From the trailhead...
Begin the hike on San Ysidro Trail at the sign. Stay on the trail and off of private property.
At 2 tenths of a mile, join paved road. Turn left. The trail parallels the road in some spots, or you can follow the road. You may see a chain-link gate across the road. It is more polite to find the trail to the left of the road and bushes rather than go through this gate.
The pavement ends and the dirt road begins with a heavy gate. There is also a trail here to your right called the Old Pueblo Trail. Continue through the gate and follow the dirt road.
At just under the one mile mark, the trail leaves the road. The trail is marked with a redwood tree below which is a small rock marker commemorating the death of a local man. Turn right onto the trail.
At a mile and a half the trail has railings and in some spots is paved with concrete and has slippery water seepage. Then there is one large creek crossing.
At 1 and 3/4 miles there is a small side trail to the waterfall. This waterfall is a great destination spot, and after a rain it is delightful. The side trail heads straight ahead and the main trail heads to the right.
To follow the main trail, head right at the junction with the side trail that goes to the waterfall. The trail becomes steeper, with switchbacks and sparser vegetation.
At just under 4.5 miles you reach the summit with East Camino Cielo Rd. It has been a relentless climb, but you are rewarded with excellent views of the city and the ocean.
To get back to the car, turn back the way you came.
Santa Barbara Hikes has introduced many people to our front country trails and wilderness areas. Unfortunately, this may have contributed to an increase in littering and vandalism. Please accept the promise not to trash our wilderness, and tell your friends to do the same.
Thank you.
Diane ~ Santa Barbara Hikes.
Is now a book!
My trail journal from Santa Barbara to Canada on the Pacific Crest Trail
My trail journal on the Pacific Crest Trail