Santa Barbara, CA: Grass Mountain Trail
This 4.6-mile trek to Grass Mountain is a steep one (2,100 feet in 1.5 miles), but the payoffs are worth it. You'll find spectacular summit views and some of the best wildflower displays in the state.
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-Mapped by Chuck Graham, Chuck Graham Photography
Trail Facts
- Distance: 7.4
Waypoints
GRA001
Location: 34.741712, -120.062089
Start at the cattle guard and head northeast along the creek; oak trees shade the trail.
GRA002
Location: 34.744495, -120.058862
Climb over the fence (keep the creek on your left) and continue northeast through the large meadow. Views of Grass Mountain’s broad, treeless southwest face appear straight ahead.
GRA003
Location: 34.745919, -120.056869
After the second fence you’ll come to a 3-way junction. Go left toward the creek.
GRA004
Location: 34.746517, -120.056027
Cross the creek over sandstone boulders. Stay on the left side of the creek beneath the cottonwoods and sycamore trees.
GRA005
Location: 34.747262, -120.055529
Bear right at the Y-junction, continuing along the creek. Clusters of California poppies and purple lupine hug the windswept slopes along the route.
GRA006
Location: 34.748242, -120.054367
Cross the creek at the orange lichen-covered rock. At the fork, bear left and climb meadows covered in Indian paintbrush, chocolate lilies, and goldfields. Keep an eye out for mule deer.
GRA007
Location: 34.75518, -120.052532
Crest a broad shoulder southwest of the Grass Mountain summit and continue north for more climbing.
GRA008
Location: 34.762487, -120.041707
The 3,685-foot summit of Grass Mountain is marked by a dead tree and views that reach to the Pacific Ocean. Stay for lunch, then backtrack to the trailhead.
Bush Lupine
Location: 34.746479, -120.055761
The lower elevations are covered in bush lupine that stand about three to four feet tall.
Windblown Poppies and Lupine
Location: 34.747255, -120.055343
Clusters of California poppies and purple lupine hug the windswept slopes along the route.
Poppies and Lupine
Location: 34.7487, -120.054088
There’s lots of good spots to stop and read, write and enjoy the stunning views.
Views of Santa Barbara County
Location: 34.755193, -120.052371
Grass Mountain
Location: 34.762522, -120.041428
The summit of Grass Mountain is marked by a dead tree and views that reach to the Pacific Ocean.
