Home › California › Goleta › Ellwood Mesa Coastal Trail
Ellwood Mesa Coastal Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 319 Google reviews · Running trail in Goleta, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Ellwood Mesa Coastal Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Dog-friendly trail leading through a eucalyptus grove and butterfly habitat to a beach.
What runners say about Ellwood Mesa Coastal Trail
“There are lots of side trails and alternate paths that you can explore throughout the area and it’s a beautiful, relaxing place to walk year round.”
“Nice, easy hikes along the coast through some forest areas, open fields, beach cliffs, and along the beach if you want to.”
“Come here on a date, a picnic, a beach day, a light hike, an intensive run, horse riding, biking, dog walking, whale watching and more!”
This Mesa contains over 100 acres of open space with miles of hiking paths, a Monarch Butterfly Preserve and easy coastal access and a nice sandy beach. This is a great place to hike, mountain bike, bird watch, and generally enjoy nature. There are several access points that lead to miles of unspoiled beaches.
A true hidden gem! Relatively easy trail that passes a butterfly habitat on its way right down to the beach. Stunning views. A few people and dogs, but certainly not crowded.
I lived super close by this spot in college, years later I had to return. This spot is magical. The eucalyptus smells incredible and this is a spot in California where you can definitely see the seasons change.
Beautiful scenery, felt like I was walking into some of the landscape in Colorado; however, I could actually breathe! The many of trails that wind throughout are clearly marked by warnings stating the trees have been effected by drought and are at risk of falling.
Trail conditions & character
“There are lots of side trails and alternate paths that you can explore throughout the area and it’s a beautiful, relaxing place to walk year round.”
“Come here on a date, a picnic, a beach day, a light hike, an intensive run, horse riding, biking, dog walking, whale watching and more!”
“There was the beach when you climbed to the top of a large hill and down a short path.”
Plan your run at Ellwood Mesa Coastal Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitecityofgoleta.org
- Phone+1 805-966-9222
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–6 pm |
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