly visited by neighbors and offers a quieter walking area. How exquisite our evening meal tastes after a brisk climb up the California coast. Sample the finest waves in North America with this guide to the top places to surf in California, from San Diego to the redwoods. Santa Barbaras majestic wilderness areas abound with unexpected finds and hidden gemsincluding some wonderful waterfalls. 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). For beautiful views of an 80-foot tall waterfall, check out the short but rewarding hike at Nojoqui Falls. Dance, Fitness, Active Adults, and Seniors, Outdoor Fitness & Commercial Activity Permits, 1960 Stanwood Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93103. Garden lovers will be thrilled by the trails winding through gorgeous settings at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. Definitely a popular hike & lots of people walking. The trail begins in a residential neighborhood along paved roads before hitting the dirt trail. Start on Tunnel Road, take Jesusita Trail to Mission Creek, then turn right up Mission Creek and look left for a steep trail that continues onward towards your destination. Towering above the coast, you and your hiking crew will be able to see for dozens of miles at Cathedral Peak. The hike begins from Mountain Drive in Montecito and continues past pools and small waterfalls (after good rains). 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. If youre looking to up the ante, take the Connector from the meadow up to Tunnel Trail (see details on how to access below) and prepare yourself for a workout! Need a bike? 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? Easy. Here are California's top things to do. A perfect balmy day on the coast can suddenly turn cold and clammy when fog pours in, lowering temps by 25F or more. . Ventura County cycleCalCoast Franklin Trail comprises three phases. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. Thousand Trails Rancho Oso - Santa Barbara, CA - Yelp If you can, opt for weekday hikes to avoid crowds and enjoy natural serenity. Road Cycling Routes around Santa Barbara - Komoot This trail is estimated to be 42.4 mi long. The Santa Barbara yoga community warmly welcomes newcomers into their fold, whether youre an experienced yogi or attempting your first ever downward dog. We did a horseback riding tour with Summerland and learned a lot about . Elevation Gain: 2,392 feet Went to a really dense trail on the way up, climbed down the water pools on the way down which I wouldn't recommend to anyone (involved a bit of actual bouldering - rock climbing). . 2.7 miles (4.4km) round trip, 23 hours, moderate. Fairly difficult if you do the full loop. Rattlesnake Canyon Loop Trail. 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. Explore Trails Santa Barbara - view hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. On Santa Barbara Island, you'll find five miles of hiking trails that top the low mountain tops to offer incredible coastal views. We didnt venture out much on foot due to the rain and the visibility was not good so we didnt get the views others posted here. Contact Us. As you round the last turn, Butterfly Beach will come into view on your right. Road Cycling Collection by .css-15tc4lh{margin-right:0.3em;vertical-align:middle;}.css-1wi8bdd{border-radius:100%;display:inline-block;height:16px;overflow:hidden;width:16px;background-image:url(https://d2exd72xrrp1s7.cloudfront.net/www/2y/2ybguf62finf10zpa1jz1g3ia6ae4x7f153727-full/0?width=32&height=32&crop=true&q=70);-webkit-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;background-color:rgb(240,240,240);margin-right:0.3em;vertical-align:middle;}komoot. This hike at theNojoqui Falls Park may be short (.65 miles out and back), but the payoff is getting to see a spectacular, 80-foot waterfall. The trailhead starts at Stevens Park, but once you venture beyond the parking lot and the children's playground, you find yourself strolling through a forest of ancient oaks and sycamores, through flower-flecked meadows, and along a cool rushing creek. This is a busy multi-use trail in the afternoons and on the weekends with many hikers with dogs. 01:21. As one local hiker said, this is the trail for "those who want it all". Experience a taste of this legendary trek with our article on the Best Day Hikes on the Pacific Crest Trail. Starting at Stearns Wharf or at the top of State Street, turn left onto W. Victoria Street and then left again onto W. Micheltorena Street to cross El Camino Real Freeway. The 7.9-mile Franklin Trail is the hike for you. Best Walking Trails in Santa Barbara 10,283 Reviews Explore the most popular walking trails near Santa Barbara with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. About 15 minutes from town, this fairly easy five-mile out-and-back hike is usually a little less crowded than Inspiration Point in the adjacent canyon, and it's one of the only trails in the front country where bikes are banned. Dont be surprised if there are a few engagement shoots happening while you explore, the view is just that great! 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. Request your FREE copy to help plan your visit and get the most of it while you're here! Length: 9.9-mile loop 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. InCalifornia luxury camping is not an oxymoron. Note that parking is limited at the trailhead, and tickets are frequently issued for parking violations. All of the parking near the trailhead was taken, so had to park about half a mile down the road. Continue on Channel Drive to Butterfly Beach until you turn inland again and Channel Drive turns into Olive Mill Road. 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.