LPFA Trails Database
Trails 1 - 5 of 200 that match your criteria.
JasonnTest
overview
Sweetwater Trail
The Sweetwater Trail is a seven mile long connector trail leading from the crest of the Sierra Madre Mountains near Salisbury Potrero down to the Sisquoc River about 1/4 mile downstream from South Fork.
Rattlesnake Canyon
Rattlesnake Canyon is filled with cascading waterfalls and deep pools. The alder cover provides shade and a lovely green canopy. If you hike up the creek from the trailhead or take one of the many side trails leading down to the creek you�ll find the remains of a dam built in the early 1800s to service the Mission. Within just a few minutes drive from downtown Santa Barbara you can be hiking up this picturesque canyon, lost in its wilderness beauty. A connector leading to Tunnel Trail makes it possible to hike all the way to the crest.
Tunnel Trail
Mission Canyon provides a variety of different type of outdoor experiences ranging from a sunset hike to Inspiration Point, a refreshing dip in the pools at Seven Falls, a picnic on the lip of Mission Falls or the awe-inspiring views from the top of La Cumbre Peak. You can hike from Mission Canyon to Stevens Park in San Roque Canyon or over and into Rattlesnake Canyon. You can even drop down to Fern Falls and work your way down Mission Creek to the Botanic Gardens.
Cold Springs-East Fork
This is absolutely my very favorite trail. Within a few yards of your car the pools begin. Deep and shaded by alders, the perennial creek offers scores of places to spend an afternoon. Even the name suggests something special.
Cold Springs-Middle Fork
Though not a long nor well-known trail, it leads up to a series of beautiful cascades culminating in a 200' high waterfall. A small pool is at the base of the falls, making this a great place to hang out for the afternoon.
Cold Springs-West Fork
Though not a long nor well-known trail, it leads up a very pretty canyon to Gibraltar Road. A side trip along the way leads to Tangerine Falls and the upper end of the Middle Fork canyon.
Saddle Rock Trail
The trail leads up onto a prominent ridgeline on the east side of Hot Springs Canyon where there are several large rock outcroppings which provide nice spots to relax for the afternoon. This area is known as Saddle Rock. The ridge trail leads up to the powerlines, providing access either to Cold Springs or San Ysidro canyons. A very nice loop can be made by following the powerlines to the Girard Trail and returning via this and the McMenemy Trail to your car.
Lizard's Mouth
Lizard�s Mouth is located in a large amphitheater-shaped rock formation at the point where the Coldwater Sandstone formation crosses over the Santa Ynez Mountains. Its chaparral environment is interspersed with large, massive sandstone outcroppings. The forces of wind and water have created an intricate network of caves and crevices that are wonderful to explore.
Steven's Park
The trail beyond Stevens Park wanders through a beautiful oak-filled canyon, whose combination of picturesque scenery and easy hiking is perfect for children. There are lots of places to stop by the creek and mortars cut into the rock by the Chumash when they once used this area. This a perfect place to go for an afternoon picnic, game of volleyball, or canyon hike.
Jesusita Trail
Jesusita Trail wanders through a beautiful oak-filled canyon, whose combination of picturesque scenery and easy hiking is perfect for children. The hike to Inspiration Point provides views that make the ascent worthwhile. Along the way you will find a cutoff trail leading up to the historic Arroyo Burro Trail. Stevens Park is at the lower trailhead, making this a perfect place to go for an afternoon picnic, game of volleyball, or canyon hike.
Arroyo Burro Trail
Provides an opportunity to re-visit one if Santa Barbara's most historic trails, great views from the upper knolls above Barger Canyon, a rugged and more remote experience than most since the trail is used much less than others. Just above the power lines a series of rocky ridges jut out of the chaparral creating the best viewpoint on the Goleta coastline, which is evident by the numbers of people who have carved their names in the soft, red Sespe Formation.
Seven Falls
Both the east and west forks of Mission Creek have eroded through the highly resistant Coldwater Sandstone forming a series of narrows with deep pools, steep falls, and rich green fern coverings�the fabled Seven Falls.
Inspiration Point
Inspiration Point is formed by the extension of the ridgeline leading off the southeast side of Cathedral Peak. Near the bottom the ridgeline flattens out, forming a promontory from which you can enjoy excellent views out over the city. The vista across the western flank of the Santa Ynez Mountains is particularly enchanting.
Mission Canyon Catway
A must hike for power walkers. The dirt road is open and fairly easily traversed by most hikers. The route continues around the upper end of the east fork of Mission Canyon, bringing you high up on the mountain within a relatively short distance. There are excellent views out over Rattlesnake Canyon and the Montecito coastline. An off-trail route continues across a high ridgeline to Tunnel Trail, making a loop possible. Mountain bikers make use of the road quite frequently as a conditioning ride.
Cathedral Peak
From Santa Barbara, the Mission Crags dominate the skyline. On the left side of Mission Canyon a rocky shoulder rises from its depths, forming a long, steep and picturesque profile. If you can imagine yourself climbing up that ridgeline, leaping from boulder to boulder, you will have a sense of the feeling you will get. Climbs such as these are for those who do not mind the hard effort which comes before the well-earned reward. It is hard to describe what it is like to be there atop Cathedral Peak unless, of course, you have already been there.
The Rock Garden
For those of you who have been to the Playground you will understand what is meant by a garden of rocks. There are no trails but many small openings which lead throughout the hundred acres or so of bedrock. There are all sorts of shapes and sizes and lots of nooks and crannies and caves and tunnels to keep you busy for quite awhile. The hike getting here is not easy but that is as it should be.
Skofield Park
A beautiful set of meadows and oak forests provide the setting for one of Santa Barbara's most beautiful picnic and group camping areas. The 35-acre retreat provides all of the facilities for a great afternoon BBQ. The Rattlesnake Canyon wilderness area is not far away, and kids will love exploring in the creek. The road leading into the park also makes a loop around the park. This provides a great short hike for younger kids, leading past large boulders and through sculptured oaks.
Rock Garden Loop
This hike provides one of the most challenging and spectacular loops you will find anywhere in the Santa Ynez Mountains. It combines both trail hiking and off-trail scrambling, taking you down into Rattlesnake Canyon to the historic Tin Can Meadows, then sharply up the connector to Tunnel Trail. An off-trail route takes you straight up a ridgeline to one of the most spectacular boulder fields in these mountains.
Parma Park-West Side Canyon Walk
An excellent area to bring kids for their first hike. Close to the city yet a very remote feeling. There are trails leading in a variety of directions, making it possible to take a short hike or combine sections to create a 3-4 mile hike. The canyon section is covered by a beautiful oak forest. It is possible to create a 2.5 mile loop by walking along a short stretch of Mountain Drive.
Parma Park-East Side Summit Hike
An excellent area to bring kids for their first hike. Close to the city yet a very remote feeling. There are trails leading in a variety of directions, making it possible to take a short hike or combine sections to create a 3-4 mile hike. The summit hike follows a long ridge to a high point where there are views in all directions.
Romero Canyon Trail
Romero Trail is one of the few front country trails which actually constitutes a loop. This is because the canyon trail starts at the bottom of Romero Road, now abandoned, and then intersects it again about two-thirds of the way to the crest. Though the creek is small the canyon is very picturesque. Because it is a bit out of the way, the trail doesn�t enjoy the popularity of those directly behind Santa Barbara, meaning you will often have it all to yourself.
Romero Road
The Romero Road leads up and around a large peak and provides views of the entire coastline. The road is steep in parts but well maintained and easy to walk on. At the halfway point, as you finish rounding the peak there are very nice views of the upper canyon. It is also possible to continue along the road, which becomes more of a trail after the power lines, until you reach the intersection of the canyon trail and loop back down it.
Romero Catway
For hikers who would like to experience the feeling of a walk along the upper edges of Montecito, where you can look down on the coastline from a lofty perch nearly 1200' in elevation above the valley floor, the route up to the Buena Vista lookout provides just such an experience. The power line road is wide, easy to walk on, and the views are spectacular. It is possible to reach the Buena Vista Trail or hike all the way to San Ysidro Canyon on the power line road.
San Ysidro Trail
Though at first the trail winds past a home and then follows a graded dirt road for a half mile, the upper end of the canyon is picturesque as it winds through a series of narrows formed by a thick layer of Matilija Sandstone. You�ll find an 80� waterfall at the upper end of the canyon section. Several connector trails lead to the east and west, making several short scenic hikes possible, none of them too far from your car.
McMenemy Trail
The trail leads across San Ysidro Creek and through a very pretty eucalyptus forest. Views from the bench are some of the best. You can continue on to the Saddle Rock Trail and continue up it to create a longer loop hike, or follow the Girard Trail up to the Edison Catway for a shorter loop.
Old Pueblo Trail
This is a short loop hike but it makes for a very pleasant walk when you want something which isn't too difficult. It can be combined with loops involving other trails for more strenuous hikes. Along the way you will get a glimpse of a few of Montecito's fine estates.
Wiman Trail
The Wiman Trail is a very short connector which leads up a narrow and beautiful canyon to the Old Pueblo Trail. This provides an easy loop possibility or you can also continue east on the Old Pueblo Trail to reach the Buena Vista Trail. The route leads past some very interesting Montecito homes which you won't see any other way.
Buena Vista Trail
The Buena Vista Trail is the most colorful place to go in the fall. It is filled with sycamore trees whose leaves turn a delightful yellow in November and December. There are very interesting sandstone formations in the canyon and you can combine the trail with a hike up to the lookout point or a loop via San Ysidro Canyon.
Buena Vista Catway
The loop provides a wonderful opportunity to combine the scenery in the upper parts of San Ysidro Canyon with the beauty of Buena Vista Canyon and the nearby lookout point. Continuing down the canyon and across the Old Pueblo Trail completes the loop.
Girard Loop
The loop provides a wonderful opportunity to combine the scenery in the upper parts of San Ysidro Canyon with the beauty of the upper McMenemy Trail.
The Playground
The Playground is a circular boulder field about three-fourths of a mile in diameter that you can see from the Goleta Valley. It features the best rock scrambling anywhere in Santa Barbara, with channels and water-worn crevices separating the sandstone into individual pieces, making it seem something like a picture puzzle. You�ll discover beautifully sculptured sandstone �art forms�, a network of rough-hewn trails that don�t really lead anywhere but allow you to romp through most of the boulder field, and of course, the Narrows.
East Camino Crest Drive
The drive is awesome. Breathtaking. Winding its way from the 2,250� summit of San Marcos Pass to the tiptop of 3,985� La Cumbre Peak, each turn along East Camino Cielo uncovers a new vista�Santa Cruz Island, the Santa Barbara coastline, Lake Cachuma, Figueroa Mountain, the Big Pine cliffs, Little Pine, Gibraltar Lake, a blend of images which suggests a wildness and an isolation rare to be found so close to civilization.
West Camino Crest Drive
The route begins a half-mile below the crest of San Marcos Pass. Leading across the rugged and extremely remote western portion of the Santa Ynez Mountains, the road snakes its way across a series of bony spines and high prominences for 19 miles from San Marcos Pass to Refugio Pass. For four miles the road is paved, and the going seems easy, but just beyond Lizard's Mouth the road abruptly turns to dirt and begins a series of sharp downhill switchbacks that seem to lead backward in time to a frontier era.
Fremont Ridge
Fremont Trail provides a short hike with great views of the Santa Ynez Valley and is easy enough that you can take small children on it. The ridge is sharp and after an immediate downhill, meanders over a series of knolls to a point where you can sit and look out on the backcountry and all of valley. It makes a nice evening hike, just before sunset.
Knapp's Castle
Knapp�s Castle is a short hike that is perfect for children, and sunset as well. The trail is only a half mile in length and almost level. The silhouette of the chimneys forms one of the most dramatic sights to be found anywhere in these mountains and kids love playing around them. From the Castle you have 180 degree views of the entire back country.
Arroyo Burro�Backside
This is a delightful trail that leads down into a narrow canyon and because it isn�t traveled too often, is a nice hike for those who want a bit of solitude. From the saddle you can also walk down the Arroyo Burro Road. You can also explore a little of the front side of the mountains. The trail actually goes all the way down into San Roque Canyon, and has just recently been made accessible through agreements with property owners near the bottom.
La Cumbre Peak
Most likely you will agree with me that the tip top of La Cumbre Peak�3,985' above sea level�provides the best views Santa Barbara has to offer. The panorama is full circle, great views of the islands, the long arms of the San Ynez Mountains stretching in either direction towards Ojai and Gaviota, and breath-taking vistas looking back at the San Rafael Mountains. A short loop can be made by following the remnants of the paved road leading up to the lookout tower. You will find benches and picnic tables at strategic locations, placed just right to enjoy the spacious views while you munch on your lunch treats.
Angostura Pass
The dirt road from Angostura Pass leading down to Gibraltar Dam provides a nice hike with expansive views of the back country. For those who want a long day hike, Matias Potrero and Devil�s Canyon will take you to the river and the road will take you back up. Or, with a shuttle, you can follow Matias Potrero all the way to Live Oak picnic area.
Forbush Flats
Forbush Flats is a delightful camp situated right in the middle of the Santa Ynez Fault. Because of this, shell fossils are exposed in the rock in this area, making it a geologist�s paradise. You�ll find an apple orchard here, the only remnants of Fred Forbush�s pioneer homestead. Gidney Creek leads off to the left, which is interesting to explore. Or you can follow the main trail to the river. Overnight camping is possible here.
Montecito Peak
The upper part of the Cold Springs Trail leads a mile to Montecito Peak, a great place to spend the afternoon or enjoy sunset. You can be dropped off at the top of either the Cold Springs or San Ysidro trails and picked up by a friend back down in town. If you�ve just hiked down to Forbush Flats, why not walk back to town rather than drive?
Upper Romero Loop
If you like great views, you�ll love this trail. The route follows Romero Road for 1.5 miles down towards until it intersects the Romero Trail, then follows this up to the top of the mountains. Though you will have a steep hike to the crest, once there you�ll feel like you are on top of the world.
Refugio Canyon-North Side
The first three miles of the ride is easy as you coast down to the river and then climb gradually up into the lower end of Quiota Canyon. There are small farms as well as luxurious estates and as the canyon begins to narrow, beautiful oak forests where, if you are lucky, you might spot a flock of wild turkeys. The ride to the top is steep but if you are riding over to Refugio State Beach to meet friends for a picnic, you will love the ride down to the coast.
East Camino Cielo
With views that equal those on West Camino Cielo, the ride to La Cumbre Peak provides the feeling that you can see almost forever. The ride is all on pavement, but does involve a great deal of uphill riding. Shorter rides can be made, with side trips either to Painted Cave or Knapp�s Castle.
Knapps Castle/Snyder Loop
The ride to Knapp�s Castle provides a good combination of beautiful views and a great workout that ends at one of Santa Barbara�s finest attractions, the historic ruins of Knapp�s Castle. Snyder Trail leads from the Castle down to the Santa Ynez Valley, providing a great loop trip that can be combined with a stop at Cold Springs Tavern.
Romero Saddle
The riding is mostly ups and downs on pavement to Romero Saddle with a few hundred foot drop down to the saddle. The views are great on either side of the road and the 12 mile out and back to the Saddle is a nice ride for all the family. With a ride to the top, continuing on down Romero Raod is a great way back to town.
Divide Peak
The Divide Peak route leads across the far eastern part of Camino Cielo, with spectacular views out over the Carpinteria Valley and the upper Santa Ynez River drainage. The route involves some steep uphills but they are worth it. If you are adventurous you can take the Franklin Trail down to Jameson Reservoir for a long day�s loop.
West Camino Cielo Mountain Bike Traverse
The ride along the crest is spectacular. Beyond Lizard�s Mouth, where the road turns to dirt, rarely will you encounter automobile traffic. As you ride, you not only have views in either direction but a remote and very primitive feeling the entire distance to Refugio Pass, if you choose to go that far. With a shuttle car in place you need not return the same way you�ve come.
Tequepis Trail Shuttle Ride
The ride along the crest of West Camino Cielo provides incredible views in either direction. Much of the route is over rough dirt road, which lends a remote quality to the ride. Tequepis Trail is one of the most enjoyable single track sections in these mountains and provides a perfect way to end your trip. If you continue on across to Refugio Pass you can enjoy some of the finest downhill in the county.
Rincon Beach County Park
A delightful walk that includes one of the great surfing spots, tidepools at lower tides, a long stretch of sandy beach and a seal preserve.
Carpinteria Bluffs
The Carpinteria Bluffs are now preserved as open space, thanks to the many local citizens who contributed so saving them. I always enjoy my walks here.
Carpinteria State Beach
Wide expanses of beach, gentle surf, and excellent claming during periods of minus tides make this beach a walker�s paradise.
Santa Claus Lane
The beach near Santa Claus Village is wide and long, with plenty of space for sunbathing, picnicking, or long walks. It is a favorite spot for surf fishing and claming as well.
Loon Point
The cliffs near the parking area for the Loon Point beach walk soar upward like a bird in flight. Below them is an isolated stretch of beach leading to Lookout Park, as well as a delightful stroll around Loon Point, if the tide permits.
Lookout Park
Lookout Park is tucked neatly along the Summerland cliffs, with picnic tables, barbecues, as well as playground equipment for the kids. There is an asphalt walkway leading directly down to the beach, with wide expanses of sand in either direction.
Eucalyptus Lane
Hidden at the foot of San Ysidro Road, Eucalyptus Lane provides beach access both to Fernald or Hammond's points. There are excellent tide pools, long stretches of beach, and a host of beautiful homes to enjoy.
Butterfly Beach
A delightful quarter mile long beach sits right at the foot of the Biltmore Hotel and Coral Casino. There is plenty of room to relax and enjoy the sun and surf or a walk in either direction at lower tides.
San Antonio Creek
Though this is a relatively short hike, and not terribly wild, San Antonio Creek is a wonderful place to take children. Tucker�s Grove is perfect for a picnic, and it has the best playground equipment for kids anywhere in Santa Barbara. The hike is level so you can take even the littlest tots on the trail. The riparian community found along it is an excellent place to teach kids about the local environment.
Lake Los Carneros
The stroll around the lake provides a wonderful early morning or afternoon walk. The lake and mountain backdrop make you feel like you are out in the country. This is a great place to watch birds, including many varieties of ducks which migrate here in the winter. The historic Goleta Depot and Stow House are nearby, where you can find out more about Goleta Valley History.