Travel Magazine
May 15, 2021
Captivatingly squeezing between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the ocean, Santa Barbara boasts some of California’s most beautiful day hikes. Standing on top of these rugged peaks, you can gaze at striking views of the Channel Islands glistening in sight, sea and horizon. In shady canyons, swimming holes and smooth waterfalls create refreshing relaxation areas and picnic areas. Wildlife watching is an added bonus. Cliff trails along the coast offer stunning views of the Pacific Ocean for peaceful views. Luckily, you can see whales and dolphins not far from the shore. Hiking trails adorn the Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens. Entrance fee is required. From family-friendly hikes to sycamore-spurred gorges to summits, Santa Barbara is a hiker’s paradise. Drink plenty of water and pay attention to poisonous oaks before going on the trails.
Douglas Family Sanctuary
Long known by locals as Wilcox’s estate, the 70-acre dog-friendly Douglas Family Preserve is one of the best in Santa Barbara. Named after movie star Michael Douglas and his father Kirk, and being one of the few neighborhoods in Santa Barbara, this adorable trail is a favorite with dog owners. Because it allows furry friends to walk around on a leash in a designated area. . The three-mile-long trail, leaping over the magnificent sea cliffs, winds through eucalyptus trees, oaks and cypress trees, below the sea and Arroyo Buro Beach. Lucky hikers can spot dolphins or whales abroad. These beautiful trails are family-friendly-children should get off the cliff. One corner of the park is a popular launching point for hang gliders. From the east side of Medcliff Road, you can go to the park near the intersection with Selrose Lane, or you can go by footpath from the Arroyo Burro Beach parking lot.
Inspiration points
One of Santa Barbara’s most popular hikes, Inspiration Point culminates on a small peak with stunning views over 180 degrees. This 4 mile out-and-moderate trail begins on the Tunnel Trail (accessible from the Jesusita Trail) and continues for about a mile on the paved road, turning into a dirt road over a metal gate. Eventually, you will pass a creek that may or may not flow depending on the rainfall. The trail climbs 800 feet above the Santa Nine Mountains, as well as breathtaking views of the city, sea, and islands. The Cathedral Peak is behind. The best time to try this hike is in the late afternoon. It turns into a light-rich honey hue, and the trail provides more shade. This is a dog-friendly trail and is popular with local trail runners and mountain bikers. Parking is limited at the trailhead and tickets are issued for parking violations. You can access the trailhead from Tunnel Road on Mission Canyon Road.
Costal Vista Trail: Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve
The Harbor Seals are the highlight of Carpinteria’s beautiful cliff promenade, about 12 miles from downtown San Francisco. The entire stretch of this flat, easy one-mile trail stretches along the edge of the towering sea cliffs in one of the largest open spaces along the southern coast of Santa Barbara County. Along the way, you can peek into the harbor seal pit from the beach below and see these gentle creatures surf and crawl up the beach like giant caterpillars. From December to May, the beach is unobstructed and is closed for the date of birth. From the aquarium, the trail leads through Tar Pits State Park, eucalyptus trees and beautiful sea gazebos to coastal salt marshes, where you can see parts of the Channel Islands (Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa). Plein Air artists often step up their easels along these stretches to capture a gorgeous view. Spawning is also popular-salt marshes are home to more than 200 species. Bring your binoculars to discover wildlife. To use this trail, take exit 101 south of Ballard Avenue in Carpinteria. Drive towards the sea and head to the cliff parking lot. Dogs are not allowed near the seal kennel.
Cold Spring East Forks
Cold Spring East Fork is one of Santa Barbara’s best-known canyon trails, offering a picturesque pool beneath shady alders as a short stroll from the parking spot. You can adjust the length of this trail to suit your hiking ability and energy level, and you can choose from easy cobalt to the first pool where you can find frogs and salamanders, to a one-way hike of 4.5 miles east. Camino Chiello. The hike begins on Montecito’s Mountain Drive and includes several creek crossings, continuing past puddles and small waterfalls (after a good rain). From here, the trail rises steeply over the canyon through the chaparral of Montecito Overlook, 1.5 miles from the treble head, offering beautiful views of the city. From the upper part of the trail, zigzag down to Montecito Peak (3.5 miles from the trailhead) and East Caminosielo (4.5 miles from the trailhead) and raise 2,675 feet above sea level to the ridge. You can go down the back side of Mount Santa Yanez or go back to the trailhead. This is a great hike on hot days, as it shades until you reach your stomach. Watch out for poison orcs on the way.
