Santa Barbara is known for its beaches and coastline, but some of the best outdoor experiences are in the foothills and mountains just outside the city.
You can hike along creeks, climb to viewpoints above Santa Barbara, explore waterfall routes, or take an easy walk along the coastal bluffs.
Here are 10 Santa Barbara hikes worth adding to your list.
1. Inspiration Point
One of the best-known hikes in Santa Barbara, Inspiration Point takes you into the foothills above the city and ends at a viewpoint overlooking Santa Barbara and the Channel Islands.
- Best for: Classic Santa Barbara views
- What to expect: A steady climb with open views near the top
- Good to know: Inspiration Point can be reached from the Tunnel Trail and Jesusita Trail systems
2. Seven Falls
Seven Falls follows Mission Creek into a rocky canyon with a series of pools and waterfalls. The route involves creek crossings, rock hopping, and some scrambling.
- Best for: Waterfalls and a more adventurous hike
- What to expect: Rocks, creek crossings, uneven terrain, and some scrambling
- Good to know: Water levels depend heavily on recent rainfall, so the experience can be very different from season to season
3. Rattlesnake Canyon Trail
Rattlesnake Canyon is a popular local trail with more shade than many of Santa Barbara's exposed foothill hikes. The route follows a creek through oak and canyon scenery before climbing higher into the foothills.
- Best for: Shaded canyon hiking
- What to expect: Creekside sections followed by a moderate climb
- Good to know: Dogs are allowed on leash
4. Cold Spring Trail
Cold Spring Trail starts in the Montecito foothills and follows a canyon with pools, creek crossings, sandstone, and shaded sections.
- Best for: Creek scenery and a longer foothill hike
- What to expect: A mix of shade, creek crossings, rocky sections, and climbing
- Good to know: Conditions around the creek can change considerably after heavy rain
5. San Ysidro Trail
San Ysidro Trail climbs through San Ysidro Canyon, starting with creekside and wooded sections before reaching more exposed chaparral higher in the mountains.
- Best for: A quieter canyon hike
- What to expect: Creek scenery, pools, oak woodland, and mountain views
- Good to know: The trail becomes more exposed as you climb, so an early start is helpful on warm days
6. Romero Canyon Trail
Romero Canyon is a good option for hikers looking for a longer route in the Montecito foothills. The lower trail passes through the canyon before climbing through chaparral toward the mountains.
- Best for: Longer hikes and a stronger workout
- What to expect: Creek crossings, climbing, chaparral, and views toward the coast
- Good to know: Access around Romero can be affected by Forest Service closures, so check current conditions before planning the full route
7. Gaviota Peak
Gaviota Peak is west of Santa Barbara in the Gaviota area. It is a tougher hike than most of the city trails, with a sustained climb and views across the Gaviota Coast and surrounding mountains.
- Best for: A challenging hike with coastal views
- What to expect: A longer climb with exposed sections
- Good to know: Gaviota State Park is about 30 miles west of Santa Barbara, so plan for extra driving time
8. Lizard's Mouth
Lizard's Mouth is more of a short walk and rock exploration than a traditional hike, but it is one of the easiest places to get a high-elevation view above Santa Barbara and Goleta.
- Best for: Sunset, photography, and a quick outdoor stop
- What to expect: A short walk followed by large sandstone formations
- Good to know: The rock can be uneven and exposed, so use extra care near edges
9. Jesusita Trail
Jesusita Trail starts near San Roque and climbs through riparian habitat and chaparral toward Inspiration Point.
- Best for: A longer route to Inspiration Point
- What to expect: Canyon scenery, steady climbing, and views of Santa Barbara and the Channel Islands
- Good to know: Stay on the designated trail and respect posted signs where the route passes near private property
10. Douglas Family Preserve
Douglas Family Preserve is a large open space on the coastal bluffs above Arroyo Burro Beach. Its network of trails makes it one of the easiest places in Santa Barbara to get outside without heading into the mountains.
- Best for: Easy walks, ocean views, and sunset
- What to expect: Mostly easy trails through coastal open space
- Good to know: This is a good choice when you want something shorter and less strenuous than the foothill hikes
Hiking Conditions & Timing
- Trail Conditions: Santa Barbara trail conditions can change because of wildfire risk, storms, erosion, landslides, and trail closures. Check the official park or Forest Service website before leaving, especially for routes that enter Los Padres National Forest.
- Summer Hiking: Start early. Many Santa Barbara and Montecito foothill trails have exposed sections that become very hot later in the day.
- Waterfall Hiking: Seven Falls and other waterfall routes are usually better after meaningful winter or spring rain. Creek crossings and rocks can also become more difficult after storms.
- Sunset Hikes: Inspiration Point, Lizard's Mouth, and Douglas Family Preserve are popular around sunset. Give yourself enough time to return before dark if you are on a mountain trail.
- Bring: Water, sun protection, good hiking shoes, and an offline trail map if you are heading into the mountains.
Want to Find Hiking Groups & Events Near You?
- Head to the Events Tab: Open SportyMatch or visit the website and go to the Events section.
- Filter by Location & Sport: Set your location to Santa Barbara and select Hiking to find local hikes, walking groups, weekend outings, and outdoor meetups.
- Join Other Local Hikers: Find people planning hikes around Inspiration Point, Seven Falls, Rattlesnake Canyon, Montecito, Gaviota, and other nearby trails, then RSVP to join.
Want to Organize Your Own Hike?
- Tap Create Event: Start a new event in SportyMatch.
- Select Hiking: Choose Hiking as the sport or activity.
- Add the Meeting Location: Pin the trailhead or another clear meeting point.
- Name the Hike: Use a simple title such as Inspiration Point Saturday Morning Hike.
- Set the Time: Add the meeting date and time.
- Invite Other Hikers: Invite friends or other people in the local hiking community to join.
Santa Barbara has everything from short coastal walks to steep mountain climbs. Start with a trail that matches your experience level, check conditions before you go, and leave yourself plenty of time to enjoy the hike.
