Hikes on California’s Central Coast

The Central Coast possesses some of the most scenic hiking in California, especially for those who enjoy ocean views. Numerous small parks protect the area's green spaces and many are free to the public. Highlights of California's Central Coast [wp_ad_wide_page] Hiking California's Central Coast Los Padres National Forest is the major protective body on the Central Coast, preserving mountain ranges that span across Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties. ... Read more.
Latest reports on the Central Coast (page 26)
Central Coast

Gaviota Wind Caves
in Gaviota State Park

Santa Barbara | Trails
Trail Rating:
Gaviota Wind Caves in Gaviota State Park
The Gaviota Wind Caves are a sandstone formation located a mile from the Pacific Ocean in the Santa Ynez Mountains west of Santa Barbara. The hike to the wind-swept caves is 2.5 miles round trip with 600 feet of elevation gain. One good thing about the Gaviota Wild Caves is that they are easy to get to from the 101. In fact, the wind caves can be seen from the freeway. ...Read more.
Tagged with · California State Parks · Caves · Free Trails · Gaviota State Park · Goleta · Ocean Views · Santa Ynez Mountains · Wind Caves
Distance: 2.5 miles · Elevation change: 600 feet
By: Seth Smigelski Published: March 15, 2010 Last updated: December 5, 2025
Central Coast

Lizard’s Mouth
in Los Padres National Forest

Santa Barbara | Trails
Trail Rating:
Lizard’s Mouth in Los Padres National Forest
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. ...Read more.
Tagged with · Free Trails · Los Padres National Forest · Ocean Views · Santa Ynez Mountains
Distance: 0.5 miles · Elevation change: 25 feet
By: Seth Smigelski Published: March 14, 2010 Last updated: April 8, 2026
Central Coast

Tangerine Falls
in Los Padres National Forest

Santa Barbara | Trails
Trail Rating:
Tangerine Falls in Los Padres National Forest
After a spring rain, the 100-foot Tangerine Falls blooms into the most beautiful waterfall in Santa Barbara. The seasonal waterfall dries out for much of the year, but is spectacular at the peak of the rainy season. The 2.5-mile excursion to Tangerine Falls has 875 feet of elevation gain and everything a hiker could want — a soothing creek, plenty of shade, ocean views, and even a bit of off-trail rock hopping and scrambling (not to mention an exceptional waterfall). ...Read more.
Tagged with · Creeks · Free Trails · Los Padres National Forest · Montecito · Ocean Views · Santa Ynez Mountains · Waterfalls
Distance: 2.5 miles · Elevation change: 875 feet
By: Seth Smigelski Published: March 12, 2010 Last updated: December 5, 2025
Central Coast

Sespe Creek to Willett Hot Springs
in Los Padres National Forest

Trails | Ventura
Trail Rating:
Sespe Creek to Willett Hot Springs in Los Padres National Forest
Located just north of Ojai, Sespe Wilderness is the largest wilderness area within Los Padres National Forest, occupying 342 square miles. Sespe Creek cuts through this land and the adjacent trail offers great views of a wide valley and scenic creek. The trail starts from Piedra Blanca trailhead near Rose Valley Falls and leaves the dense green of the bays, oaks, and chaparral for grassland plains that feel surprisingly southwestern. ...Read more.
Tagged with · Adventure Pass · Backpacking · Creeks · Hot Springs · Los Padres National Forest · Maricopa · Ojai · Sespe Wilderness · Topatopa Mountains
Distance: 19 miles · Elevation change: 500 feet
By: Seth Smigelski Published: February 26, 2010 Last updated: December 5, 2025
Central Coast

Wheeler Gorge Campground and Nature Trail
in Los Padres National Forest

Campgrounds | Trails | Ventura
Trail Rating:
Wheeler Gorge Campground and Nature Trail in Los Padres National Forest
Wheeler Gorge offers a campground and a nature trail. If you are planning an overnight visit to the Los Padres near Ojai, keep Wheeler Gorge campground as an option. When the free campgrounds fill up with weekend fishermen, Wheeler Gorge is an attractive alternative. Single sites go for $25 a night (and $10 for additional vehicles). Double sites are available for $50 per night (all prices as of 2018). ...Read more.
Tagged with · Adventure Pass · Creeks · Los Padres National Forest · Nature Trails · Ojai · Tent Camping
Distance: 0.7 miles · Elevation change: 100 feet
By: Seth Smigelski Published: February 25, 2010 Last updated: April 6, 2026
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