Explore Montecito Hot Springs in Santa Barbara

Very cool, "secret" trail to hot springs. The map is a bit misleading, and I think it might be intentional to keep people from finding the springs. I'll do you a favor and explain where they are, but please do your part by not posting about this trail on social media! When you come to a big chunk of concrete with some blue graffiti on it, keep an eye for a big warning sign a little further down the trail. You'll take a left there and cross the water, then continue along the trail to the hot springs. The landmark on AllTrails for where the springs are is NOT correct. The actual springs are located at the "Viewpoint" landmark on AllTrails. Be aware that there may be some people soaking in the nude, though there weren't any when we went. Bring a towel and be polite. Try not to hog the springs for too long if there are a lot of people. Parking might get a little tight during peak hours. We didn't have too much trouble on a weekday afternoon.

Not for beginners, you get lost easily trying to find your way back. Multiple trails with black red and blue spray painted arrows. The hike isn't 40 minutes to the hot springs its around 2 hours, they need to put up actual signs that lead you the correct way out instead of people spray painting rocks, its 10 dollars per person. It was pretty but its very scary when the sun is setting you get lost its cold and you have no cell service. Thankfully a few people showed up and we all left together. Because people get lost all the time out here we now know why since there aren't actual signs, over 3k to be rescued be prepared. And especially for night fall its cold and windy.

I'm glad we decided to go. When I read the reviews online, everyone said they had problems with parking. We were downtown Santa Barbara so we decided to take a Lyft up there. It was less than half an hour and cost less than $20. And did the same thing back. I definitely recommend that route rather than driving. Or you can walk if you live in the neighborhood. The hike was about an hour. Be sure to follow the signs or you will miss it. The hike was fun but can be rough if the ground is wet from rain. Luckily we were there on a dry day. We went in late January but the temperature was in the mid 60s. It was perfect because after the hike you will sweat and don't want to get into the springs when you're hot. The water was hot, the higher you go up. A few small pools for 1 or 2 people to use, if you don't want to sit in the bigger pool with strangers. The hike itself was also beautiful. Lots of lookout spots. This is by far one of the best natural hot springs I have been to. And I have been to New Zealand, and Iceland. Grap your walking shoes, and snacks and enjoy what nature has to offer!

I really enjoyed hiking at the Hot Springs Canyon Trailhead! I haven’t done many trails before, but I found this one to be very enjoyable and manageable. I would describe it as moderate difficulty — enough to feel like a good workout without being too overwhelming. The views and the overall experience were beautiful, and it felt very peaceful and worth it.

Montecito Hot Springs is an absolute hidden gem. The hike in is beautiful and peaceful, and the reward at the end is more than worth it. The trail can be a little tricky at first, but there are plenty of helpful YouTube videos that walk you through it step by step. The biggest key is to just follow the creek and listen for the sound of the water — once you do that, it’s hard to go wrong. The hot springs themselves are incredible, relaxing, and surrounded by nature. Definitely one of the best outdoor experiences in the area and well worth the effort to get there.