It is a mile down the trail and a 600' descent but the views from the top of Montecito Peak provide an enjoyable way to watch the sunset before ehading back up to your car — a much easier way to experience the views if you aren't up to the hike up from the bottom. If you get dropped off, the hike down to Mountain Drive is well worth the time.
Difficulty: Moderate
Points of Interests: Viewpoint, Sunset, Out & Back
User Types: Hikers, Dog Walker
Locations: Santa Ynez Mountains
Driving Directions
Get Directions to Montecito Peak which is located at 34.482549,-119.638795.
Download Directions: Download PDF Map Directions
Driving Directions
Get Directions to Montecito Peak which is located at 34.482549,-119.638795.
The upper part of the Cold Springs Trail leads a mile to Montecito Peak, a great place to spend the afternoon or enjoy sunset. You can be dropped off at the top of either of these trails and picked up by a friend back down in town. If you’ve just hiked down to Forbush Flats, why not walk back to town rather than dirve?
Though these trails are covered in depth in another part of this book, you might consider short hikes on either of them from the crest. Both meander through layers of shale in their upper sections before passing through thick layers of sandstone, making them smooth and easily traversed as well as gentle.
The upper San Ysidro trailhead is just a few hundred yards further east along Camino Cielo, on the right side of the road. A hike down the Cold Springs Trail is especially rewarding. A mile along it is Montecito Peak and a small trail leads to its 50’ diameter crest, providing a perfect perch from which to enjoy a lazy afternoon or sunset.