Montecito Hot Springs, Santa Barbara CA

• 4-star hikes
• 3 mile out-and-back
• Moderate | Gain 800 feet
• Santa Barbara, CA | Los Angeles Region
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Two people are relaxing in natural hot spring pools surrounded by large rocks and rugged terrain. The milky blue water contrasts with the earthy tones of the stones and soil. Both people are partially submerged, wearing swimwear, and appear to be enjoying the warmth. One has their hands behind their head, while the other reclines with their arms resting on their stomach. A purple towel and personal belongings are placed nearby on the rocks. The pools are formed in a rocky, outdoor setting with more small pools visible in the background. Sunlight filters through, casting light and shadows on the landscape.

Hikers enjoying a hot spring soak.

Hiking to the Montecito Hot Springs near Santa Barbara offers a chance to immerse yourself not only in warm geothermal pools that have soothed visitors for centuries, but also in the rich landscape and fascinating local history of this scenic coastal California region.

The trail to the hot springs begins at a gate on East Mountain Drive within a residential neighborhood. Following a fork of Montecito Creek, the narrow dirt path winds upwards adjacent to private properties, across driveways and into the Santa Ynez Mountains of the Los Padres National Forest. By carefully staying on the trail and respecting neighboring private property, within half a mile you'll leave suburbia behind and enter more natural surroundings, passing the picturesque Hot Springs Falls waterfall on your journey.

Trail Options Expand KML · Google Earth ·

⬤ 4★ Montecito Hot Springs 2.6 mi out & back, easy, gain 800 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

P Free parking

The trail is on the easy side of moderate, except for a short minor scramble up a hillside after a creek crossing close to the hot springs. You should have no difficulty keeping your feet dry throughout the hike to your destination, where you can choose to take the plunge if you wish. Here you'll find a series of inviting pools in which to relax, created by temporary stone walls built up by fellow explorers to capture the warm, milky waters emanating from the hillside.

On a spur trail close to the hot springs, and marked on our map, lie the remaining traces of nineteenth- and twentieth-century resorts once built nearby. Successive wildfires have destroyed every development on this hillside, including at least three versions of the historic Hot Springs Hotel. Today all that remains is a set of stairs and some stone retaining walls. Those curious to learn more can explore the Montecito Journal article linked at the bottom of this page.

A person hikes on a dirt trail through a forested area. They are wearing a red shirt, black pants, a black cap, and a black backpack. The trail is flanked by rocks, bushes, and trees, with a small stream visible to the right. The sky is clear and blue, suggesting a sunny day. The scene captures the natural beauty of the hiking trail and the surrounding landscape, emphasizing the outdoor activity and serene environment.

Moderately easy trail in to the Santa Ynez Mountains.

The Montecito Hot Springs remain a popular destination today, as you'll quickly notice—particularly during weekends or holiday periods. If you're seeking a tranquil hike and peaceful soak, we strongly recommend tempering your expectations and planning to arrive during off-peak hours.

Parking near the hot springs trailhead presents significant challenges at almost any time, due to limited parking availability and concerns from local residents. Even when arriving early on a weekday, we found the roadside lot completely occupied by residents' vehicles. Fortunately, we lucked into a valid parking spot a quarter mile from the trailhead, and we hope you get to do the same.

Please be respectful of this residential neighborhood during your visit. Avoid parking in front of driveways, on private property, or on the roadway (always park completely beyond the white line at the edge of the road). Additionally, strictly observe the timed parking limitations indicated on the trailhead parking lot signs to ensure an enjoyable experience for all visitors.

A picturesque natural scene featuring a small waterfall cascading down a rocky cliff into a pool of water below. The waterfall is surrounded by large, light-colored boulders and lush green vegetation, including trees and shrubs. The sky above is clear and blue, indicating a sunny day. The overall setting appears to be a serene and tranquil location, possibly a hiking or nature spot. The image is interesting due to its natural beauty and the contrast between the rugged rocks and the soft greenery.

An unnamed, picturesque waterfall on Hot Springs Trail.

The image is divided into two sections. The left section features a close-up of a tall flower spike with numerous small, vibrant purple and blue flowers. The background is blurred, highlighting the flower. The right section shows a scenic outdoor trail with two cyclists riding away from the camera. The trail is surrounded by lush green vegetation and leads towards a mountainous area in the background. The sky is clear and blue, indicating a pleasant day for outdoor activities. The image captures both the beauty of nature in the form of a detailed flower and the enjoyment of outdoor activities like cycling in a picturesque setting.

The trail intersects with trails used by slow mountain bikers.

A scenic hiking trail on a hillside with a view of the ocean in the distance. The trail is surrounded by lush green vegetation and trees. A person with a backpack and hiking poles is walking along the trail, heading towards the ocean view. The sky is clear with a few wispy clouds, creating a serene and picturesque atmosphere.

Scenic ocean views close to the hot springs.

An old stone structure in a natural setting, likely part of a ruin or historical site. The structure includes a stone wall with a staircase leading up to a higher level. The wall is made of large, rectangular stones, and the staircase is bordered by a low stone railing. At the base of the wall, there's a large agave plant, and the area is surrounded by dense greenery, including trees and bushes. The path in the foreground is dirt, suggesting a trail or hiking path.

Hot Springs Hotel site. See local history link for more.

Tangents:
• Local History: Montecito's Hot Springs
• AllTrails Public: Hot Springs Canyon Trail

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