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Tangerine Falls
4.9 ★★★★★ 21 Google reviews · Running trail in Santa Barbara, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Tangerine Falls yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. 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.
What runners say about Tangerine Falls
“You don’t need to go all the way to the top of the falls to see some beautiful scenery, but it is worth it if you do!”
Hard hike for many lol if you can't pull yourself up than you may have problems! Lots of rock climbing towards the end when you are almost at the falls.
My friends and I blindly took on this trail unprepared with nothing but a plastic water bottle and a little bit of optimism. Had I known what I was getting myself into, I likely would’ve shut it down immediately. However, it is absolutely worth the visit.
So amazing once you reach the waterfall!!! There isn't a trail that leads to the bottom so you have to go directly up the river rocks. It's definitely a difficult hike with some rock climbing involved but well worth it!!!! Highly recommend visiting, I was told after a rain storm it's a more full waterfall.
With all the rain the falls were incredible. The creek was gorgeous with lots of pools on the way up. The last 45 minutes to an hour of the hike is a lot of scrambling and climbing, very hard
Trail conditions & character
“We parked at the trailhead and walked up, had a great time and the waterfall was full bring some water and sunscreen.”
“This hike is definitely challenging and required me to step out of my comfort zone (lots of rock scrambling + an area that requires a short rope climb) but I do not regret it.”
Plan your run at Tangerine Falls
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late 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.
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 Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 196 reviews
Miles of wooded canyon trails for hikers only (bikes prohibited) with creek access & scenic views.
Hot Springs Canyon Trailhead
4.5 ★★★★★ 630 reviews
Natural creek-fed hot spring site featuring multiple levels, temperatures and pools, with trails providing access.
Parma Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 155 reviews
Mountaintop views & 5 miles of trails are featured in Santa Barbara's largest city park.
Rattlesnake Canyon Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 209 reviews
Scenic, kid-friendly trail winding through a stream-filled ravine with a waterfall, plus a meadow.
Skofield Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 157 reviews
Wilderness area supplying creek access & a half-mile loop road dotted with picnic tables & boulders.
