Tunnel Trail

Tunnel Trail is one of the most popular trails in Santa Barbara. It is within 5 minutes from downtown and has enough twists, turns, and surprises to keep hikers interested. Unfortunately it's mountain-biker mecca, which means you are likely to be run off the trail.

Described here is the basic trail from the trailhead to La Cumbre Peak, the highest peak in Santa Barbara at 3995ft. Along the way are little side trails that you might be able to find if you are alert. If you are interested in an all day adventure you can try one of these steep, super-primitive trails, but use your head. People have gotten lost up there and have needed the Search and Rescue Team (and even Search and Rescue has gotten lost!) For that reason those trails aren't actually described here, but they are there for the discovery.

Tunnel Trail begins on the same paved road as Inspiration Pt. The road is an access road used by Edison and lasts about a mile until it becomes a dirt road. You can ride your bike or hike up the dirt Edison Road if you like. That is an excellent hike all its own.

Tunnel Trail starts a bit past the end of the pavement and goes up the mountain steeply for about 3.5 more miles. Along the way are gorgeous views of the city. The trail is usually very dry with one creek that runs only after rains. If you go up there shortly after a good strong rain you can see the waterfall, which can be impressive. The waterfall, when dry, is an impressive rock formation and makes a nice lunch/view spot. At the top you reach East Camino Cielo Rd. From there it is a short walk up the Road to La Cumbre Peak where there is an old fire tower, picnic table, and the fanciest outhouse I've ever seen. There are also breathtaking views of the rugged Back Country on the other side of the Santa Ynez range.

The hike is about 9-11 miles round trip (depending on if you go all the way to La Cumbre Peak) with an elevation gain of about 3000 ft.

Tunnel Trail Updates

Update trail conditions

Posted: March 31, 2009, 12:17 pm
by: oasisbackbeat

Just did it twice in a week...its in great conditions til the top (when you kinda have to figure out your way) and all beautiful views of the city! Reaching the highest point is breathtaking...especially looking back at the fig mountain...bring lots of water! and listen up for those mountain bikers...they are everywhereee

Posted: June 24, 2008, 8:56 pm
by: SkipSmith

I took this trail to La Cumbre Peak for the first time today. I got a late start, and didn't hit the trail until about 10am -- got back to my car at 3pm. No bikers, the temperature wasn't too bad, and there was a nice breeze most of the way.

A word of warning -- it's actually a bit of a walk from the trailhead on Camino Cielo to the peak. I thought I was almost done when I hit the road, but it was a trudge.

Also, as you walk the road, make sure to look down into the back country for a great view of Gibraltar Dam. I almost missed it.

Posted: April 20, 2008, 3:53 pm
by: Taylor

I did this trail with a couple of friends on saturday at about 6 in the morning. What an incredible experience. The whole of the trail is mostly up hill, but it is well worth is to go to the top. If you go early enough there will be no bikers on the downhill, but a few hard core uphillers. Nice and cool as well.

Posted: December 15, 2007, 10:49 am
by: jbaysurfer

Hiked this trail twice this week. We need rain! Trail is in great condition though, one or two washout areas no problem as long as you're not stopping there to take a picture. Stay alert for the Mountain Bikers bombing down this trail.
I fully support both bikers' and hikers' access to these trails, but if you're a hiker, I recommend you leave the headphones in the pack, or play the music very very quietly and only while you're on the way up (so you've got some visual cues). On the way down, it's too dangerous to wear headphones.

For the Bikers (I do both BTW), control your speed and communicate with hikers downhill of you. Let them know which side you'll be passing on, they don't have eyes on the backs of their heads! Of course, ALWAYS use your bells, and if you want real respect, try to ascend the trail every so often!

All in all, it's been a beautiful week, the view from missio...er...a "side trail"....stretched from Pt. Mugu to Pt. Conception and it was so clear you could easily make out the canyones on Santa Cruz.

Posted: August 13, 2007, 10:15 am
by: SkipSmith

I was afraid of that -- thanks for the info jkercher.

Posted: August 13, 2007, 9:49 am
by: jkercher

Zaca Fire Update *Tunnel Trail Closed as of 8/11/07*

The county announced the closure of tunnel trail in this news release dated Saturday, 8/11:

http://countyofsb.org/documents/07_08_11ZacaUpdate200pm.pdf

Posted: August 12, 2007, 8:09 pm
by: SkipSmith

I was thinking of hiking up Tunnel Trail to La Cumbre Peak sometime this week, but I'm worried about the Zaca fire. Does anyone know if the trail is open all the way to the top?

Posted: July 24, 2007, 12:15 am
by: robiwan

Did this trail last month took it to the top of the gibraltar damn trailhead. The sign said the dam was 7 miles. Got a sunburn that was pretty bad. remember a hat and sunblock on this one. trip took approx 4.5 hrs. there was a fun place to go rock hopping on just off the trail more towards the top.

Posted: October 10, 2005, 6:57 pm
by: josh and tay

well, we conquered the highest elevation in santa barbara today, la cumbre peak, and boy are we feeling it.

the directions were pretty good, conditions were dry and hot, there were no dirt bikers, definately need insect repellant as the black flies were ruthless, but all in all a great experience and a beautiful view of the coast and the channel islands.

now, everytime we look up at the sb mountain range we can point to the highest peak and say we have been there. sweet.

love.
josh and taylor

ps. bring lots of water and some snacks as the directions say the hike is 11 miles roundtrip...but it is definately longer.

pps: when you get to the road, eventhough you feel like you are going to die, don't give up! keep going you are almost there! (the old fire tower is on your left).

Posted: September 11, 2005, 12:21 am
by: Anonymous

I just wanted to say that my roomates and I ventured out on this trail last year- not realizing that 11 miles of hiking is a LOT. We haven't really hardcore hiked before, and this trail KICKED OUR BUTTS. But we did go all the way to the top- and even though it took all day and we couldn't move for about 3 days afterward, it was way worth it. It isn't possible to be more of an amateur than all of us, and we tackled this one just fine. I recommend it!

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Posted: March 23, 2005, 7:19 pm
by: Diane

Post your update here.