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Best backpacking hiking trails in Santa Barbara County
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Best backpacking hiking trails in Santa Barbara County

Got your backpack ready? These multi-day trails are perfect for hardcore adventurers looking to carry everything they need for an extended journey into the wild.

Here are some great trails to explore in Santa Barbara County.

Most popular trails

1

Extra Difficult

Cold Spring Trail

Santa Barbara County, California · star 0.0 (0) · 14.1 km · Est. 4 hrs 54 min

2

Medium

Plowshare Peak and Miranda Pine Mountain from Old Sierra Madre Road

Santa Barbara County, California · star 5.0 (3) · 28.3 km · Est. 1 day 2 hrs

3

Difficult

Lost Valley Trail via Manzana Trail

Santa Barbara County, California · star 0.0 (0) · 27.1 km · Est. 1 day 2 hrs

4

Easy

Caliente Trail via Agua Caliente Road

Santa Barbara County, California · star 4.0 (3) · 18.8 km · Est. 4 hrs 15 min

5

Medium

Manzana and Lost Valley Loop Trail

Santa Barbara County, California · star 5.0 (2) · 39.1 km · Est. 1 day 4 hrs

6

Medium

Manzana and Lost Valley Trail

Santa Barbara County, California · star 5.0 (2) · 27.3 km · Est. 1 day 1 hrs

7

Medium

Matilija Divide Trail

Santa Barbara County, California · star 5.0 (3) · 24.7 km · Est. 1 day 1 hrs

8

Medium

Lost Valley, Hurricane Deck and Potrero Canyon Loop Trail

Santa Barbara County, California · star 4.0 (2) · 31.0 km · Est. 1 day 2 hrs

9

Medium

Davey Brown Trail and Munch Canyon Trail Loop

Santa Barbara County, California · star 4.0 (1) · 13.7 km · Est. 4 hrs 1 min

10

Easy

Manzana Creek Out and Back

Santa Barbara County, California · star 5.0 (2) · 20.5 km · Est. 4 hrs 33 min

Show more hikes

Reviews for backpacking hiking trails in Santa Barbara County

No reviews available for Cold Spring Trail.

Tran Brown VM avatar

Plowshare Peak and Miranda Pine Mountain from Old Sierra Madre Road

ValleyDreamer23 · reviewed about 1 year ago

star star star star star

No reviews available for Lost Valley Trail via Manzana Trail.

Bernardo Boehm avatar

Caliente Trail via Agua Caliente Road

HillTrailblazer42 · reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Jaime Willms MD avatar

Manzana and Lost Valley Loop Trail

TraverseGraniterover32 · reviewed about 1 year ago

star star star star star

Frequently asked questions for hiking trails in Santa Barbara County

What is the climate like for hiking in California?

California's vast geography results in diverse climates. Coastal regions, with their mild, Mediterranean climate, offer year-round hiking opportunities, though winter rains may muddy trails. In contrast, the inland valleys and desert regions are best hiked from October to April, as summer temperatures can be prohibitive.
The Sierra Nevada, famous for its mountains and forests, is popular in summer and fall. However, winter brings heavy snowfall, making trails inaccessible. Meanwhile, the pleasant climate of Southern California allows for hiking throughout the year, with cooler, wet winters and hot, dry summers.
To summarize, California's diverse climate offers year-round hiking opportunities, varying by region. Visit www.parks.ca.gov for more detailed information about specific trails and their recommended seasons.

Do I need a permit to hike in California?

Permits for hiking in California, particularly in wilderness areas or for overnight trips, are often required. Managed by the National Park Service, Forest Service, or Bureau of Land Management, permit processes vary. For more information, visit respective agency websites or www.recreation.gov for federal lands.

Is wild camping allowed in California?

Wild camping in California is generally permitted in national forests and Bureau of Land Management lands. However, restrictions apply, such as the requirement of a campfire permit. Always follow "Leave No Trace" principles. Detailed regulations can be found on agency websites like www.fs.usda.gov

Are there mountain rescue services in California?

In case of a hiking emergency in California, dial 911. Also, the California Office of Emergency Services coordinates search and rescue. The Mountain Rescue Association (MRA) has several units in California, with information available at www.mra.org. Always plan ahead and hike safely.

Are there dangerous plants in California?

California's flora varies widely, from coastal scrub and redwood forests to desert plants and alpine flora in the Sierra Nevada. This diversity can affect hiking experiences and trail conditions. For detailed information on California's flora, visit the California Native Plant Society website: www.cnps.org

What wildlife should I be aware of when hiking in California?

California's diverse habitats host a wide range of wildlife, from harmless squirrels to larger mammals like black bears. Ticks and mosquitoes may pose minor nuisances to hikers. Be aware of potential encounters, particularly with venomous snakes in desert areas. For more, visit https://wildlife.ca.gov/

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