California, United States
Hiking trails near Santa Barbara
7 quality-checked hiking routes are currently mapped within 40 km of Santa Barbara, California, United States. Together their route lines cover 158 km. The average route is 22.5 km with 311 m (1,020 ft) of recorded ascent.
- 7
- Trails
- 40 km
- Search radius
- 3
- Easy routes
- 1.6 km
- Closest
The directory difficulty mix is 3 easy (43%), 1 moderate (14%) and 3 hard or expert (43%). 2 routes (29%) are recorded as loops. Difficulty is calculated from available distance and elevation data; it is not a statement about technical terrain or current conditions.
The most frequent route tags are mountain (3), coastal (2). The highest recorded point in this set is 1,419 m (4,656 ft). The place-level planning field lists varies by region as the preferred season; check each route and official notices for live access and weather. California Mission Trail - stage 07 Mission Santa Barbara to Mission Santa Inés, California Mission Trail - stage 06 Mission San Buenaventura, Ventura to Mission Santa Barbara, California Coastal Trail currently lead this page’s directory ranking, which uses route completeness and computed route scores rather than editorial field testing.
Choose by the details
How do these routes differ?
A closer look at the first 6 routes in this page’s default ordering. These comparisons describe this sample, not the entire destination or a field-tested recommendation.
Shortest mapped distance in this sample
2.7 km
California Coastal TrailCompare the climbing too; shortest does not necessarily mean easiest.
Lowest recorded ascent in this sample
0 m
California Coastal Trail6 of 6 have ascent data. Missing measurements are excluded.
Return logistics
1 recorded loop
Check start and finish for every option. An unknown shape does not mean a loop, and a loop does not establish access to its start.
Plan the return journey →| Route | Distance | Ascent | Moving time | Shape |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California Mission Trail - stage 07 Mission Santa Barbara to Mission Santa Inés | 66.4 km | 758 m | 16 hr | Point to point |
| California Mission Trail - stage 06 Mission San Buenaventura, Ventura to Mission Santa Barbara | 49.0 km | 186 m | 11 hr | Point to point |
| California Coastal Trail | 2.7 km | 25 m | 36 min | Point to point |
| Baron Ranch Trail | 12.2 km | 561 m | 3 hr 23 min | Loop |
| California Coastal Trail | 4.5 km | 0 m | 56 min | Point to point |
| Divide Peak OHV | 21.5 km | 647 m | 5 hr 39 min | Point to point |
Distances follow stored route lines; ascent and time are estimates. Current access, surface and technical difficulty need separate checks. How to turn a comparison into a shortlist.
Other places nearby
Frequently asked questions
Plan with more confidence
All planning articles →Choosing a route
How to choose a hike beyond the difficulty label
Compare distance, climbing, route shape and missing information to build a shortlist that fits your day.
Read article →Understanding the map
Read an elevation profile without misreading the climb
Understand total ascent, net height change, profile scale and the section breakdown on each mapped route.
Read article →Planning your day
Build a hiking time plan with room for your own pace
Separate moving time, climbing allowance and stops, then explore how changing your assumptions changes the plan.
Read article →