Near Jesusita Trail
Panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean across Santa Barbara and Goleta from Inspiration Point.
Near Jesusita Trail
View over town.
Near Jesusita Trail
Easy switchbacks on Jesusita.

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Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Jesusita Trail

4.2 (16 Ratings)
Hike across the mountains above Santa Barbara and catch some stellar views along the way.
4.3
mi
Distance
1,524
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
River/CreekViews

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
4.32mi
Distance
1,524ft
Elevation Gain
745ft
Elevation Loss
60%
Max Grade
1,837ft
High Point
468ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
This trail begins at the Cater Water Filtration Plant off of San Roque Rd. Starting out along the trail, descend down the path and you'll quickly pass a trail juncture. Make sure to stay to the right and 3/4 of a mile into the trail you'll come a across another trail juncture with the Arroyo Burro Trail. Again, stay to the right to follow the Jesusita Trail and you'll come across a meadow where you'll want to stay on the narrow path along the left edge of the meadow. 1 mile into the trail you'll cross San Roque Creek for the first time before criss-crossing over it a few more times. The Trail will then hit a private ranching road, at which point you should carefully follow trail signs to the top of the hill and through a pedestrian gate. Soon after the gate you'll find an area with a picnic table and drinking fountain. Then hike along to Inspiration Point, which boasts great views of Santa Barbara and the Pacific. Continuing along the trail to the east, you'll pass under some power lines and descend into Mission Canyon. Follow the path just a little while longer until you come across a trail junction with Tunnel Trail South, at this point the Jesusita Trail comes to its end. You can return to the trailhead the way you came or link up with other trails in the area.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
Anonymous Adventurer
Some Issues
Anonymous Adventurer
Some Issues
Anonymous Adventurer
Some Issues
Anonymous Adventurer
Some Issues
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Contributors
John McKinney