Montecito Peak -
Overview
Difficulty: Moderate •
Mileage: 1
Elevation Gain: -600 ft. • Location: Santa Ynez Mountains
Features: Viewpoint, Sunset, Out & Back
User Type: Hiking, Dog Walking
Elevation Gain: -600 ft. • Location: Santa Ynez Mountains
Features: Viewpoint, Sunset, Out & Back
User Type: Hiking, Dog Walking
Highlights
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.
The Basics
- Length : 1 mile down to the side trail leading to the top of the peak.
- Gain : 600’ descent to the sadle at the base of Montecito Peak; 200’ gain to the top of the peak.
- Difficulty : Moderate
- Path : Native soil tread in good condition.
- Season : All year.
- Restrictions : Multi-use. You may encounter mountain bikes coming down the trail.
- Canine : Ok for dogs off leash.
- Points of Interest : Viewpoint,Sunset,Out & Back
Marker GroupsTrail Facts
Difficulty: Moderate
Points of Interests: Viewpoint, Sunset, Out & Back
User Types: Hikers, Dog Walker
Locations: Santa Ynez Mountains
Get Directions To The Trailhead
Driving Directions
Get Directions to Montecito Peak which is located at 34.482549,-119.638795.
Print Directions
Access / Getting There
- To reach Forbush Trail follow Gibraltar Road 6.5 miles to East Camino Cielo.
- Turn right on East Camino Cielo and drive another 3.75 miles to the top of the Cold Springs Trail.
- A cement water tank on the right side of the road should make it easy to spot the parking area.
- It is a mile hike down from the top to Montecito Peak.
Download Directions: Download PDF Map Directions
Get Directions To The Trailhead
Driving Directions
Get Directions to Montecito Peak which is located at 34.482549,-119.638795.
Print Directions
Things to Know
Background
Trip Log
On The Trail
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.
On The Bike
On The Run
On The Walk
Last Updated: Sunday, March 22, 2015
About SBO
Resources
Santa Barbara Outdoors
Thank you for taking the time to visit Santa Barbara Outdoors. The website was created to provide our local community and those who visit here with up-to-date information about where to go and what to see in our beautiful county.The website is currently undergoing major revisions so please be patient.
When heading out on any of our local trails always remember to bring plenty of water and take care while you are out there.