Montecito Hot Springs
60–112°F
Pool temperatures
1.4mi
Hike, one way
Free
No fee reported
Montecito Hot Springs is a cascade of 6 to 7 rock-walled pools in a canyon above Santa Barbara, reached by a moderate hike of about 1.4 miles one way. Water temperature varies by pool, with the hottest at the top. Parking near the trailhead is now heavily restricted, and access closes on Red Flag fire-weather days.
01 · Before you go
Plan your visit
What to expect on the ground: rules, facilities and when to go.
- Clothing optionalCommon here, not official policy
- 6–7 pools
- BusyArrive early, since street parking is limited.
- HoursThe county parking lot closure and the tow-away zones run from sunset to 8 a.m. No parking is allowed during Red Flag Warnings. Trail hours are otherwise not stated.
- SeasonOpen year-round, but the trail and trailhead parking close on Red Flag Warning days (fire weather). Creek crossings are harder after heavy rain.
- Free to soakNo fee found for the pools or trail. OSM also tags the springs as free.
Best time to go. Arrive early, since street parking is limited. Avoid Red Flag days and the period right after heavy rain. Sources say the pools are especially appealing in cooler weather.
02 · Live
Conditions
Access status, weather and hazards. Closure feeds are checked automatically every morning.
Access
Check before you go
Santa Barbara County approved a pilot program restricting trailhead parking and closing the Hot Springs Canyon trail on Red Flag Warning fire-weather days. Rebuilding of pools after storms is also being discouraged. Check current restrictions before visiting.
Checked 14 Oct · updated daily
Pools get hotter toward the top of the canyon and cooler lower down. Sulfur smell and murky water. Creek crossings can be difficult in high water. Storms often wreck the pools, and rebuilding them is considered illegal watershed modification. Steep, rocky trail. Very hot in summer. Nude bathers are common.
03 · Route
Getting there
Nearest town: Montecito (Santa Barbara). Then a 1.4-mile hike, one way.
- 1
From Santa Barbara, take Olive Mill Road north. It becomes Hot Springs Road.
- 2
After about 1.3 miles, turn left onto East Mountain Drive. Park legally near the Hot Springs Trailhead, close to Riven Rock Road.
- 3
Walk the Hot Springs Canyon Trail up the canyon, past two creek crossings and old resort ruins, to the string of pools. The one-way walk is roughly 1.3 to 1.4 miles with a few hundred feet of climb.
34.4610, −119.6370 · nearest town Montecito (Santa Barbara), CA
These coordinates are for the spring itself, not the parking area. Navigate to the trailhead named in the directions.
04 · Where to stay
Stay nearby
Start early and stay close. Places to stay near Montecito (Santa Barbara), from campgrounds to cabins.
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