Lizard’s Mouth
in Los Pardres National Forest
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Lizard’s Mouth is a mountain top rock formation overlooking Santa Barbara. Wind-carved pockets on the underside of this sandstone outcropping give the rock a resemblance to a frog or lizard’s mouth. The short hike to Lizard’s Mouth offers sensational views and is a quick excursion for anyone traveling the 154 between Santa Barbara and Lake Cachuma or Los Olivos.
A path from West Camino Cielo meanders through boulders and brush, heading slightly uphill to a clear spot overlooking Santa Barbara. Although there are a few overlapping paths, they all lead to the same place. Turn right and ascend the slope of sandstone that forms the lizard’s back. When the side of Lizard’s Mouth becomes visible, either climb over the rocks to get to it, or continue along the path as it swings around to the destination.
Lizard’s Mouth
An opening beneath the overhang makes for a good turnaround point. Climb up on the “lizard” and take in the panoramic views. The route back to the trailhead is the same and a bit easier to follow in reverse. Lizard’s mouth offers a half-mile stroll with optional rock scrambling and obligatory views of Santa Barbara and the Pacific Ocean. The trail runs adjacent to the Winchester Canyon Gun Club so be prepared to hear gunfire as you hike, especially on weekends. No fee or permit is required, so get out and enjoy.
Lizard’s Mouth
To get to the trailhead: From The 101 freeway west of downtown Santa Barbara, exit on the 154 headed north. The road climbs up the mountain into Los Padres National Forest. After 7 miles, turn left onto West Camino Cielo (if you reach the East Camino Cielo or the crest of the ridge, you have gone to far). Off the 154, West Camino Cielo makes an immediate right before winding up to the top of the ridge. Take this road for 3.5 miles and enjoy the views over Santa Barbara. The trailhead is on the left side of the road a few hundred feet before the Winchester Canyon Gun Club. When you reach the gun club or the point where the road becomes unpaved, turn around and backtrack to the roadside parking near the trailhead. A wooden board next to a tree (and a brown pipe on the ground) mark the start of the trail to Lizard’s Mouth.
Use the map below to create your own directions:
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Nearby Trails
 | Knapp’s Castle This easy 0.8-mile hike visits the scenic ruins of an estate home built atop the mountains behind Santa Barbara. |
 | Tequepis Trail This invigorating 8.4-mile round trip hike offers views of Lake Cachuma as it climbs the Santa Ynez mountains to views of Santa Barbara and the Pacific. |
 | Nojoqui Falls This short 0.65-mile hike visits an 80-foot tall fern-lined waterfall. |
 | Gaviota Peak This 6.5-mile 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. |
 | Gaviota Wind Caves This 2.5-mile hike just off the 101 visits wind-carved caves with great ocean views. |
 | Tangerine Falls This 2.5-mile hike visits a beautiful waterfall on the edge of Los Padres National Forest near Santa Barbara. |
 | Montecito Peak This 7.1-mile partial loop climbs to a panoramic summit in Los Padres National Forest overlooking Montecito and Santa Barbara. |
 | McMenemy Overlook This 3.7-mile hike uses four trails to form a loop through the mountains behind Montecito, California. |
 | More Central Coast Hikes Explore other destinations along the California coast between Ventura and Monterey, including trails in Los Padres National Forest. |
Similar Trails
 | Skull Rock in the Santa Monica Mountains This 1.5-mile hike descends Temescal Ridge to a head-shaped formation with great views over Santa Monica Bay. |
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Are dogs allowed on this trail? Thanks!
Dogs are indeed welcome.