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Skofield Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 157 Google reviews · Running trail in Santa Barbara, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Skofield Park'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.
Wilderness area supplying creek access & a half-mile loop road dotted with picnic tables & boulders.
What runners say about Skofield Park
“Super clean nice and safe area to get some recreation in.”
“Beautiful park been going there for Easter 🐣 for the past 15 + years with our family and know it’s becoming a tradition!”
“Great quiet park with lots of boulders for kids (and adults) to climb.”
Great little park for a short walk or for a BBQ. They also have plenty of picnic tables if you want to have lunch after hiking rattlesnake canyon. There's a paved path which is great if you are mobility impaired , but also several walking and hiking trails on grass, with some room to explore and discover on your own.
LOVE Skofield Park! They have huge, magnificent boulders that fell and left just enough space for even tall toddlers to crawl through! It feels like my new happy place in Santa Barbara. AND it’s right around the corner from the Rattlesnake trail which I have enjoyed before.
Fantastic camping ground ideal for walks and practicing rock climbing! Dog-friendly and reasonable parking. Paved paths, as well as dirt trails, allow you to choose your hike difficulty! Fifteen minutes away from downtown Santa Barbara a fantastic local gateway!
Incredible views of the mountains from throughout the park. Great paved main walking trails and additional dirt trails leading to massive rock formations. Peaceful and quiet. Free parking.
Trail conditions & character
“Accessible drinking water near parking area, but restrooms are a hike from the parking area.”
“Beautiful park been going there for Easter 🐣 for the past 15 + years with our family and know it’s becoming a tradition!”
“There is a lot of critters which is important if you have a puppy or relatively hyperactive dog.”
“Great quiet park with lots of boulders for kids (and adults) to climb.”
“There's a paved path which is great if you are mobility impaired , but also several walking and hiking trails on grass, with some room to explore and discover on your own.”
“Overall though really like the Rocky trail and as it was a bit technical.”
“Accessible drinking water near parking area, but restrooms are a hike from the parking area.”
Plan your run at Skofield Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- 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, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitesbparksandrec.santabarbaraca.gov
- Phone+1 805-564-5433
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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 |
Running trails near Santa Barbara
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Rattlesnake Canyon Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 209 reviews
Scenic, kid-friendly trail winding through a stream-filled ravine with a waterfall, plus a meadow.
Parma Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 155 reviews
Mountaintop views & 5 miles of trails are featured in Santa Barbara's largest city park.
Inspiration Point Trailhead
4.6 ★★★★★ 445 reviews
Scenic 4-mile, mostly uphill hike with a dirt trail for about 2 miles and an overlook of Santa Barbara.
Rattlesnake Canyon Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 196 reviews
Miles of wooded canyon trails for hikers only (bikes prohibited) with creek access & scenic views.
Jesusita Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 119 reviews
Dog-friendly and kid-friendly hiking trail featuring a stream and picnic benches.