Hikes in Santa Barbara County

If you come to Santa Barbara for the scenic coastline, fine wineries, and quaint lodging, you should stay for the excellent hiking. The Santa Ynez Mountains rise just behind the coastal cities of Santa Barbara County. This east-west range is part of Los Padres National Forest and forms a beautiful green backdrop for Santa Barbara. Many great trails run through these mountains, visiting quiet canyons, gushing waterfalls, and overlooks with stunning ocean views. ... Read more.
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Los Angeles

The Grotto
in the Santa Monica Mountains

Los Angeles | Trails | Ventura
Trail Rating:
The Grotto in the Santa Monica Mountains
Simply named The Grotto, this narrow bolder-filled canyon with small talus caves covering a creek in the mountains makes a fun destination for a short hike. From the Circle X Ranch Visitor Center in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area on the west side of Malibu, it is 3-mile round trip to the Grotto with 475 feet of elevation loss. The trail beneath Circle X Ranch and Exchange Peak From the main parking area for Circle X Ranch, walk down the access road to a small group campsite and pick up the single track trail to the Grotto, which descends into a verdant canyon. ...Read more.
Tagged with · Creeks · Free Trails · Malibu · Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area · Wildflowers · Dog-Friendly Trails · Santa Monica Mountains
Distance: 3 miles · Elevation change: 475 feet
By: Seth Smigelski Published: December 28, 2009 Last updated: May 19, 2026
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