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Santa Barbara Ranger District Hiking Trails

Backpacking and Hiking Trails in Santa Barbara Ranger District


The Santa Barbara Ranger District lies within southern Santa Barbara County where chaparral-covered mountains range in elevation from 1,100 feet near the confluence of Manzana Creek and the Sisquoc River to Madulce Peak, 6,541 feet. The vegetation is primarily chaparral, accentuated with impressive stands of mixed conifers around Madulce Peak and the sandstone formations of Rancho Neuvo. Black bear, mountain lion, and coyote call the District home. Find a complete list of hiking and backpacking trails below for your next adventure.
A total of 46 Santa Barbara Ranger District Hiking Trails are currently available. ×
Alamar Trail - 8.70 Miles
26W06 • Dick Smith • Santa Barbara Ranger District • Santa Barbara County
The Alamar trail begins at Alamar Saddle Campground (5673 feet) which is on the Buckhorn Road (Forest Route 9N11), the trail is located in the Dick Smith Wilderness. No water at the trail head except at Bear Camp…
Aliso Loop Trail - 3.78 Miles
28W05 • Non Wilderness Area • Santa Barbara Ranger District • Santa Barbara County
Constructed by Ronald "Willie" Forsyth as a short cut trail from his pack station at what is now Sage Hill Group Camp to Upper Oso Camp and on up the Santa Cruz Trail to the back country. A school group and the L.P.F.A. (Los Padres Forest Association) developed the nature trail. The trail is maintained…
Arroyo Burro Trail North - 2.6 Miles
27W13 • Non Wilderness Area • Santa Barbara Ranger District • Santa Barbara County
This trail is a popular mountain biking trail. The trail leaves Arroyo Burro road east of Rancho Oso and travels up a north facing slope for 3.5 miles. Madrone trees are quite common in this area.
Arroyo Burro Trail South - 4.42 Miles
27W13 • Non Wilderness Area • Santa Barbara Ranger District • Santa Barbara County
The trail begins slightly more than a half mile after you begin your hike up the Jesusita Trail. The trail sign is under a large oak and is situated right before you would head up onto a long plateau if you were continuing on the Jesusita. I noticed…
Blue Canyon Connector Trail - 1.44 Miles
26W13 • Non Wilderness Area • Santa Barbara Ranger District • Santa Barbara County
Blue Canyon gets its name from the blue-green serpentine formations found along its 5 mile length. The canyon runs directly along the Santa Ynez Fault. This is a relatively narrow canyon with several overnight camps along it and a stream that flows year round. Beyond Cottam Camp a number of options…
Blue Canyon Trail - 5.36 Miles
26W12 • Non Wilderness Area • Santa Barbara Ranger District • Santa Barbara County
Blue Canyon gets its name from the blue-green serpentine formations found along its 5 mile length. The canyon runs directly along the Santa Ynez Fault. This is a relatively narrow canyon with several overnight camps along it and a stream that flows year round. Beyond Cottam Camp a number of options…
Buckhorn Trail - 8.12 Miles
27W12 • Non Wilderness Area • Santa Barbara Ranger District • Santa Barbara County
The Buckhorn Trail connects Buckhorn Road with the Indian Creek Trailhead.  Historically is was a very well used trail by hunters and for forest users connecting larger sections of the forest.  In more recent history it was commonly used by mountain bikers, even being recognized as an "epic ride"…
Buena Vista Trail - 0.53 Miles
• Non Wilderness Area • Santa Barbara Ranger District • Santa Barbara County
A short trail that starts at Park Lane above Montecito next to the Buena Vista Reservoir. This trail climbs from Park Lane up to Edison Catway. Once you get to the top of the ridge you will have amazing views of Santa Barbara, Goleta and the Channel Islands. You can access this trail from the park…
Caliente Trail - 10.5 Miles
25W06 • Non Wilderness Area • Santa Barbara Ranger District • Santa Barbara County
The canyon is named for the Big Agua Caliente Hot Spring located in the canyon. The canyon heads on a ridge between Hildreth Peak and Monte Arido. The Cliente Trail runs up the canyon passing La Carpa Potrero to join the Monte Arido Potrero Seco Rd. 6N03. Road 5NI6 runs from Pendala up to the Hot…
Camuesa Connector Trail - 3.81 Miles
27W22 • Non Wilderness Area • Santa Barbara Ranger District • Santa Barbara County
Trail crosses the Santa Ynez River and meanders four miles up the south slope of the river canyon to tie into Romero Camuesa Rd. Directions: From Santa Barbara Hwy 101, 10 miles NW on Hwy 154, 9 miles East on Paradise.
Cathedral Peak Trail - 2.18 Miles
• Non Wilderness Area • Santa Barbara Ranger District • Santa Barbara County
A very steep trail that splits of from Jesusita Trail 27W17 in Mission Canyon. This trail climbs up from Mission Canyon to Cathedral Peak and then up to La Cumbre Peak and West Camino Cielo Road. Once you get to the top of the ridge you will have amazing views of Santa Barbara, Goleta and the Channel…
Cold Spring Trail - East Fork - 4.43 Miles
26W10 • Non Wilderness Area • Santa Barbara Ranger District • Santa Barbara County
The East Fork Cold Spring Trail (often called Cold Springs) is a popular hike that leads from Montecito over the mountain and into the backcountry.  The trail is broken into two sections: the southern or frontcountry side and the northern of backcountry side.  The southern portioin of the…
Cold Spring Trail - Middle Fork - 2.4 Miles
26W10 • Non Wilderness Area • Santa Barbara Ranger District • Santa Barbara County
The middle fork of the Cold Spring Trail does not get as much use as the East and West Forks, this trail starts from split off from the trail to Tangerine Falls. The trail then climbs steeply above Tangerine Falls and proceeds up the creek until the trail heads along a ridge line towards East Camino…
Cold Spring Trail - North - 5.4 Miles
26W10 • Non Wilderness Area • Santa Barbara Ranger District • Santa Barbara County
The northern trail is more of a backpackers route used to access the assortment of backcountry camps on the northern Santa Ynez Mountains or Upper Santa Ynez drainage.  The majority of backpackers start from the Cold Spring Saddle Trailhead along East Camino Cielo.  The trail drops steeply to Forbush…
Cold Spring Trail - West Fork - 1.50 Miles
27W16 • Non Wilderness Area • Santa Barbara Ranger District • Santa Barbara County
The trail follows a creek through a narrow canyon, and enters a large semicircular valley (with a view of Tangerine Falls). The trail then diverges from the creek and climbs up to Gibraltar Road. 200 foot high Tangerine Falls is in a canyon to the north of the trail. Directions: Take Cold Springs…
Devils Canyon Trail - 3.39 Miles
27W14 • Non Wilderness Area • Santa Barbara Ranger District • Santa Barbara County
The Devil’s Canyon loop allows you to experience the enchanting canyon to be found beyond Red Rock while at the same time escaping the crowds that sometimes end up there. This is possible because the swimmers and sunbathers don’t usually begin to show up until the early afternoon. Starting at 9am…
Don Victor Trail - 4.82 Miles
25W03 • Dick Smith • Santa Barbara Ranger District • Ventura County
The Don Victor Trail is a very rough 5 mile trail in the heart of the wild Dick Wilderness, located in Ventura County. The trail connects the Puerto Suelo Trail (3E08) and the Loma Victor Road (7N05). There are two ways to access this trail, one option…
Franklin Trail North - 2.21 Miles
25W09 • Non Wilderness Area • Santa Barbara Ranger District • Santa Barbara County
The Franklin Trail provided access for decades for many an outdoor adventurer, hunter, fisherman and backcountry explorer for many decades until things began to change after World War II, especially as avocado ranching became more and more prominent. About the same time Carpinterians were first venturing…
Franklin Trail South - 7.9 Miles
25W09 • Non Wilderness Area • Santa Barbara Ranger District • Santa Barbara County
Though not open for more than 30 years, thanks to the efforts of the Friends of the Franklin Trail, the part of the historic route to the crest is now accessible to the public. The trail takes you past Carpinteria High School and then climbs 600 feet to the top of a prominent knoll. Along with the…
Fremont Trail - 3.81 Miles
N/A • Non Wilderness Area • Santa Barbara Ranger District • Santa Barbara County
The Fremont Trail connects East Camino Cielo Road with Fremont Campground on Paradise Road. The Fremont trail has beautiful view of the Santa Ynez River Valley. The Fremont camp was constructed by the CCC in 1935. It is named for John C. Fremont who in 1846, led an armed…
Gibraltar Trail - 5.18 Miles
28W06 • Non Wilderness Area • Santa Barbara Ranger District • Santa Barbara County
A short 0.1 miles connector trail between the Gibraltar Resivour and the Cold Spring Trail. This trail makes for a great mountain bike ride or day hike. A very large rock formation of Temblor Sandstone was called The Rock of Gibraltar. When Santa Barbara needed more drinking water, they constructed…
Girard Trail - 0.63 Miles
• Non Wilderness Area • Santa Barbara Ranger District • Santa Barbara County
A short trail that splits of from Mcmenemey Trail 26W19 above Montecito. This trail climbs from Mcmenemey Trail 26W19 up to Edison Catway. Once you get to the top of the ridge you will have amazing views of Santa Barbara, Goleta and the Channel Islands. You can access this trail from the Mcmenemey…
Grapevine Trail - 5.39 Miles
27W10 • San Rafael • Santa Barbara Ranger District • Santa Barbara County
The Grapevine Trail is located in the southern San Rafael Wilderness and connects the Santa Cruz Trail to the Buckhorn Road at Bluff Cabin.  There are a few stories as to how the Grapevine Trail got its name.  One legend states that it was named after a grapevine plant which once grew at the Murietta…
Indian Trail - Dick Smith - 2.78 Miles
26W08 • Dick Smith • Santa Barbara Ranger District • Santa Barbara County
One of the most enjoyable trails in the back country. It starts at Bluff Camp and descends along the creek of the same name until the creek joins Mono Creek a short distance up stream from the Santa Ynez River. A beautiful section from Pens Camp down to just above Indian Creek Camp was, thankfully,…
Jesusita Trail - 4.13 Miles
27W17 • Non Wilderness Area • Santa Barbara Ranger District • Santa Barbara County
Provides a variety of environments. Oak woodlands, avocado orchards, and even views of newly built homes. Switchbacks take you through dense chaparral until you reach Inspiration Point. Inspiration Point is just south of the Jesusita Trail. Please stay on the trail, portions of the trail cross private…
Madulce Peak Trail - 2.00 Miles
28W09 • Dick Smith • Santa Barbara Ranger District • Santa Barbara County
The Santa Barbara Ranger District Hiking Trails is a 0.1 mile trail in the Wilderness in . The trail connects the Madulce Trail (28W09) and Madulce Peak. On the 1905 topographic map, the peak is called Strawberry Peak because…
Madulce Trail - 3.51 Miles
28W09 • Dick Smith • Santa Barbara Ranger District • Santa Barbara County
The Santa Barbara Ranger District Hiking Trails is a scenic 0.1 mile trail in the Wilderness in . The trail connects the Buckhorn Road (9N11.3) to 3 Dick Smith Wilderness trails, the Don Victor Trail (25W03), the Santa Barbara…
Matias Connector Trail - 0.85 Miles
27W25 • Non Wilderness Area • Santa Barbara Ranger District • Santa Barbara County
A very short connector 0.1 mile trail located along the Santa Ynez River in  County, the trail leads to the Matias Potrero Trail (27W19), Access the trail head from the Santa Ynez Road 5N18.2 at , .
Matias Potrero Trail - 4.86 Miles
27W19 • Non Wilderness Area • Santa Barbara Ranger District • Santa Barbara County
The Santa Barbara Ranger District Hiking Trails is a beautiful 0.1 mile trail in . The trail connects the Arroyo Burro Road (5N20) and the Tunnel Trail (27W14). Named after Matias Reyes and his wife, Griselda filed a claim and built a small cabin. He also owned property just east of the Botanical Garden in Mission…
Mcmenemey Trail - 1.61 Miles
26W19 • Non Wilderness Area • Santa Barbara Ranger District • Santa Barbara County
The hike up to the McMenemy Bench for the morning or evening views is one of the great short hikes in the Santa Barbara area, but what I like most about this trail is the variety of 2-3 hour long loops you can do by combining it with other sections of trail. Now that the Girard Trail is almost complete…
Mcpherson Trail - 3.35 Miles
27W01 • Non Wilderness Area • Mt. Pinos Ranger District • Santa Barbara County
The Santa Barbara Ranger District Hiking Trails is a scenic 0.1 mile trail in . The trail connects the Lost Valley Trail – Ventana Wilderness (4E08) and the North Coast Ridge Trail (3E10). The mountain was named for a pioneer family of several members who homesteaded in the area at a early date. A communication…
Mission Pine Trail - 14.55 Miles
28W01 • San Rafael • Santa Lucia Ranger District , Santa Barbara Ranger District • Santa Barbara County
The Mission Pine Trail connects Cachuma Mountain Forest Road (8N08.2) and Buckhorn Forest Road (9N11.4). The trail is in the San Rafael Wilderness, So remember no mountain biking is allowed on any wilderness trails.
Mono-Alamar Trail - 9.00 Miles
26W07 • Non Wilderness Area • Santa Barbara Ranger District • Santa Barbara County
Originally a Chumash Indian trail from the coast to the central valley. In 1824 it was the route that Pablo de la Portilla used to return the Mission Indians after their revolt. When Fort Tejon was established the trail was used, for a short time, as a dispatch route between the Fort and Santa Barbara.…
Monte Arido Trail - 1.1 Miles
• Non Wilderness Area • Santa Barbara Ranger District • Santa Barbara County
A short connector trail at the top of Murieta Divide. This trail climbs from Murieta Road 5N13.3 up to Divide Peak OHV Route also known as East Camino 5N12.1. Once you get to the top of the ridge you will have amazing views of Carpinteria, Santa Barbara, Ventura and the Channel Islands. You can access…
Poplar Trail - 6.50 Miles
26W16 • Dick Smith • Santa Barbara Ranger District • Santa Barbara County
The Santa Barbara Ranger District Hiking Trails is a senic 0.1 mile trail in the Wilderness in County. The trail follows the Indian Creek and connects the Mono-Alamar Trail (26W07) and the Bluff Guard Station (4,480 feet).…
Puerto Suelo Trail - Dick Smith - 3.05 Miles
26W20 • Dick Smith • Santa Barbara Ranger District • Ventura County
The Santa Barbara Ranger District Hiking Trails is a remote 0.1 mile trail in the Wilderness in . The trail connects the Don Victor Trail (25W03) and the Alamar Trail (26W06). This trail has been flagged in 2015 but has not be maintained in a very long time. Please let us know if you have…
Rattlesnake Trail - 2.17 Miles
27W15 • Non Wilderness Area • Santa Barbara Ranger District • Santa Barbara County
The trail begins just before the entrance to Skofield Park near a delicately-shaped stone bridge. From there, cross the creek and follow a short connector trail to a wider dirt road. For many decades this was a buggy road, running alongside the creek to a point about three-quarters of a mile upstream…
Romero Trail North - 1.78 Miles
26W14 • Non Wilderness Area • Santa Barbara Ranger District • Santa Barbara County
The trail heads down from the top of the Romero Trail into Blue Canyon and eventually connects with the Blue Canyon Trail (26W12).
Romero Trail South - 2.9 Miles
26W14 • Non Wilderness Area • Santa Barbara Ranger District • Santa Barbara County
A beautiful hike that leads you up Romero Canyon, the trail starts 1/4 mile up Romero Canyon Road past a locked gate. Follow the fire road and after the second creek crossing you will see the trail sign. Portions of the trail follow the stream and provide many spots to enjoy the tranquility of the…
San Ysidro Trail - 4.09 Miles
26W15 • Non Wilderness Area • Santa Barbara Ranger District • Santa Barbara County
The trail begins just before the locked gate crossing on San Ysidro Creek. A small sign marked with the San Ysidro Ranch brand is fastened to a nearby oak tree. The path continues along the driveway for a hundred yards, then winds around the rear of a house and up onto a paved road. Follow this up…
Santa Barbara Canyon Trail - 6.92 Miles
25W02 • Dick Smith • Mt. Pinos Ranger District • Santa Barbara County
Santa Barbara Canyon heads south from the trailhead at the old Willow Flat Campground.  The trailhead is marked by a turnout on the righthand side of the road next to a juniper tree.  The trail starts there, crosses the creek and immediately enters the Dick Smith Wilderness.  The trail meanders along…
Santa Cruz Trail - 18.47 Miles
27W09 • San Rafael • Santa Barbara Ranger District • Santa Barbara County
WARNING: THERE IS A SKETCHY SLIDE LOCATED ABOUT 4 MILES UP THE TRAIL FROM UPPER OSO ALONG THE SOUTH SLOPE OF LITTLE PINE MOUNTAIN THAT IS NOT PASSABLE FOR SOME…
Snyder Trail - 2.82 Miles
28W02 • Non Wilderness Area • Santa Barbara Ranger District • Santa Barbara County
The first half mile of the Snyder Trail actually follows a dirt road which leads to a water tank—the Forest Service water supply. Beyond this it rises up through chamise chaparral to a shaded oak section which is quite unexpected. Switchbacks up through this allow you to enjoy an extended section…
Tequepis Trail - 3.91 Miles
29W06 • Non Wilderness Area • Santa Barbara Ranger District • Santa Barbara County
Tequepis is the name of an Indian village located at the north of the canyon and the Santa Ynez River. The site of the village is now covered by Lake Cachuma. The canyon descends from the Santa Ynez Mountains to the south shore of Lake Cachuma. In the early days, the Step family filed several homesteads…
Tunnel Trail - 3.30 Miles
27W14 • Non Wilderness Area • Santa Barbara Ranger District • Santa Barbara County
Chaparral, pools, and scenic views. Although there is no water and very little shade because it does not follow a prominent canyon or creek, it does afford spectacular views as it rises to the east of La Cumbre Peak. La Cumbre Peak is one mile from the trail head on East Camino Cielo. The East Camino…
Tunnel/Rattlesnake Connector Trail - 0.66 Miles
27W18 • Non Wilderness Area • Santa Barbara Ranger District • Santa Barbara County
The Santa Barbara Ranger District Hiking Trails is a 0.1 mile connector trail in the foothills above Santa Barbara. The trail connects the Tunnel Trail to the Rattlesnake Canyon Trail.