Walk This Way
Exploring Santa Barbara’s surprising number of trails just minutes from downtown
Photos and story by Adam Nunez
Running east to west directly behind Santa Barbara, the Santa Ynez Mountains rise steeply to nearly 4,000 feet above sea level. Their human history spans from the native Chumash peoples, early Spanish explorers, stagecoach roads, and great works of civic engineering. Adventures nowadays range from relaxing family picnics to intense full-day hiking trips. What’s covered here are a few trails and parks all within 10 to 20 minutes from the downtown area.
First up is Parma Park, with 200 acres of open space and 7 miles of hiking trails. The trails are mostly hilly, with a mixture of cool shaded creek paths and more exposed pathways on the open hills. Parma Park receives less foot traffic than some of the more popular trails like Cold Creek and Rattlesnake. But the bucolic beauty here is just as tranquil. This land was owned by Giovanni Parma in the late 1800s and was used for cattle grazing and an olive tree orchard. Later, in 1973, his sons donated it to the city. In order to recover from the 2008 Tea Fire, the city has planted new oak tree sprouts and installed new trail marker signs. The trails are easy to follow with clear signage. Like most of the trails in Santa Barbara, parking can be a challenge, especially on weekends. Try to arrive early. Parking is located on a small dirt lot on 1960 Stanwood Dr., Santa Barbara right off Highway 192.
Less than 5 minutes from Parma Park is Sheffield Reservoir. Water used to lie above ground here, but it was moved underground as part of the Sheffield Reservoir Water Quality Project in 2003. Today, it encompasses more than 20 acres of open space. This is a perfect option for people with limited mobility, families with strollers, or kids on bikes. Most of the trail is flat and paved with native plants and flowers lining the whole area. Thick bushes of purple sage, California poppies, and buckwheat are a lovely experience for your five senses. You’ll find numerous dirt trails crisscrossing throughout, which are excellent opportunities for mini adventures with young children. You’ll find a bit more parking here than other trails. Find Sheffield Reservoir at 530 Mountain Dr., Santa Barbara.
Next up is another family-friendly option at Rocky Nook Park. This nearly 20-acre park has picnic tables, barbecue grills, a playground, restrooms, and a flat hiking trail under the shade of mature oak trees. My own children love this park for the simple pleasure of the many small, climbable rocks adjacent to the main parking lot. Mission Creek runs right through the middle of the park, providing hours of entertainment for children who can wade in the ankle-deep water and play to their heart’s content. But this park isn’t just for the young.
On a recent visit, I met Jenny and Randy enjoying a peaceful picnic. They have lived in the nearby town of Goleta for nearly 40 years, and it was their first time visiting Rocky Nook Park. As they had just recently retired, they chose this tranquil space to ponder what life holds in store for them next. It’s hard to think of a more perfect place for such reflection.
What follows is Inspiration Point Trailhead located about 5 minutes north of Rocky Nook Park. It closed in late July for a habitat restoration project, but should reopen later in the fall or possibly early winter (check the Los Padres National Forest website or call the Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation District to check on the trail’s status). We’re including it here because it’s absolutely worth a visit when it reopens.
Inspiration Point Trailhead is actually the start of a few different trails all leading northward — some to sweeping vistas of the ocean, and others to cool shaded waterfalls. The main path is Tunnel Trail, a wide fire road that starts quite steeply and has very little shade. Come with plenty of water, and start early if possible. After only about a quarter of a mile, you’ll be rewarded with ocean views and hopefully cool breezes to follow. At about one mile the trail forks. Veer left to head toward an area called Seven Falls. You guessed it, there are waterfalls here! Depending on the time of year, there is usually enough water to cool your feet or sometimes your whole body with a dip in one of these natural pools. You can continue onward and upward toward the majestic Cathedral Peak, or to the highest point in Santa Barbara: La Cumbre Peak, which lies just under 4,000 feet elevation. Parking is very limited, so as with other nearby trails, start early and aim for weekdays whenever possible. Find the trailhead at Spyglass Ridge Rd., Santa Barbara.
Moving further east to the town of Montecito is the San Ysidro Trail. This trail starts in a residential area but after a mile or so climbs steeply upwards into a canyon. There, you’ll find a small creek and gorgeous views. Many trails in the Santa Ynez Mountains were impacted by the heavy spring rains, and this one is no exception. The further up you go, be prepared to do some light rock scrambling, and keep a close eye on the trail. For better or worse, you’ll likely have fellow hikers to assist you since this is a popular trail. Most of the path winds between high canyon cliffs, so starting early in the morning or later in the evening will provide you with cool shade. This one is for the more adventurous-minded hiker.
Shifting gears to another family-friendly option, we head to Skofield Park next. There are 30 acres to explore with four reservable picnic areas, barbecue grills, restrooms, a creek, plenty of shade, and a large grassy field. This is an ideal place to spend a full day relaxing with the whole family. Or, if you’re more inclined to adrenaline-filled activities, there are opportunities for bouldering (i.e. rock climbing without a rope, and instead using thick crash pads for safety. Bring your own crash pad.). On my most recent visit, I met Nick Sarris
and his son Chris from Simi Valley. They say it’s hard to beat the location, with 15-foot boulders to scramble up located right next to a shaded bubbling creek. Find parking at 1819 Las Canoas Rd., Santa Barbara.
Directly adjacent from the entrance of Skofield Park is one of the best all-around trails in the front range of the Santa Ynez Mountains. This is Rattlesnake Trail. Don’t worry, there are no more rattlesnakes here than anywhere else in the mountains – although whenever you enjoy these trails, you should always be aware of your surroundings, even in the cooler months. Most of the trail is shaded by wide oak trees, and the creek flows nearly all year around here. The gradient is slighter when compared with other trails in the region. Whether you decide to hike half a mile or complete the 6-mile loop, it’s all beautiful here.
These were just a few of the many parks and hiking trails Santa Barbara has to offer. As with all hiking adventures, make sure to pack lots of water, snacks, sunscreen, and appropriate clothing/footwear. And don’t forget to take plenty of breaks and enjoy your surroundings. The Santa Ynez Mountains offer magnificent natural beauty. Some of these spaces are relaxing parks and others are steep hikes into the heart of the mountain range. Whichever you choose, be safe and enjoy these special places.
For important updated trail and park information, contact Santa Barbara’s Parks and Recreation Department at (805) 564-5418 or visit sbparksandrec.santabarbaraca.gov. You can also contact the Los Padres National Forest, Santa Barbara District, at (805) 724-0079.