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Gaviota Peak Trailhead
4.4 ★★★★☆ 171 Google reviews · Running trail in Goleta, California · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Gaviota Peak Trailhead'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.
Hiking area with a trail featuring hot springs, ocean views, and the option for an out-and-back or loop hike.
What runners say about Gaviota Peak Trailhead
“It's a quick 5 mins walk to the sulphur springs, but the setting is beautiful and shaded.”
“We went on a Wednesday and only saw one other hiker, it was really peaceful and remote.”
Going counterclockwise is the best way to go, and if you are not using AllTrails to guide you, it's easy to miss the left turn off the main trail to the wind caves for the full loop, finishing off with the "hot springs" (more like lukewarm springs).
Make sure to come prepared! The peak is a pretty intense hike, especially if you go up the direction the hot spring is at. I'd recommend going to the right when the path breaks off (towards tunnel view) and take the trail straight up to the peak!
Really fun trail to hike to the peak, it can feel steep in places but it’s not technical. There’s no water on the route, so travel prepared. We went on a Wednesday and only saw one other hiker, it was really peaceful and remote.
It's taken a bit of a hit from Fire Services making some room to deal with the recent fire down on the 101. There are portions in disarray due to this, with wood debris strewn across what used to be a one person wide trail on Trespass. Still, beautiful hike with great views of the ocean.
Trail conditions & character
“I'd recommend going to the right when the path breaks off (towards tunnel view) and take the trail straight up to the peak!”
“Really fun trail to hike to the peak, it can feel steep in places but it’s not technical.”
“We went on a Wednesday and only saw one other hiker, it was really peaceful and remote.”
“Can be hiked as either out-and-back or as a loop with Trespass Trail.”
Plan your run at Gaviota Peak Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- 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.
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Goleta
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Ortega Trail
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Gaviota Wind Caves
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Arroyo Hondo Preserve
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Baron Ranch Trailhead
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Dogs are not permitted on this 6-mi. trail, which leads from Calle Real to Camino Cielo and offers wildlife sightings.
Miguelito Park
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Cozy, laid-back area featuring playgrounds, a barbecue area and a stream.
Beattie Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 634 reviews
Community park boasting numerous sporting amenities, such as a disc golf course & multi-use fields.