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Santa Barbara County, California

Looking for the best mountain biking in Santa Barbara County? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Santa Barbara County. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Mountain Biking Spots in and near Santa Barbara County

  • Santa Barbara, California

    Inspiration Point

    4.0
    3.82 mi / 1109 ft gain
    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 mornin...
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  • Santa Barbara, California

    La Cumbre Peak via Tunnel Trail

    9.96 mi / 3310 ft gain
    Tunnel Trail is a great way to get to the top of La Cumbre Peak. You get to the trailhead by taking Tunnel Road until it dead ends at a large water tower, there you can park your car and start on foot. You take Spyglass Ridge Road up which is a paved fire road until it becomes dirt when you get o...
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  • Ventura, California

    Bike the Sulphur Mountain Loop

    28.6 mi / 2884 ft gain
    The Sulphur Mountain Loop is a 28 mile cycling and mountain biking loop that begins in Ventura Canyon at the Sulphur Mountain Trailhead and loops through Ojai Valley. Beginning at the Sulphur Mountain Road trailhead off Highway 33, follow the road up and over Sulphur Mountain and down until it co...
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  • Los Olivos, California

    Backpack Zaca Ridge

    5.0
    7.32 mi / 2077 ft gain
    From Santa Ynez, CA take Armour Rd until it hits Happy Canyon Rd, and make a left. Follow this scenic drive through vineyards and oak shaded pastures into the Angeles National Forest. A half-mile section of asphalt is rough from winter storms, so drive slow. The road becomes Sunset Valley Rd and ...
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  • Gaviota, California

    Gaviota Wind Caves

    5.0
    2.37 mi / 577 ft gain
    Caves and epic views...need I say more?! That's what you'll encounter on this short 2.5 mile out and back hike to the Gaviota Wind Caves in the San Ynez Mountains, West of Santa Barbara. The Gaviota Wind Caves are a sandstone formation located 1 mile from the Pacific Ocean. One good thing about t...
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  • Ventura County, California

    Sycamore Canyon Falls

    3.3 mi / 545 ft gain
    ...When arriving in the Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area, take the drive and park at Sycamore Canyon parking lot. Parking is free and also offers restrooms and some history about the park. Follow the trailhead South until you come to the Satwiwa Culture Center on your left and a dome-like...
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  • Malibu, California

    Scenic Trail

    4.0
    1.53 mi / 322 ft gain
    The trailhead is located in the day use area of Point Mugu State Park.  Park in the day use area parking lot. There is a parking fee of $12/day or $3/hr.   From the parking lot, walk through the campground until you reach the old service road.  After passing through the gate, turn left at the si...
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  • Santa Maria, California

    Trail Run, Hike, or Mountain Bike Los Flores Ranch Park

    5 mi / 700 ft gain
    I'm a sucker for a good ridgeline trail, and Los Flores Ranch Park has lots of them. For a solid 5ish mile loop with about 600 ft of elevation gain, take the Manzanita Trail to the Ridge Top Trail for sweeping views of the valley, vineyards, and out to the ocean on a clear day. The Solomon Trail ...
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  • Bakersfield, California

    Hike the San Emigdio Trail in the Wind Wolves Preserve

    4.0
    5 mi / 200 ft gain
    This area is a family friendly hiking area for beginners. The farthest place to hike on the map is call Reflection Pond and is about a 7 mile hike out and back. The main trail called San Emigdio Trail runs right next to a stream the whole time. It is a really nice area for a day hike to find some...
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