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Grace C. Chang - Santa Barbara Hikes |
Tunnel TrailDistance (R-T): 7 miles to Mission Canyon Falls, 8 miles to Camino Cielo, 10 miles to La Cumbre Peak
As you can see, there are a few "final destinations" along Tunnel Trail. Tunnel Trail starts at the same place as Inspiration Point, along a paved road with great views of the islands on a clear day. At some point, the trail turns to dirt. When it is still double-wide, a right turn will appear (magically!) on our right. An old, rusty sign saying, "Tunnel Trail" is next to this turn-off. We go up this single-track, steep, hot, chaparral-lined trail over the large Coldwater Sandstone formation. In the winter, just following a large rainfall event, Mission Canyon Falls flows (it is dry the rest of the time). These falls are VERY impressive, probably about 100 feet high. We can stop here or continue up until we reach Camino Cielo. When we are almost to the road, we start to hear the annoying 4-wheel off-roaders who pollute the quiet air with their motors. They ride around on the Cozy Dell Shale that we eventually hike over. The views from up here are spectacular, of the city of Santa Barbara, the ocean and islands, and the backcountry. From the road, we can stop or continue up to La Cumbre Peak. This part is kind of boring, as we are forced to walk along the road. It is always a bit of a downer to hike for that many miles uphill and see people who have driven up to the same destination... 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! Also see Inspiration Point, Seven Falls, or Cathedral Peak. |