Goleta Butterfly Grove Monarch butterflies migrate to Goleta each November through February and this amazing sight is best viewed at the Goleta Butterfly Grove. The site is open sunrise to sunset with no admission fee, but the City of Goleta does accept donations to support the Monarch Butterfly Docent Program. The grove is adjacent to the Sperling Preserve on the Ellwood Mesa. The Read more...
Arroyo Hondo Preserve Called the “Jewel of the Gaviota Coast,” the 782-acre Arroyo Hondo Preserve is a magnificent canyon located west of Santa Barbara between Refugio State Beach and Gaviota State Park. The old ranch is rich in early California history and has an abundance of outstanding natural features.Within its steep canyon walls is a hidden place of extraordinary beauty Read more...
Haskell’s Beach Trail This local surf spot has a long history and much of it is showcased in a series of interpretive signs that line the short trail down to the beach. A good place for a range of water sports, picnicking, beach walking or simply enjoying the view. Learn More → Article on the history of Haskell’s Beach at GoletaHistory.com Read more...
Pond Dune Trail The Pond Dune Trail (aka Pond Trail) begins at the northwest corner of the Devereux Slough. To get there you can park on the street where Storke Rd meets El Collegio Rd at the start of the Slough Road and walk 4/10ths of a mile through the student housing parking lot and continuing on along the Veneco Road that runs Read more...
UCSB Lagoon Trail The gateway to the lagoon trail is at the end of Lagoon Road on the east side of the UCSB campus. Parking fees are required for designated coastal access parking spots. The trail along the north side of the lagoon is paved, while the south side is a combination of dirt, sand and paved surfaces. The 1.5 mile Read more...
Nojoqui Falls Trail More information coming soon Learn More → Article by James Wapotich at Songs of the Wilderness Article by Seth Smigelski at Hikespeak.com Read more...
Las Cruces Trail Head Las Cruces Fire Road Trail The trail system here begins on the Las Cruces Fire Road Trail. If you follow the road uphill it will connect to the Hollister Ridge Fire Road Trail. You can also access the Yucca and Ortega trails at the lower end of this road. NEARBY TRAILS → Yucca Trail Yucca Trail Read more...
Gaviota Peak Trail Head Gaviota Peak Trail The hike to Gaviota Peak is a challenging 3 mile uphill climb with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and the Channel Islands at the summit. The trail is actually a fire-road which can be followed back down for a return trip, or you can make a loop by hiking over the peak Read more...