Gaviota Wind Caves, Goleta CA

• 4-star hike
• 2 mile out-and-back
• Moderate | Gain 690 feet
• Goleta, CA | Santa Barbara Region
.

In the foreground, the rugged cave entrance frames the view like a natural window. Jagged rocks and rough textures create a contrast with the soft light filtering in from outside. A large, gnarled tree stands proudly just beyond the cave, its branches stretching out like welcoming arms. Its leaves are a mix of deep greens and golden yellows, hinting at the arrival of autumn. Sunlight dapples the ground, casting playful shadows and illuminating patches of lush grass. Beyond the tree, a serene valley unfolds, with rolling hills covered in a patchwork of greenery. The distant mountains rise majestically against a backdrop of a crystal-clear blue sky, dotted with a few fluffy clouds.

A trail-side, wind-carved alcove.

A highlight of touring the California coast, the hike to the Gaviota Wind Caves explores curious wind-worn caves high in the sandstone hills. Suitable for adventurers of most levels of agility and fitness, this out-and-back trail features only a moderate amount of hill climbing, and rewards with excellent oceanside mountain scenery.

To reach the trailhead, drive past the fee-payable area of Gaviota State Park's beach and campground and continue up Hollister Ranch Road to the free parking just past the corner. Hike up the gated, asphalt paved service road for half a mile to find the natural surface of the narrow Beach to Backcountry Trail. From here the exposed rock of the caves high in the hills above might look distant, but in truth, you've already hiked half the distance to your destination.

Trail Options Expand KML · Google Earth ·

⬤ 4★ Gaviota Wind Caves 2.4 mi out & back, moderate, gain 690 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

P Free parking

The climb to the caves remains gentle as you hike through a green meadow and up into low coastal chaparral shrub-land. The intricate patterns, recesses, alcoves and keyhole structures that have been worn into the golden honeycomb sandstone by wind erosion can be found in several places along this trail.

Don't miss the first impressive wind cave that we've marked on our map and featured as the cover image of this article. It can be easily missed if you're too focused reaching the hills above. Not only does this cave offer a great photo opportunity for those with very wide camera lenses, but it can also provide welcome shade on an otherwise exposed trail.

The image depicts a serene landscape featuring a lush green field sprinkled with yellow wildflowers. In the foreground, the vibrant flowers add a touch of brightness to the scene. A narrow dirt path winds its way through the field, inviting exploration. The path leads towards a range of green hills and mountains in the background, creating a sense of depth and adventure. Above, the sky is clear with a few wispy clouds, allowing the sunlight to bathe the entire scene in a warm glow.

Distant Wind Caves beyond wildflower filled meadows.

Though we'd never describe this trail as anything more than a moderate climb, the angle of ascent does increase beyond this point, including the hike to the hillside caves below the summit. The route to the very top of the wind caves becomes even steeper and requires a little rock scrambling at times. The terrain is still very manageable to most, however, and on our visit didn't deter an entire family from making it to the top and making the most of the photo opportunities with the keyholes in the rock.

The wind cave hike can also be combined with a visit to the Gaviota State Park Beach, featuring golden sands and situated beyond a dramatic 80 foot tall railroad trestle bridge. Unfortunately the public fishing pier has been closed since 2014.

The image shows a rocky hillside featuring several large, naturally formed caves or holes in the rock face. The light-colored rock surface is textured with various small holes and crevices, adding to its rugged appearance. Vegetation, including bushes and small trees, grows on and around the rock, creating a contrast between the greenery and the rocky terrain. Above, the sky is clear and blue, providing a serene backdrop to the scene.

The golden honeycomb sandstone of the Wind Caves.

A picturesque scene unfolds with a meandering road slicing through verdant green hills and valleys. The road winds gently, inviting travelers to journey through the lush landscape. Each curve of the road reveals new vistas, showcasing rolling hills blanketed with dense greenery, interspersed with patches of wildflowers that add bursts of color. In the background, the deep blue ocean stretches to meet the sky at the horizon, where the two shades of blue blend seamlessly. A few fluffy white clouds dot the sky, adding depth and dimension to the scene.

Oceanscape views looking back from the caves.

The image features a prominent natural rock formation with a large, oval-shaped hole near the top, resembling a window. The light-colored rock surface is textured with smaller holes and indentations, adding to its rugged appearance. Green vegetation grows on and around the rock, providing a vibrant contrast to the rocky terrain. Above, the sky is clear and blue, creating a striking backdrop for the unique geological feature.

Climb to this keyhole at the peak of the Wind Caves.

A serene beach scene with three people walking along the sandy shore. In the background, a long wooden pier extends into the calm ocean waters. The sky is mostly clear with a few scattered clouds, and the gentle waves of the ocean are softly crashing onto the shore. The overall atmosphere is peaceful and inviting.

Sands of the neighboring Gaviota State Park Beach.

The 80 foot high Gaviota Railroad Trestle.

Shuttered lifeguard station at Gaviota Beach.

Tangents:
• Official: Gaviota State Park
• AllTrails Public: Gaviota Wind Caves Trail
• Facebook Group: Comment, Follow Us

Best hiking trails and rail trails in California

Best Trails of California
See our favorite hiking trails for each region of California.

California Coastlines
California coastal hikes and beaches to check out.

Trailspotting the Southwest (Horseshoe Bend)

Trailspotting the Southwest
See our growing collection of hikes from the Southwestern US states.