Home › California › Montecito › Hot Springs Canyon Trailhead
Hot Springs Canyon Trailhead
4.5 ★★★★★ 630 Google reviews · Running trail in Montecito, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Hot Springs Canyon 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.
Natural creek-fed hot spring site featuring multiple levels, temperatures and pools, with trails providing access.
What runners say about Hot Springs Canyon Trailhead
“I hope it stays open because it's really is a beautiful trail with waterfalls and streams on the way.”
“It takes about 30–40 minutes uphill, and along the way you’re surrounded by peaceful nature and plenty of shade.”
I got lost on the way to the hot springs, but luckily some friendly hikers pointed me in the right direction. I eventually heard laughter echoing through the trees — that’s when I knew I was close. The place is absolutely beautiful and feels tucked away from the world.
I'm glad we decided to go. When I read the reviews online, everyone said they had problems with parking. We were downtown Santa Barbara so we decided to take a Lyft up there. It was less than half an hour and cost less than $20. And did the same thing back. I definitely recommend that route rather than driving.
✨ One of my absolute favorite hikes! It takes about 30–40 minutes uphill, and along the way you’re surrounded by peaceful nature and plenty of shade. At the top, you’re rewarded with a series of wild natural hot springs — from cooler pools at the bottom to beautifully warm ones higher up.
Amazing hike and so much to explore. Went on a Sunday at 9am thinking we made it early and boy howdy did we not. Parking was a bear but we made it work. Lots of people heading up. About 40-50 in total when we got to the pools. Everyone was very kind though and we shared space equally.
Trail conditions & character
“I hope it stays open because it's really is a beautiful trail with waterfalls and streams on the way.”
“Parking can be rough, so I ended up just taking an Uber to avoid the headache of worrying about that, but also did go early in the morning to avoid the crowds.”
“After about a 40 minute hike up the hill, we arrived at the springs, which were nice and hot.”
“It takes about 30–40 minutes uphill, and along the way you’re surrounded by peaceful nature and plenty of shade.”
“A few rocky vertical sections but saw several older folks trek with ease.”
“That being said, I recommend doing the entire loop as you get to climb cool rock formations.”
Plan your run at Hot Springs Canyon Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websitesbparks.org
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–5 pm |
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