Grace C. Chang - Santa Barbara Hikes

Distance (R-T): 3.5 miles
Elevation gain: 1175 feet
Difficulty: Moderate

We start off at the same place as Cold Springs East, but we take the trailhead on the left, following the creek. About 1/4 of a mile up, we cross the creek at the rusty sign saying "Cold Springs West". It's where the bench sits. We follow this single-track trail up a different canyon. We pass the turn-off to Tangerine Falls about half-way to the top of the trail. It ends at Gibraltar Road, but we usually stop just before getting to the top because for some reason, obnoxious people like to shoot guns at the sign and at bottles up there - the ground is littered with glass and garbage.

Driving directions (from the 101): Take the Hot Springs/Coast Village Road Exit and turn left toward the mountains. At the stop sign in front of the Shell Station, take a left onto Hot Springs Road. At some point, Hot Springs Road will force you to turn left (right will put you onto Olive Mill Road. Eventually, you'll reach the junction with Mountain Drive. Take a left (if you go straight, the road ends). Continue up Mountain Drive until the creek crosses the road. Park on the street near this lack-of-bridge and the trailhead is to the right of the creek if you are facing upstream.

Also see Montecito Peak, Cold Springs East, or Tangerine Falls.

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