Despite its name, the Rattlesnake Canyon Trail is an inviting hike for those looking for a challenging half-day adventure in the Santa Barbara area. Following a year-round creek, hikers slowly work their way up into the canyon and are treated to peaceful water features (including some you can potentially swim in) and expansive mountain and ocean vistas. While there’s no evidence that rattlesnakes particularly enjoy this canyon, keep a vigilant eye, as the last thing you want is to spook one of these venomous reptiles.
There’s no designated parking lot, but it was easy to find a place on the road to pull off. To find the trailhead, head toward the west end of the bridge and look for a sign that reads “Skofield Park Rattlesnake Canyon Wilderness Area”. You should also see a trash can and a doggie bag dispenser nearby.
Look for this sign to start your hike.
You start your hike by navigating past a water crossing and heading left at the first two junctions. The good news is aside from a few rocky sections and water crossings, the trail becomes easier to follow from here. Unfortunately, you’ll now be climbing uphill most of the way to the turnaround point. After a quarter of a mile, you’ll reach an exposed section. As you hike, soak in clear views of the Santa Ynez Mountains in front of you.
Your first of a few water crossings.
During this exposed section you have beautiful views of the Santa Ynez Mountain peaks in front of you.
Hiking this trail in the middle of the summer, many of the plants were dried out and brown. However, some were still green and thriving, including Laurel Sumac and Common Sun Rose. Reaching the half-mile mark, you’ll encounter another junction. Head left, following the creek.
While the water crossing is relatively straightforward, tread with care.
A tenth of a mile later you’ll rejoin the river. You’ll work your way upstream for a bit before pealing left and continuing your climb — don’t worry, as your feet should stay dry the entire time. Soon after you’ll stumble across a small grove of pine trees, giving the hike a refreshing alpine feel. Then, just before the one-mile mark, you get your first glimpse of the ocean, slightly obscured by the brush around you. The view quickly disappears as you keep hiking but stay optimistic as more expansive and clear vistas are in your near future.
A juvenile pine tree hoping to grow big and tall someday.
Your first glimpse of the city below and the Pacific Ocean.
Just past the one-mile mark, you’ll reach a shaded and mostly flat section, which is a welcome relief after all the climbing. Close to the creek, it’s also significantly lusher and greener as well. Sadly, at mile 1.2 the trail once again starts ascending again but at least you get to stay in the shade for a little longer.
This natural tunnel indicates the start of the flat, shaded section.
The shade was a welcome gift.
At mile 1.3 you again find yourself along the creek. Here, there are several small waterfalls and pools for you to enjoy and swim in if you want. The ambiance was incredibly relaxing, listening to the churning river and watching the water cascade from pool to pool. If you’ve had enough hiking for the day, this is a great place to rest before turning around. However, I wanted to keep going for a little longer, so I crossed the river and hiked on.
You could relax here for an afternoon, swimming in the pools and taking in the natural beauty.
At mile 1.75, you reach a clearing with stunning views of the Santa Ynez Mountains towering overhead. Then a few steps further you’ll reach a junction. Turn left and toward your final climb of the hike.
This open meadow gives hikers an unobstructed view of the mountain peaks in the distance.
This last ascent is the hardest by far, so be sure to pace yourself and make sure to bring plenty of water, especially if you plan on tackling this hike in the summer. This uphill slog isn’t all bad, though. You’re rewarded with breathtaking views of the mountains, city, and Pacific Ocean below you.
As you climb higher, your views become more expansive.
During a long climb, I love when I can look back and see how far I’ve come.
Finally, at mile 2.5 you’ll reach a junction and a Los Padres National Forest sign. While you can continue on from here if you’d like, I was ready to turn around. Catching my breath, I soaked in slightly obscure views of the interior mountains before turning around the way I came and hiking back to my car.
You can continue on toward either the Tunnel Trailhead or Camino Cielo Road.
As a reward for my efforts, I stopped by Blenders in the Grass for a Red Orange smoothie. It always hits the spot after a long hike in the area and they give you 50 cents off your drink if you bring your own cup!
A smoothie was the perfect reward after an afternoon on trail.
Tags: leg-buster, ocean, River, Santa Barbara, views, water crossing
