Aliso Canyon Trail

Aliso Canyon Trail is the place to go to see pretty spring flowers. The saturation on Figueroa Mountain may be greater, but the variety here cannot be matched. It's possible in a good year to see just about every kind of flower that blooms in spring in Santa Barbara all at the same time.

Flowers like Chinese Houses, Blue Dicks, Fairy Lanterns, Mariposa Lillies and many many many more. I have even seen the mysterios Chocolate Lily.

The hike is a loop, about 4.5 miles long with some climbing, so I would rate it as moderate if you are in decent condition. But you aren't obligated to do it as a loop. You can opt to stay along the creek in the shade and avoid the upper, hilly section. Either way, if it's spring, there will be flowers all along the way.

You will need an Adventure Pass to park.

Aliso Canyon Trail Updates

Update trail conditions

Posted: March 27, 2006, 8:09 am
by: Anonymous

We just hiked the loop yesterday (3/26). The trail is in great shape. The climb up to the saddle that overlooks Upper Oso campground is in fairly good shape even though you could tell that some horses had gone through. All the streams were flowing from the rain Saturday morning. There were quite a few wildflowers out, but there will probably be alot more out within the next month. The views were great, but the main issue was the ticks. We didn't get any on us but we picked 5 off of our dog. Be careful.

Posted: March 2, 2006, 10:44 am
by: Paolo

Quote:

Does anyone know where to buy an adventure pass in advance? There are sings to buy them in the park, but we couldn't find any either at the ranger stations or at the two other places indicated in the park as places to obtein them.

You can drive all the way to the first water crossing, and usually they sell them there. However, correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think they are needed any longer before the checkpoint, only selected areas are still enforced.

 

Posted: March 2, 2006, 9:54 am
by: Anonymous

We hiked this trail on Saturday and it was beautiful. The trail is in great shape.
Lots of wild flowers already in bloom.
The hike was beautiful but we were worrried all the time because we were afraid we would be getting a $$$ ticket for parking without an adventure pass. We tried to buy one, but it was impossible!

Does anyone know where to buy an adventure pass in advance? There are sings to buy them in the park, but we couldn't find any either at the ranger stations or at the two other places indicated in the park as places to obtein them.

Thanks

 

Posted: April 30, 2005, 4:28 pm
by: Paolo

The trail is in great condition, just overgrown with flowers, which makes for a really nice hike. Just watch out for the occasional tick. Some water on the upper part of the loop, which is unusual. The only slide has been fixed. Burn area barely visible in all this green. Definitely worth the hike!

 

Posted: March 23, 2005, 7:28 pm
by: Diane

Post your update here.