Tucked away in Santa Barbara’s upscale Montecito neighborhood is a short and unassuming trail with a major draw. After hiking uphill for about 1.4 miles, visitors can soak in the Montecito Hot Springs, one of the few natural hot springs in the area. Aptly named the Hot Springs Canyon Trail, this hike packs in a lot in its relatively short mileage. Besides its namesake, you’ll find ruins of an old hotel, expansive ocean views, and a bubbling creek following your path the whole way. If you’re looking for a quick way to experience some of the natural and unique beauty of Santa Barbara, this trail is a good choice.
There’s a small parking lot that fits about 10 cars next to the trailhead, as well as several pullouts nearby. However, since this is a popular hike, finding parking might be an issue. If possible, arrive during less popular times or get dropped off. Also, note that the parking lot is open from 8 AM to sunset and that there are no facilities in the area. When you’re ready to start hiking, head through an opening in the fence on the right-hand side of the parking lot.
Walk through the gate to start your hike.
When visiting the hot springs, follow these guidelines to keep them clean and safe for future visitors.
A few steps in you’ll see a display board with maps and descriptions of the trails in the area, as well as warnings and things to look out for. Close by, I also saw a sign explaining a little bit about the Montecito Hot Springs’s cultural and health significance, as well as best practices when visiting.
The trail is mostly well-groomed and clear the entire way.
Follow signs as the trail works its way through the neighborhood.
Continuing on, you’ll slowly start to climb all the way to the hot springs. The trail is mostly clear and shaded thanks to large oak trees, but it is rocky in spots so you’ll want to watch you step. To your left, a gentle creek trickles by, and to your right are fences that separate you from multi-million dollar Montecito homes. After 0.2 miles, you’ll cross a driveway and follow the trail as it runs along a road. A few steps later the trail disappears – at this point, continue hiking up the road. You’ll have an easy creek crossing and rejoin the trail quickly after.
navigate past this water crossing and up the road to rejoin the trail.
Head right and back onto a dirt path.
The trail setup here is flipped from what you previously experienced, with the river to your right and fences to your left. However, at mile 0.4 the path widens, and the fences disappear as you leave the neighborhood behind. At the junction at the half-mile mark, head straight.
The fences and homes are now behind you.
Finally, the trail feels much more nature-centric. To your right, enjoy watching the flowing creek cascade over a bed of rocks. Straight-ahead soak in views of the Santa Ynez Mountains towering above you. As you travel deeper into the canyon, you’ll alternate between pockets of sun and shade. Then at miles 0.7 and 1.1 you’ll navigate a couple of simple river crossings.
One of the few river crossings.
A “Montecito Creek Water Co” sign.
Once you reach the junction at mile 1.2, you’ll have several options. You can head right and explore the ruins of the Montecito Hot Springs Hotel. Once a popular destination for visitors hoping to experience the springs, it burned down in the 1964 Coyote Fire and was never rebuilt. There are also gorgeous ocean and mountain views here. Or you can turn left and continue to the hot springs.
Ruins of the Montecito Hot Springs Hotel.
Views from the hotel ruins.
I decided to explore the first option for a bit before heading up to the springs. Note that finding the trail to the hot springs is a little confusing. Right after the first “Montecito Creek Water Co” sign around mile 1.2, cross the river and look for a steep trail on the other side. If you pass a second sign on the main trail, then you’ve gone too far.
Cross the river and climb up a short but steep section of trail to reach the hot springs.
Once past the steep incline, the trail opens for a moment, offering expansive ocean and city views. Soon you’ll come upon more signs about the hot springs and a few steps further reach the springs themselves.
A few of the many hot spring pools.
I saw several murky pools, which were surprisingly warm and relaxing. There also was a sulfurous aroma, but it wasn’t overwhelming. Bring a bathing suit if you plan on soaking in the water and follow the posted guidelines so that these hot springs remain preserved for future visitors. Return the way you came to finish the hike.
Tags: hot springs, river crossing, rivers, ruins, Santa Barbara
