Santa Barbara is a hiker’s paradise, and we’ve got your guide to the region’s best trails! The rugged Santa Ynez Mountains and the lush Los Padres National Forest surround Santa Barbara. This rugged yet welcoming terrain makes the region home to some of California’s best hiking trails. And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, hop on a ferry to the Channel Islands!
There are Santa Barbara hikes for adventurers of every skill level. Whether looking for scenic day hikes with stunning views or rewarding hikes on a difficult trail, we have everything you need to plan your next outdoor adventure. Best of all, most of these trails are free and open to hikers of all ages!
Ready to get started on your next adventure? Here are the best hikes in Santa Barbara!
Inspiration Point From Tunnel Road (via Jesusita Trail)
This 3.75-mile round trip runs along Tunnel Trail from the end of the Jesuita Trail. It offers hikers a way to enjoy a different part of the Inspiration Point Trail. It offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the Channel Islands. The trail is very popular and you’ll probably encounter others while along the trail, so plan accordingly. Inspiration Point is also free to hike, making it a popular option among locals looking for a quick getaway into Santa Barbara’sstunning beauty.
Inspiration Point Trail
Widely renowned as one of the best hiking trails in the Santa Barbara area, Inspiration Point Trail is a spectacular retreat for hikers of all skill levels! Beginning on San Roque Road, Inspiration Point Trail is a moderately- challenging route. This 8-mile-long trail runs along gentle hills and is bike-and dog-friendly. The trail is partially paved and features abundant wildlife and wildflowers, especially in the spring. However, the trail sustained significant damage during the recent storms that swept the Santa Barbara area and is undergoing repairs.
Hot Springs Canyon Trail
The Hot Springs Canyon Trail is a 3.7-mile loop trail in Santa Barbara. It takes about 2.18 hours to complete and features scenic views of local hot springs and even a hidden waterfall! Considered by hikers to be moderately challenging, the trail offers lovely views of the Pacific and wildflowers in the spring. This trail is a great place to take the kids for an afternoon adventure. However, parking is limited to a small lot, and you could wait upwards of thirty minutes to obtain a space during peak hours.
San Ysidro Trail
The San Ysidro Trail runs for 8.6 miles and follows the course of San Ysidro Creek. This out-and-back trail features an elevation gain of about 3,082 feet and is open year-round. The track is popular among mountain bikers, horseback riders, and dogs, which must be leashed. Hikers can enjoy abundant water on the trail, from scenic pools to the creek, which swells during the rainy season. Roadside parking is all available here, and there are no additional facilities, making it important to be prepared for your visit.
Jesusita Trail
The Jesusita Trail is a 6.8-mile moderate hike that’s open year-round. The trail has drinking facilities, well-maintained trails, and space for dogs to run off-leash, so practice appropriate caution. Jesuita Trail leads to Inspiration Point, making it an excellent place to start an all-day adventure. However, it also cuts across private property at several points, so you’ll want to be sure to stay within the path. Free parking is available to visitors on the Jesusita Trail, making this an affordable day trip for locals and visitors.
Romero Canyon Trail
The Romero Canyon Trail is a popular trail located west of Santa Barbara. Tucked away in the Coronado National Forest, this is one of the most scenic hikes in the area. The out-and-back trail runs for about 6.8 miles and features an elevation gain of 2,500 feet and only a 500-foot descent. Bay laurel grows heavily along the trail, which offers spectacular views of Montecito below and the Pacific Ocean. Though recent storms passed through Santa Barbara, the dirt trail here remains well-maintained and largely free from reporter damage. That makes this a must-see if you’re looking to explore a trail deep in the wilds of Santa Barbara!
Channel Islands
The Channel Islands feature numerous marked trails that offer adventure year-round. The trails here rival the best hikes in Santa Barbara, making this a popular destination for adventurers far and wide who visit the region.
Santa Cruz is the most popular Channel Islands to visit, but each one offers its adventures. Visitors from the mainland can access each island from a regular ferry. Trips take about three hours each, so you’ll need to plan out your day ahead of time to make the most of your trip.
Visitors to the Channel Islands can enjoy well-maintained trails and some of the best hikes in California. The memories you make here can last a lifetime, making planning a trip out here well worth the effort. Strap on your hiking boots and check out what the Channel Islands offer!
Seven Falls Trail
The Seven Falls Trail is the perfect getaway for the whole family. Named for the majestic seven waterfalls along the trail, this has been a popular destination for locals for centuries. This rugged out-and-back trail runs for a 3.2-mile round-trip and features seven different waterfalls, complete with frogs! The trail is open to dogs, which can be off-leash in some sections, but the ground can be slippery in some areas, so you and your four-legged friends should be careful.
Montecito Peak Trail
Featuring a spectacular 2,444-foot elevation gain, the Montecito Peak Trail offers incredible outdoor adventure. Located in the Los Padres National Forest near Summerland, this trail runs for 7.6 miles. It’s popular with dog owners, runners, mountain bikers, and anyone who loves exploring the outdoors. The trail is very demanding among hikers, and many parts are loose rocks or dirt, making it essential to avoid injury. Thanks to its many unique features, this ranks as one of the most exciting trails in Santa Barbara.
The Coastal Vista Trail: Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve
The Carpinteria Bluffs Trail offers scenic Pacific Ocean views and is only a 2-mile round trip. This level trail runs along the freeway and is accessible for all ages and skill levels to hike. The trail leads to a harbor seal rookery, typically featuring about 100 majestic creatures. In the winter and early spring, from December to May, adult seals return with their pups to the beach, making for a sight like none other.
Trespass Trail
Located in Gaviota State Park, Trespass Trail runs a full 3.4 miles point-to-point and features spectacular ocean views. This loop trail begins and ends on Gaviota Peak Fire Road and starts with a .2-mile-long rocky descent. The hike begins at an elevation of 453 feet above sea level and features an elevation rise of 1,970 feet to 2,420 feet. The trail also leads to the Gaviota Hot Springs trail, which features natural hot springs. Due to recent flooding, the trail is temporarily closed for repairs. There’s also a fee to enter Gaviota State Park.
Rattlesnake Canyon Trail
Rattlesnake Canyon Trail is one of the most exciting hiking trails around Santa Barbara. Running for a scenic 4.5 miles and featuring an elevation gain of 1,587 feet, the trail is popular with dog owners and horseback riders. However, mountain bikes aren’t allowed here, which helps improve the trail’s integrity and safety. The trail is very rocky and is considered a difficult hike by adventurers compared to other easier trials in the area. Rattlesnake Canyon Trail is also packed with greenery, including oak trees and meadows, making this the perfect scenic getaway for nature lovers.
(Parking is usually available, but also additional parking and skofeild park nearby, short walk, park hours 8am-0.5 hours after sunset)
Cold Spring Trail
The Cold Spring Trail is a loop that runs for 2.1 miles and is open year-round. Visitors can enjoy hiking along creek crossings on a dirt trail amid chaparral scrub. This trail is open to dogs and is one of the best hikes for dog owners. This trial takes about two hours and is perfect for morning excursions. Before reaching the trailhead, you’ll pass beautiful luxury homes in the upscale Montecito area. If you want to keep going, the trail extends to Montecito Peak, bringing an entire journey to about 7.6 miles. The Loop also connects to several other trails, including the Edison Catway, East Fork Cold Springs Trail, and Ridge Trail.
Channel Islands National Park
The Channel Islands National Park features 30 hiking trails for adventurers of all skill levels. The Islands are home to incredible natural wonders, such as kelp forests and numerous canyons perfect for exploring. Many trails here rank among the most scenic day hikes in California. Hikers can enjoy everything from well-developed trails winding through scenic areas to only dirt trails high up in the windswept mountains. Unleash your inner explorer and check out what the Islands offer today!
The Douglas Family Preserve
The Douglas Family Preserve features numerous trails for hikers looking for easy to moderate trails to explore in the Santa Barbara areas. Many trails are within walking distance of rest areas, making this a popular location for family-friendly excursions. This area is popular with families and dog walkers thanks to the ease of walking its level trails. The Preserve is also conveniently located close to Arroyo Burro Beach Loop.
Arroyo Burro Beach Loop
Arroyo Burro Beach Loop’s 1.3-mile trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in Santa Barbara. Many runners, walkers, bikers, and residents visit here year-round thanks to its convenient location and relatively easy traversability. While it’s one of the easiest hikes in Santa Barbara, it still gives visitors plenty of excitement. Arroyo Burro is conveniently located, making it easy to experience nature. The trail is also very kid-friendly, making it a popular quick stop for families throughout the Santa Barbara area.
Once you are finished with your hike, you can also enjoy a relaxing beach day at Arroyo Burro Beach. This beach is one of our favorite beaches in Santa Barbara. You can check out other top beaches in Santa Barbara here!
Romero Canyon Loop
The Romero Canyon Trail is a 10.3-mile loop circling through the Los Padres National Forest. Regarded as a moderately challenging trail, Romeo Canyon rises 1,499 feet and takes about 5 hours and 42 minutes to complete. The Forest Service maintains the trail well, with hikers reporting that the trail remains relatively easy to navigate even after some rain. Hikers can enjoy spectacular Pacific Ocean views and abundant wildflowers that bloom in the spring. The trail is also dog-friendly, though they should remain leashed. Visitors should plan accordingly, as the trail offers limited parking, which may fill up early on the weekends.
Cathedral Peak Trail
Located in the Los Padres National Forest, Cathedral Peak Trail is an out-and-back trail that runs for 4.7 miles. The trail features an elevation gain of 2,342 feet, allowing hikers to experience much of Cathedral Peak’s main features. Visitors start at Mission Creek and follow the path to La Cumbre Peak, which features an abundance of rock climbing. The trail is open year-round, and dogs are welcome but must be leashed. However, hikers should know about the trail’s dangers, such as its steepness in parts and ability to become very hot, even during the colder months. There also aren’t any facilities here, making it essential to travel prepared.
Tangerine Falls Trail
The Tangerine Falls Trail is a 2.2-mile out-and-back trail and one of the more challenging hikes in the Santa Barbara area. Deep in the Los Padres National Forest, this trail is open year-round. Visitors can and dog-friendly as long as they’re leashed. Visitors can soak in the splendor of Tangerine Falls after a heavy spring rain when white waters rush over the sides. Featuring an elevation gain of 875 feet, this trail with a shaded canyon is a hidden gem among Santa Barbara hiking destinations.
Lizard’s Mouth
Named for the rock formation at the trail’s other end, Lizard’s Mouth is a short out-and-back trail only 0.3 miles long. Even though it only has an elevation rise of 49 feet, hikers rate it moderately tricky. Those visiting the trail will have to climb over rocks to take in breathtaking views of Santa Barbara, making this a short excursion that’s worth it. The incredible Lizard’s Mouth rock formation makes for fantastic photos, so bring your camera and your best smile!
Stevens Park
A short but scenic 1.6 miles long, Stevens Park features incredible views from a cool canyon. Stevens Park is a popular retreat year-round and is one of the favorite hikes in Santa Barbara for residents and visitors alike. Easily accessible from downtown Santa Barbara, the trail offers a relaxing afternoon getaway or the perfect break during your busy weekend. Hikers report damage to the trail from recent rains and mussy areas that used to be dry. However, unlike other trails, this one remains open despite apparent changes.
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Trails
The Santa Barbara Botanic Harden Trail is an easy 1.3-mile trail loop that rises only 170 feet. Visitors here can enjoy the lush scenery from April to September when the trail is most popular. Visitors may bring their dogs to walk with them, but they should be leashed. Visitors should know there is a $20 entry fee, and the trail takes about half an hour to complete. Once you’re done hiking, you can enjoy the beautiful botanical gardens on-site, making this one of the most “elevated” trails in Santa Barbara!
Franklin Trail, Carpinteria
Hikers looking for a real adventure will want to check out the rugged Franklin Trail in Carpinteria. Stretching for 16 miles and with an elevation gain of 4,619 feet, this trail takes an estimated 9 hours and 27 minutes to hike. For an out-and-back trial like this, you’ll want to thoroughly plan for an extended journey with transportation arranged if you journey here. Dogs are allowed on the trail but should be leashed at all times for their safety as much as others.
Travel Planning Guide
Are you thinking about going on a hiking adventure in the Santa Barbara area? If so, it’s important to scope out which trails you want to hike, the amenities they offer, and any special requirements or features they have. Some trails might be busier, more challenging, or more crowded than others. This can be especially important to consider if you’re coming with your family, children, or pets.
Some of the best hikes in Santa Barbara can be had on the smaller, more local trails. These are especially suitable for families with small children and pets and are easy to access even from downtown Santa Barbara. However, longer trails, like those deep in the Santa Ynez mountains, can also be full of excitement and majesty and are some of the most popular Santa Barbara hikes.
Many trails around Santa Barbara must be accessed through a national park, state forest, or private neighborhood. These trails may require a fee to enter or restrict when and where you can hike, especially if a trail runs through private property, like many in the area. You’ll want to check out what hours the trails you’re interested in are open and if they are available year-round or seasonally. Bring plenty of water and snacks, especially if you’re hiking on a hot summer’s day!
