San Ysidro Trailhead

One of the best hidden hikes in Santa Barbara. I'd think it's because it's next to the most popular trail, Hot Springs. Either way, it's a beautiful hike next to the creek. I have only taken it to the top of the falls but it goes all the way up to Camino Cielo which I think it's a total of 8 miles round trip. The work that has been done on the trail is excellent. Many watering holes if you're willing to go down the creek but it looks very sketchy the farther up you go. There are two trail connectors.

Enjoyable hiking trail. Went 1.75 miles in (3.5 miles out and back). Would have gone farther but had to turn around where the trail had washed out.

Love this hike! Can be a long one or short depending on what path you take at the top. It joins up to other hikes so pay attention to where you are going or you maybe hiking for some time.

Excellent hike! Doesn't go to an overlook/peak per-se but you can see the ocean in the distance straight through the gorge when you get high enough. The beginning is fairly easy and shaded but it becomes rocky and steep the higher up you go. You can see several smaller waterfalls along the way, but the main San Ysidro Falls weren't very prominent during our visit due to a lack of rain recently. Plenty of great views of the nearby peaks and lots of wildlife to enjoy as well. Make sure you follow the signs because there are a few other trails that split off in the first mile.

We started on mountain drive. Descended to the waterfall where the water is clear. We only had time to get up until where there is a net that spans the width of the river creek. The view from Mountain Drive and the creek are beautiful. Know: It is impossible to drive a bike down the path. Most of the trail is very narrow and steep and in some parts it is not hard to slip and probably die. There was no shade for about 70% of the trail so have lots of water with you Beware: On the way back to Mountain Drive either a king or coral snake moved from the side of the mountain to next to our feet. This could have been very dangerous had one of us slipped off the narrow trail or gotten bitten. Already spoked by this snake, we found another danger noodle waiting for us in the middle of the trail. This time it was a rattlesnake.