Day Hikes
Arroyo Burro Trail
Once the main passageway into the backcountry for the Chumash, it is a trail rich with history.
There’s just a wisp of a line across the ridge line anymore, a long thread of a line that suggests more of a past than it does the future. This is the Arroyo Burro Trail, once the main passageway into the backcountry for the Chumash. It is a trail rich with history. Read story.
Cold Springs—East Fork
Deep and shaded by alders, the perennial creek offers scores of places to spend an afternoon. Even the name suggests something special.
Absolutely my very favorite trail. Within a few yards of your car the pools begin. Deep and shaded by alders, the perennial creek offers scores of places to spend an afternoon. Even the name suggests something special. Cold Springs represents the shortest distance you can travel to get the furthest away from Santa Barbara. Read story.
Cold Springs—Middle Fork
Though not an official trail today, the Middle Fork Trail follows the historic route up to the crest and into a delightful canyon. There is even a scramble route to the crest if you've got the energy to make it that far. Read story.
Cold Springs—West Fork
Gateway to Tangerine Falls and a historic water tunnel built in 1905.
Though not a long nor well-known trail, it leads up a very pretty canyon to Gibraltar Road. A side trip along the way leads to Tangerine Falls and the upper end of the Middle Fork canyon. Read story.
Douglas Preserve
A great place to see the perfect sunset.
The walk along the edge of the cliff at sunset is one of the nicest you will find anywhere. The steps leading down to the beach at the end of Mesa Lane is nearby, making a very nice loop walk to Arroyo Burro via the beach and back up the trail. Read story.
Jesusita Trail
So close to civilization yet a very special getaway nonetheless.
Today there are large homes jutting out on either sides of San Roque Canyon and what is left of the pastoral life is comprised mainly of avocado ranching. But as you enter the canyon and begin to walk along the creek's edge the feeling of being in a very special place still remains. Read story.
Old Romero Road
Closed to through traffic in the 70s, a trail everyone can enjoy.
Closed to through traffic in the 70s, a trail everyone can enjoy: hikers; trail runners,; mountain bikers; and by horse. The grade is gentle and the views superb. Read story.
Rattlesnake Canyon Trail
Rattlesnake Canyon serpentines its way up into the Santa Ynez Mountains, its name appropriate: the gently curving canyon has the shape of a rattler sunbathing on a deserted sand bar. Though it is actually a tributary of Mission Creek, it has a character and a history all its own. Read story.
Romero Canyon Trail
A picturesque canyon with loop possibilities.
A picturesque canyon with loop possibilities and great views from the crest make this a wonderful hike. Read story.
Romero Edison Road
Though not a trail it provides great views and an excellent connector.
For hikers who would like to experience the feeling of a walk along the upper edges of Montecito, where you can look down on the coastline from a lofty perch nearly 1200' in elevation above the valley floor, the route up to the Buena Vista lookout provides just such an experience. Read story.
San Antonio Creek Trail
A Great Place to Take Kids
Looking for an easy introductory hike for the kids, the San Antonio Creek Trail is almost level and provides plenty of places to play. Read story.
Stevens Park
A trail that every kid will love
The hike begins at the upper end of the park where the grass gives way to a wide dirt path which is very easy for even the youngest of children to walk on. Almost immediately you are immersed in canyon vegetation with oak trees and sycamore trees your companions. Read story.
Tangerine Falls
Best waterfall in the Santa Barbara area.
For those who love big waterfalls and scenic spots, when the water is running , Tangerine Falls are the best. You’ll find this delicious waterfall at the end of a tantalizing scramble up a beautiful canyon. Read story.
Unforgettable Hikes
S.B. County Trekking
Santa Barbara’s diverse habitats make for some interesting hikes. With the Santa Ynez Mountains virtually descending into the ocean and the Channel Islands National Park an hour’s boat ride away, you can disappear into a wealth of ecosystems teeming with freshwater springs, riparian corridors, and majestic sand dunes. Here are three hikes you’ll never forget. (Be sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, lunch, and a camera.) Read story.
Upper Romero Trail Loop
If you like great views, you’ll love this trail. The route follows Romero Road for 1.5 miles down towards until it intersects the Romero Trail, then follows this up to the top of the mountains. Though you will have a steep hike to the crest, once there you’ll feel like you are on top of the world. Read story.
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