This hike is a challenge. It’s one of the rare front country hikes that has uphill both on the way up and on the way back, and all of it is steep. It’s a long hike, too (12 miles).
You begin the hike to Arroyo Burro Trail on the Jesusita Trail. Watch for poison oak. It’s prolific on most of this trail. Ticks are also in force in spring.
Directions from the Mission, corner of Laguna and Los Olivos Street in Santa Barbara:
Head up Los Olivos toward the mountains. The road makes a jag and becomes Mission Canyon Rd. At the stop sign, turn left on Foothill Rd. Drive 4 tenths of a mile and turn right on San Roque Rd. Pass the W. B. Cater Water Filtration Plant. Park your car where there is a large wooden sign marked “Jesusita Trail” on the left. Trailhead is here. It may be easier to park in a dirt spur on the right. (This is about 10-minute drive)
