Santa Barbara, CA: Santa Ynez Ridge via San Ysidro Trail

The first half of the 4.5-mile-long San Ysidro Trail samples all the classic Santa Barbara frontcountry features: lush deciduous forest, jagged rock walls frequented by altitude-crazy climbers, secluded waterfalls peppered with swimming holes, and vernal pools under canyon shade.

While most stop at the waterfall 1.6 miles in, the best views are further ahead. The route traverses chaparral meadows along the base of Montecito Peak, gaining nearly 2,000 feet in 3 miles on a lung-searing stretch for trail runners. Follow the switchbacks to colorful high country vegetation and views of snow-capped summits at Santa Ynez Ridge. When finished, retrace your steps back to the trailhead.

-Mapped by Chuck Graham

Hike Santa Ynez Ridge via San Ysidro Trail

TO TRAILHEAD: Head southeast on State Street. In 0.2 mile, turn right at West Carrillo Street. Continue for a half mile, then turn left to merge onto US-101 South. In 4.6 miles, take exit 93 for San Ysidro Road. Turn left at Eucalyptus Lane/San Ysidro Road and follow signs for San Ysidro Road. After a mile, turn right onto CA-192/East Valley Road. In 0.9 mile, turn left on Park Lane. Continue straight as Park Lane becomes East Mountain Drive. Follow East Mountain 0.2 mile to the trailhead.

Trail Facts

• Distance: 14.5

Waypoints

SYT001

Location: 34.4459745, -119.6220307

Hike north from the trailhead and signs that warn about recent mountain lion sightings. The San Ysidro Trail cuts between private property at this point: do not wander off-trail.

SYT002

Location: 34.4475573, -119.6219735

Bear left @ the intersection with a paved road. Walk northeast along a wood fence. Continue along a rock wall and then pick up the trail again when it ends. San Ysidro Creek is to the left.

SYT003

Location: 34.4508019, -119.6220056

Bear left @ the Y-junction and walk around the chain link fence, heading northeast on a fire road.

SYT004

Location: 34.452343, -119.6218152

Bear right @ the T-junction and continue on the fire road.

SYT005

Location: 34.4539489, -119.6222042

Go straight past the second chain link fence and continue northeast. Just after the fence, the creek and some impressive sandstone slabs appear on the left. This is another popular rock climbing locale in Santa Barbara.

SYT006

Location: 34.4568079, -119.6227712

Go straight @ the T-junction, merging onto singletrack.

SYT007

Location: 34.4578282, -119.6227098

Bear right @ the Y-junction and continue north on the singletrack into a gorgeous oak grove. A sign with a yellow triangular logo displaying “trail courtesy” also marks the intersection.

SYT008

Location: 34.4646434, -119.623569

Here, spur trails offer access to the creek on the left side of the trail. This area’s tranquil, shallow pools with little waterfalls are well worth cooling off in.

SYT009

Location: 34.4674964, -119.6223046

Reach another great pool with a tall waterfall and a lot of lush vegetation. There’s also an impressive sandstone formation here: a narrow rib juts out of the canyon on the other side of the creek. Head northwest up a rocky sandstone trail that switchbacks into sweeping chaparral vistas.

SYT010

Location: 34.4834692, -119.6352283

The trail tops out on the Santa Ynez Ridge where views of the Santa Barbara backcountry are breathtaking. You can access the Romero Canyon Trail by turning right on East Camino Cielo and heading south from Romero Saddle. Otherwise, retrace steps back to the trailhead.

Trailhead

Location: 34.4477241, -119.6219301

©Chuck Graham

Rock climbing locale

Location: 34.4531032, -119.6215868

After the second chain link fence, look for the sandstone slabs on your left to see a good rock climbing spot. ©Chuck Graham

Trail Sign

Location: 34.4639664, -119.6237111

©Chuck Graham

San Ysidro Canyon Pool

Location: 34.4673277, -119.6220803

©Chuck Graham

View of Santa Ynez Ridge

Location: 34.483354, -119.6350837

©Chuck Graham