A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near Toro Canyon, California

Regional Classics Icon

Regional Classics

Discover the must-do hikes in the area, handpicked and curated by local experts who know the trails best. These routes are beloved for good reason, offering standout scenery, rewarding terrain, and detailed descriptions with tips that tell you exactly what to expect. Whether you are visiting for the first time or are a local doing them on repeat, they offer a reliable and memorable hiking experience.

Shelf Road

Classic Hike Route

Shelf Road

Family Friendly
moderate
1.76 mi
+249 ft
Harmon Canyon Loop

Classic Hike Route

Harmon Canyon Loop

Birding
moderate
3.74 mi
+604 ft
Piedra Blanca to Pine Mountain Lodge Camp

Classic Hike Route

Piedra Blanca to Pine Mountain Lodge Camp

Commonly Backpacked
strenuous
12.86 mi
+3,895 ft
Potato Harbor Loop

Classic Hike Route

Potato Harbor Loop

Birding
moderate
4.77 mi
+564 ft
Santa Cruz Traverse

Classic Hike Route

Santa Cruz Traverse

Birding
strenuous
12.99 mi
+2,757 ft
Shorter Routes icon

Shorter Routes

These hikes keep it under 5 miles and climb less than 1,500 feet, making them ideal for quicker outings or lower-key days. Perfect for a morning stretch, a casual afternoon, or getting outside without committing to a big push. Don’t let the stats fool you — many still pack in great views and rewarding moments.

Harbor Seal Preserve

Hike Route

Harbor Seal Preserve

Swimming
easy
2.66 mi
+43 ft
Buena Vista Loop

Hike Route

Buena Vista Loop

River/Creek
strenuous
3.08 mi
+1,051 ft
San Ysidro Falls

Hike Route

San Ysidro Falls

River/Creek
moderate
3.23 mi
+976 ft
Canyon Loop

Hike Route

Canyon Loop

Hot Spring
moderate
4.36 mi
+1,360 ft
Tangerine Falls

Hike Route

Tangerine Falls

Dogs Allowed
easy
1.19 mi
+953 ft
The Rincon

Hike Route

The Rincon

Swimming
easy
0.52 mi
+1 ft
Logo

Adventurous Routes

These routes go beyond 10 miles and are built for days when you want to cover more ground and push a little deeper. Expect longer distances, more effort, and bigger payoffs — whether that’s remote terrain, summit views, or a full-day challenge. Ideal for hikers looking to go farther and stay out longer.

Romero Canyon

Hike Route

Romero Canyon

Views
extreme
10.01 mi
+2,499 ft
Santa Ynez Mountains Loop

Hike Route

Santa Ynez Mountains Loop

Views
extreme
26.51 mi
+6,916 ft
Romero/Caliente Loop

Hike Route

Romero/Caliente Loop

extreme
26.87 mi
+5,812 ft
Blue Canyon Trail 26W12

Hike Route

Blue Canyon Trail 26W12

moderate
10.5 mi
+1,190 ft
Cold Spring Loop

Hike Route

Cold Spring Loop

Views
extreme
29.6 mi
+9,234 ft
Cold Spring Backpacking

Hike Route

Cold Spring Backpacking

Commonly Backpacked
strenuous
15.29 mi
+5,046 ft

Other Nearby Routes

Not finding what you're looking for? These additional nearby hikes offer more ways to get outside and explore the area. With a mix of lengths, difficulty levels, and terrain, you're likely to find something that fits your plans for the day. And remember, you can always use the onX Route Builder to create your own adventure from scratch.

Romero Canyon Out-and-Back

Hike Route

Romero Canyon Out-and-Back

River/Creek
strenuous
5.64 mi
+2,263 ft
Montecito Connections Loop

Hike Route

Montecito Connections Loop

River/Creek
moderate
5.14 mi
+1,725 ft
Blue Canyon Camp Loop

Hike Route

Blue Canyon Camp Loop

strenuous
7.98 mi
+1,683 ft
Montecito Peak

Hike Route

Montecito Peak

River/Creek
strenuous
6.95 mi
+2,556 ft
ACLCT Loop

Hike Route

ACLCT Loop

Cave
strenuous
8.4 mi
+3,903 ft
Jesusita to Inspiration Point

Hike Route

Jesusita to Inspiration Point

Birding
strenuous
6.94 mi
+1,982 ft