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  • Santa Barbara County
  • Santa Barbara County, California

    Santa Barbara, California is a top spot for outdoor adventures. With its stunning landscapes, pristine beaches, and exhilarating attractions, it is a must-visit destination. The best trails and outdoor activities in and near the area include hiking the Santa Ynez Mountains, exploring the Channel Islands National Park, kayaking in the Santa Barbara Harbor, and surfing at Leadbetter Beach. Other popular attractions in the area include the Santa Barbara Zoo, the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, and the Santa Barbara Mission. With so many outdoor activities and attractions to explore, Santa Barbara is the perfect destination for your next outdoor journey.

    Top Spots in and near Santa Barbara County

    • Thousand Oaks, California

      Hiking Wildwood Regional Park

      3.8
      Wildwood Regional Park is open year-round, easily accessible, and offers great routes for hiking, running, biking, and even horseback riding. There are also two waterfalls inside the park—the larger of the two, Paradise Falls, cascades 40 feet into a large pool. To catch some beautiful views of t...
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    • Malibu, California

      Grotto Trail

      2.64 mi / 492 ft gain
      Who doesn't enjoy a hike that offers water, scenic views, boulder hopping and a subterranean cave? I know I do! The Grotto Trail begins at Circle X Ranch, which looks a bit like a small cowboy western store, and is approximately 6 miles from the Highway 1 (PCH). The parking is a tad tight, fittin...
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    • 12869 Yerba Buena Road, California

      Mishe Mokwa Trail to Sandstone Peak

      5.0
      7.06 mi / 1755 ft gain
      Take Yerba Buena road to the trailhead. It is less zigzagged and shorter distance from PCH. Parking is easy provided that you start early in the morning. If the lot is full, you can always park on the side of the road. Bathroom is available at Sandstone Peak Trailhead parking lot, just 0.8 miles ...
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    • Malibu, California

      Sandstone Peak

      4.8
      3.03 mi / 971 ft gain
      If you live in Los Angeles, Sandstone Peak is a must! The hike to the summit can be done on a 2 mile hike up and back on Sandstone Peak Trail, or a 6.5 mile hike up and back on Backbone Trail. The shorter trail is more popular, yet both are equally rewarding. You won't believe the views from the...
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    • Malibu, California

      Balanced Rock via Sandstone Trailhead

      5.0
      4.36 mi / 1125 ft gain
      ...From the PCH, make a left turn on Yerba Buena road (turn right if you're coming South) for about 6 miles until you get to the dirt parking area. If the lot is full, there's extra parking on the side of the road. FYI, Balanced Rock can also be accessed by starting at the Mishe Mokwa trailhead,...
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    • Bakersfield, California

      Hike the San Emigdio Trail in the Wind Wolves Preserve

      4.0
      5 mi / 200 ft gain
      This area is a family friendly hiking area for beginners. The farthest place to hike on the map is call Reflection Pond and is about a 7 mile hike out and back. The main trail called San Emigdio Trail runs right next to a stream the whole time. It is a really nice area for a day hike to find some...
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    • Westlake Village, California

      Climb at Echo Cliffs

      1.3 mi
      The hike to the crag is about 1.3 miles one way and takes roughly 45 minutes. The approach starts at the Backbone / Mishe Mokwa trail head off Yerba Buena Rd.  After walking a couple minutes you'll see a sign pointing left for the backbone trail or straight for Mishe Mokwa. Continue straight and ...
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