Hikes in Santa Barbara

Below is a collection of trails around Santa Barbara, California. These hikes are listed from west to east, but the table may also be sorted alphabetically or by distance to help you pick your next hike. Each trail links to its own report complete with photos, maps, directions, and all the other information needed to locate and enjoy these hikes. An interactive map is also provided.

Highlights of Santa Barbara

Hiking Santa Barbara

If you come to Santa Barbara for the scenic coastline, fine wineries, and quaint bed and breakfasts, you should stay for the excellent hiking. Just behind the coastal cities of Santa Barbara County lie the Santa Ynez Mountains. This east-west range is part of Los Padres National Forest and forms a beautiful green backdrop for Santa Barbara. There are many great trails through these mountains, visiting quiet canyons, gushing waterfalls, and tranquil overlooks with stunning ocean views. Another attractive thing about hiking in Santa Barbara is that most of the trails are free, including every trail listed here.

Description	Distance	Latitude, Longitude
Nojoqui Falls This short out and back hike visits an 80-foot tall fern-lined waterfall.	0.65 miles 165 feet	34.528556, -120.172473
Gaviota Peak This loop mounts a 2,458-foot summit two miles from the Pacific then descends Trespass Trail to explore the wilds of the Santa Ynez Mountains.	6.5 miles 2,150 feet	34.501667, -120.198805
Gaviota Hot Springs This short hike visits a warm hot springs along the trail to Gaviota Peak.	1 mile 400 feet	34.504598, -120.2259
Gaviota Wind Caves This 2.5-mile hike just off the 101 visits wind-carved caves with great ocean views.	2.5 miles 650 feet	34.482657, -120.238502
Tequepis Trail This out and back hike delivers views of Lake Cachuma as it climbs the Santa Ynez mountains to a saddle overlooking the Pacific.	8.4 miles 2,300 feet	34.551893, -119.955904
Knapp's Castle This easy hike visits the scenic ruins of an estate home built atop the mountains behind Santa Barbara.	0.8 miles 50 feet	34.518155, -119.793234
Lizard’s Mouth This short out and back hike visits a unique rock formation with amazing views over Santa Barbara and the Pacific.	0.5 miles	34.502263, -119.867721
Tangerine Falls This out and back hike crosses a lush canyon to a beautiful waterfall on the edge of Los Padres National Forest near Santa Barbara.	2.5 miles 900 feet	34.46978, -119.65893
McMenemy Overlook This hike uses four trails to form a loop through the mountains behind Montecito, California.	3.7 miles 1,000 feet	34.452363, -119.629206