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Tunnel Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 20 Google reviews · Running trail in Santa Barbara, California · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Tunnel 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.
What runners say about Tunnel Trailhead
Tunnel Trailhead is an excellent jumping off point for many of the surrounding trails, as well as Tunnel Trail Proper! The start of the trail is very even surfaced with a mild incline. From there you can stay on double width or single track trails!
If you start your hike here, it is a 2.5 hour not so hard hike down to Rattlesnake Canyon trailhead. Along the way you'll have astounding views of Santa Barbara, the ocean and the Channel Islands. Bring enough water.
Don't let the reviews fool you, if you start at the bottom, it's quite a trek, the trail is all uphill and it's not a nice road. Rocky and sometimes a bit slippery due to loose rock.
Trail conditions & character
“Once you get past last crossing, it becomes rather green and wet (depending on conditions) but this doesn't mean the waterfall will be running.”
“Tunnel Trailhead is an excellent jumping off point for many of the surrounding trails, as well as Tunnel Trail Proper!”
“From there you can stay on double width or single track trails!”
Plan your run at Tunnel Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- 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
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 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.
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 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.
