Inspiration point santa barbara5/16/2023 ![]() ![]() It parallels a private road which it eventually joins for a short segment (1.3 miles), passing a picnic area. Stay left at an unsigned junction and cross a meadow, ignoring a few use trails that branch off, dipping back into San Roque Canyon. The Jesuita Trail continues north, dipping into a woodland of majestic oaks with a picnic table at 0.4 miles and reaching a junction with the Arroyo Burro trail at 0.6 miles. 0:11 – Picnic table (times are approximate)īegin by following the Jesuita Trail north, under the shade of oaks, past an intersection with a trail coming in on the left from Stevens Park. This great hike has a little bit of everything: shaded canyons, tall mountains and panoramic ocean views. ![]() If you’ve already hiked to Santa Barbara’s Inspiration Point via the Tunnel Trail and eastern leg of the Jesuita Trail, don’t miss this more challenging – and more scenic – approach from the west. More information: Trip descriptions here, here and here Yelp page hereĠ:00 – View from the Jesuita Trail Head off San Roque Road (click thumbnails to see the full sized versions).Recommended gear: hiking poles sun hat sunblock.Difficulty Rating: PG-13 (Elevation gain, distance).Park in the dirt lots on either side of the road. Follow Las Positas for 1.9 miles, during which time it becomes San Roque Road. Turn left if you’re coming from the west right if from the east. From Highway 101, take the Las Positas/CA 225 exit (#100) and head north. Inspiration Point Santa Barbara (West approach) From there you can also continue hiking to Tunnel Trail or Rattlesnake Corridor.Sunset from Inspiration Point Foliage on the Jesuita Trail Once you arrive at Rocky Pine Ridge, you can do some boulder hopping and explore the rocks, or bring some snacks and take in the view. You will be walking back to your car in the dark and – unless you’re very familiar with the area – will most definitely get lost. While the photos were beautiful, I wouldn’t recommend this. ![]() We went late in the afternoon to take sunset photos from the rocks. The hike requires great navigational abilities - especially when returning to your car. Some parts are fairly steep and there are numerous opportunities to get lost. While this is a somewhat short trail, that doesn’t make it easy. If you successfully stay on the route, follow it another 1/4 mile and you will arrive at Rocky Pine Ridge. The trail will head up the hill traversing to the right, then after about 1/4 mile it will turn a corner to the left towards Santa Barbara.Īfter 3/4 of a mile the trail becomes more rocky, and you will find yourself boulder hopping and searching for the trail. There is a very faint trail that becomes more distinct as you enter the brushy area (look for footprints). Look towards the right for a way up (we ran up a sand embankment). ![]() To locate, just walk downhill slightly toward Gibraltar Rd. The trail is unmarked, so finding it is a little difficult. The trail begins at the junction of Gibraltar Rd and East Camino Cielo (on the Santa Barbara side of the road). Many people call this area the “Rock Garden.” These boulders provide visitors the opportunity to climb over, under and between rocks in search of the best vantage point. Spectacular views of Santa Barbara are surrounded by pine trees and beautiful rock formations of smooth, rounded sandstone boulders. If you only do one hike in the Santa Barbara mountains, Rocky Pine Ridge should be it. However, while this hike is currently one of Santa Barbara’s best kept secrets, it’s too beautiful not to share. The place is hidden and the trail unmarked, so identifying the name of the rock area required quite a bit of research. After sharing a photo on Instagram, several people asked me where the image was taken. On a recent trip to Santa Barbara, I followed local photographer Blake Bronstad to a hidden hiking trail leading to the most breathtaking view of Santa Barbara I’ve ever seen. Beautiful hikes boasting stunning views are readily available for anyone looking to get in touch with their adventurous side. Situated between the mountains and the ocean, Santa Barbara is a natural playground for outdoor enthusiasts. ![]()
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