Cold Springs Loop

Dogs Off-leash

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Cold Springs is one of the most iconic trails in Santa Barbara. After a fast and flowy start at the top, it quickly gets into long and tricky rock sections. While never very steep or exposed, picking a good line and keeping your flow is essential to making it through the rocks unscathed! This south-side section of the trail takes you from Camino Cielo all the way down to the trailhead, over four miles below.

Hikers are plentiful along this trail. Exercise caution and use bells!

Beginning at the parking lot, ride the first half mile of Cold Springs, turning off at West Fork Cold Spring to take it uphill, connecting to Gibraltar road. After this well graded road climb, which should take about 30 minutes, turn east onto Camino Cielo Road, which rolls along a ridge traverse to the start of cold springs trail. From here, it is a fast and flowing descent to the car through classic chaparral and sandstone. The downhill begins in an easy manner over shale, before turning to rock gardens and more technical turns as you descend towards the ocean!