Grace C. Chang - Santa Barbara Hikes

Distance (R-T): 3-3.5 miles
Elevation gain: 600 feet (I'm guessing)
Difficulty: Moderate

The beginning part of this trail is along a service road, but on clear days, Anacapa Island can be seen from this road. Eventually, we reach dirt trail and veer off towards Mission Creek on a single-track trail. We cross Mission Creek and continue uphill along a partly shady, partly sunny trail. We end up at Inspiration Point for beautiful views of the city of Santa Barbara, the islands (on a clear day), and Cathedral and La Cumbre Peaks, White Mountain, and the Rock Garden. We can continue forward and end up on Jesusita Trail or turn around and return to where we started from. We pass several other off-shoot trails from this one.

Driving directions (from the 101): Take the Mission Exit and drive toward the mountains. When the road ends at Roosevelt School, take a left at the stop sign onto Laguna Road. Take a right in front of the Mission onto Los Olivos Road. At the fork in the road, veer left onto Mission Canyon Road. At the stop sign, take a right onto the 192. After a short block, at the fire station, take the left fork onto Tunnel Road. Stay left. This road will take you up through switchbacks and through a lovely neighborhood. Eventually, the road ends at a private drive. Park on the right (if you can find a spot!) and be careful to stay within the signs. They do ticket up here. The trailhead is up to the right.

A resident of Tunnel Road recently emailed me that her and her neighbors greatly enjoy the jubilant atmosphere that the hikers bring. How nice!

Left: The pool at Mission Creek and Right: Tam and Danelle at Inspiration Point

The falls at Tunnel Road.

Also see Jesusita, Tunnel, Cathedral Peak, and Seven Falls.

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