hikespeak

Located in the Santa Ynez Mountains, 1,800-feet above the Santa Barbara Coast, Inspiration Point attracts hikers with panoramic views over city and sea. Two routes lead to this picturesque perch. If you want to make a day of it, you can approach the viewpoint from the west on a moderate 7.55-mile round trip trek up Jesusita Trail to Inspiration Point from San Roque Road. For something less... Read more.

Gaviota State Park preserves 2,787 oceanfront acres in the rugged and beautiful Santa Ynez Mountains west of Santa Barbara. If the park was not sliced down the middle by Highway 101, it would surely be one of the most popular state parks on the Central Coast. The presence of the freeway certainly cuts down on crowds, enabling hikers to enjoy the largely untainted scenery in relative... Read more.

Located in the Santa Ynez Mountains, 1,800-feet above Santa Barbara, Inspiration Point provides panoramic views over The American Riviera. It is a moderate 7.55 to 7.95-mile round trip trek from San Roque Road up Jesusita Trail to Inspiration Point, gradually checking off 1,400 feet of elevation gain. Those who prefer a shorter alternative, can hike from Tunnel Road and take a 3.75-mile... Read more.

Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park preserves centuries old Native American artwork that graces the wall of a sandstone cave in the Santa Ynez Mountains behind Santa Barbara. Chumash Painted Cave can be reached by walking a couple hundred feet up a trail on Painted Cave Road. The trailhead is just two miles from California Route 154, making it a quick, convenient, and interesting stop... Read more.

The Santa Ynez Mountains form a verdant backdrop behind Santa Barbara. One of the highest summits in the range is Montecito Peak, which offers sensational views over the coastal cities below and the Pacific Ocean beyond. The 3,214-foot peak can be reached via a demanding 7.1-mile round trip hike with 2,450 feet of elevation change. It is quite a trek, but the ever-expanding ocean views will... Read more.

On Tunnel View Trail, you can expect to see exactly what the name advertises, a view of the Gaviota Tunnel crossed by northbound traffic on Highway 101 between Santa Barbara and Buellton. You can also expect this 2.6 mile loop with 600 feet of elevation gain to deliver a rustic hiking experience up a narrow overgrown trail. If you could tune out the din of the freeway below, the trail would... Read more.

In the mountains above Santa Barbara, a plot of privately owned land surrounded by the Los Padres National Forest. On that land stand the remains of a palatial estate that burned down seventy years ago, the so-called Knapp's Castle. To the ruins and back is a 0.8-mile round trip hike with 50 feet of elevation change. The majestic views from this unique spot far exceed the effort. From... Read more.

Driving up Highway 101 through the Gaviota Tunnel west of Santa Barbara, you might be unaware that a natural hot springs is less than a mile from the roadway. Gaviota Hot Springs is more warm than it is hot, but the blue sulfery water attracts its share of bathers. The springs are half a mile from the trailhead and only a tenth of a mile off the trail to Gaviota Peak, making it a nice... Read more.

Nojoqui Falls Parks is located just off Highway 101 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 round trip trail ascends 175 feet up a shaded canyon to the enchanting Nojoqui Falls. Nojoqui Falls Trail There are no junctions on the... Read more.

Gaviota Peak sits at the lofty west end of the Santa Ynez Mountains behind Santa Barbara. The 2,458-foot peak is just two miles from the Pacific Ocean, putting it in prime position to offer eye-popping views. There are two routes to the summit from the trailhead in Gaviota State Park. The traditional Gaviota Peak Trail is 3.15 miles one-way, while the immensely scenic Trespass Trail is 3.35... Read more.