Nojoqui Falls
in Santa Barbara County
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Nojoqui Falls Parks is located just off the 101 Freeway north of the Gaviota Tunnel between Santa Barbara and Buellton. In addition to picnic tables and playing fields, the park offers a short hike to an eighty-foot waterfall. This two-thirds of a mile mile round trip trail ascends 175 feet up a shaded canyon to the enchanting Nojoqui Falls.
Nojoqui Falls Trail
There are no junctions on the way to Nojoqui Falls, just stick to the wide trail as it passes through an old forest of oaks and laurels. Halfway up, the trail enters the canyon below the falls, crossing a wooden bridge and climbing the stone steps on the left bank of the creek. The trail crisscrosses the canyon and arrives at a stone viewing platform at the base of the falls. Overhead, Nojoqui Falls cascades down an 80-foot wall of fern-lined sandstone. This year-round attraction peaks in early spring when the falls are fullest, but Nojoqui Falls remains picturesque in the autumn when the waterfall is reduced to a slender ribbon of water flowing down a lush green tapestry. During a heavy rain, Nojoqui Falls expands from a trickle to a torrent, becoming a truly powerful sight.
From a trickle in November…
To a torrent in January
Unfortunately, the Chumash word Nojoqui is pronounced na-hoo-ee and not no-joke-ee, which would have been more humorous to their English speaking successors. Regardless of the name, the waterfall is a beautiful sight, certainly worthy of the short hike (no joking). After enjoying the falls, simply return the way you came. The entire hike takes about 20 minutes. While this is not enough time to work up a sweat, visiting the falls is a nice activity for anyone driving on the 101 and looking for a quick break. Those spending more time in Nojoqui Falls Park can make use of the picnic tables, BBQ pits, and ball fields. The park is free to the public and dogs are welcome on leash.
Nojoqui Falls
To get to the trailhead: From Santa Barbara, take the 101 North 5.4 miles past the Gaviota Rest Area and turn right on La Lata Place, following signs for Nojoqui Park. Take La Lata Place for one mile and make the first left on Alisal Road. After 0.8 miles, turn right into Nojoqui Falls Park. Enter the park and follow the road back and to the left. There are restrooms just in front of the cul-de-sac at the trailhead.
To get to Nojoqui Falls Park from the north, from the city of Buellton, take the 101 Freeway south for 4.7 miles and turn left following signs for Nojoqui Park. Then take La Lata Place to Alisal Road and on to the park as described above.
Use the map below to create your own directions:
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Nearby Trails
 | Gaviota Hot Springs This short hike visits a warm hot springs along the trail to Gaviota Peak in Gaviota State Park. |
 | 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. |
 | Tunnel View and Trespass Trails Loop This 2.6-mile loop steals a view over the 101 Freeway and the Gaviota Tunnel. |
 | Gaviota Wind Caves This 2.5-mile hike just off the 101 visits wind-carved caves with great ocean views. |
 | 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. |
 | More Central Coast Hikes Explore other destinations along the California coast between Ventura and Monterey, including trails in Los Padres National Forest. |
Similar Trails
 | Rose Valley Falls in the Los Padres National Forest This 1-mile round trip trail leads to the lower tier of this two-tier 300 foot waterfall. From there one can scramble off trail to the much taller upper tier. |
 | Salmon Creek Falls This 0.6-mile hike visits a fine 120-foot waterfall near the start of Salmon Creek Trail. |
 | McWay Falls This 0.6-mile hike looks out on a stunning Big Sur waterfall that pours 80 feet right on to the beach. |
 | Fish Canyon Falls in the San Gabriel Mountains This 4-mile hike starts at a rock quarry with restricted access and ends up at a multi-tiered 80-foot waterfall. |
 | Escondido Falls in the Santa Monica Mountains This 3.8-mile out and back visits a 200 foot waterfall that is split into two tiers. The upper tier is 150 feet tall and stunning after a rainstorm. |
 | Lower Yosemite Fall in Yosemite National Park This 1.2-mile hike delivers visitors to the base of the tallest waterfall in North America. The experience is not to be missed. |
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Nice pictures, good to see the waterfall flowing so well.