Grace C. Chang - Santa Barbara Hikes

Distance (R-T): 6 miles
Elevation gain: 500 feet
Difficulty: Easy

It has been at least 7 years since I have hiked this trail. It is best in the winter months - cooler and the water flowing in the creek is lovely. However, many of the creek crossings can get difficult in high flow conditions. This is a loop trail. We usually cross the creek and continue along the riverbed (it is quite wide). The trail will take you along the creekbed, crossing several times. It is very nice along here - through sycamore trees and along meadows. Eventually, you will reach Gibralter Dam. It gets a bit confusing here - just stay right and you will find yourself on a road, overlooking meadows and the Santa Ynez range. You will climb a relatively steep hill and then head downhill back to the parking lot.

Driving directions (from the 101): Take the 101 to the 154 and go up away from Santa Barbara. After you start to go downhill, take a right onto Paradise Road. Take Paradise to the end of the road. You will see a dirt parking lot on the left. The trailhead is just beyond the parking lot.

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