Hike to Seven Falls in Santa Barbara

Don't forget to pack a swimsuit: This 2.4-mile out-and-back leads to a multi-tiered cascade with sandstone swimming holes and views of the Santa Ynez Mountains.

Updated Jul 22, 2024

Chuck Graham

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The popular hike to Santa Barbara’s Seven Falls in Los Padres National Forest is an easygoing, 2.5-mile out-and-back that begins on a paved path as it climbs through oak groves then turns into dirt singletrack within a mile. The trail crisscrosses Mission Creek as it winds through the canyon. You can hop or wade across the water—depending on the season—and follow the creek upstream to Seven Falls. Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit. Mission Creek cascades down step-like sandstone outcroppings, creating several warm, deep swimming holes. If you’re fortunate enough to come during or just after spring rains, be sure to take a dip in one of the upper pools. Take as much time as you like soaking in the refreshingly crisp mountain waters before heading back to the car.

Trail Facts

Distance: 2.5 miles out and back
Elevation Gain: 800 feet
Difficulty: Easy (requires some rock-hopping up the creek)
Permits: No

The Route to Seven Falls, Santa Barbara

Tunnel Bridge, a wooden bridge across the road that leads to the path up to Santa Barbara's Seven Falls. — Cross Tunnel Bridge and continue up the road to get to Seven Falls. [Photo by ©Chuck Graham]

Start at the Tunnel Trailhead off Tunnel Road and follow the paved trail east for 1.5 miles toward a narrow canyon. Enjoy the sounds of a waterfall near the footbridge. Cross over the footbridge and continue east until the paved road turns into dirt. From the dirt road, head northeast about 0.1 mile and turn left onto a singletrack into an oak woodland habitat and you’ll see a creek on the left.

A dry creekbed used to hike up to Seven Falls in Santa Barbara. — Rock-hop up the dry creekbed or take the trail on the left side of the creek to Seven Falls. [Photo by ©Chuck Graham]

Cross the creek then bear right on the trail that hugs the left bank. Depending on the season, the creek could be gushing or completely dry. You’ll need to exercise caution during the rainy season. In the dry season, you can take the dry creek bed straight to Seven Falls.

A small swimming hole with clear water nestled in the sandstone at Seven Falls. — A clear pool for relaxing awaits you at Upper Falls. [Photo by ©Chuck Graham]

Once you reach Seven Falls, you’ll see that the falls have sculpted a series of holes into the sandstone, creating some of the best front country swimming holes in Santa Barbara.

A cluster of tree frogs hide among the rocks at Seven Falls. — You’ll find clusters of canyon tree frogs in the sandstone crevices at Seven Falls. [Photo by ©Chuck Graham]

Hoards of canyon tree frogs hunker in the alcoves and crevices around the swimming holes. Even in drought conditions, the upper pools are still full from the waterfalls that cascade into the smooth sandstone holes.

When you’re done soaking in the swimming holes, retrace your steps back down the creek bed to the trailhead.

Map: Seven Falls, Santa Barbara

-Mapped by Chuck Graham

Hike to Seven Falls in Santa Barbara

Trail Facts

The Route to Seven Falls, Santa Barbara

Map: Seven Falls, Santa Barbara

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