Hike to Inspiration Point
Details
Distance
3.5 miles
Elevation Gain
800 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Added by The Outbound Collective
The hike to Inspiration Point will take you to a scenic viewpoint overlooking Santa Barbara and the Pacific Ocean.
Hike up the 3.5 mile trail to an unbeatable vista that will leave you smiling! This hike has a steady uphill climb from the trailhead off of Tunnel Rd into Los Padres National Forest. Keep in mind this trail can get pretty crowded on weekends, so you're best to be at the trail early in the morning or toward the end of the day (don't forget your headlamp!). Keep in mind there isn't much shade on the trail, so bring a hat and your sunscreen.
This trail is dog-friendly, but dogs must be kept on-leash.
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NOT in Rattlesnake Canyon (at all)
Inspiration Point can be accessed either from the Jesusita Trail (starting in San Roque Canyon) or from the Tunnel Trail (starting in Mission Canyon). Rattlesnake Canyon is to the east of Mission Canyon. It is a nice hike as well, but NOT the way to get to Inspiration Point (unless you hike Rattlesnake--named after the shape of the canyon, btw, not the reptile--go all the way to the meadow, hike the Rattlesnake/Tunnel Connector, turn down the Tunnel Trail, and take the Inspiration Point/Seven Falls Jesusita connector). The actual hike to Inspiration Point is ok-ish. It is heavily traveled and a good workout, but can be very crowded, the fires have eliminated most shade, and there can be poison oak. The view is beautiful. Closed on Red Flag days. If you access it from the Tunnel Trail, pay very close attention to the parking signs and park off the pavement.
3.0
Scenic Santa Barbara Hike
This trail is a bit of work to get up with 800 feet of elevation gain, but that's what makes the view at the top that much better! Get panoramic views of Santa Barbara and the Pacific Ocean. Make sure to bring plenty of water and a snack to enjoy at the lookout.
5.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on.
Nearby Adventures
Hike La Cumbre Peak via Tunnel Trail
Hike the Saddle Rock Loop
Hike the West Fork of Cold Spring
Hike to Tangerine Falls
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