Explore Montecito Hot Springs in Santa Barbara

Beautiful hike with rewarding views and a hot bath in the end!

Hot Springs Canyon Trail in Santa Barbara is a unique natural destination for hot springs. There are other springs nearby, however, Hot Springs Canyon Trail is the best one! This moderate 4-mile hike delivers stunning views, lots of beautiful nature and enough shade to cool you down on the way. There are multiple hot springs pools with the warmest water on the top. These springs are natural and sulfurous, so be prepared for the "aroma"! However, sulfur is actually good for you and your body!

Perfect For

Hike and soak in natural hot springs
4-mile hike

The best Natural Hot Springs near Santa Barbara

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Packing List

water bottle
sunscreen
hat
hiking shoes
layers
snacks, drinks, trash bag (pack in, pack out)
towel (optional if going in)
rubber shoes (optional if going in)

Location

Itinerary

Park your car on the dirt lot. Limited parking (don't park on the street)
Find trailhead and start hiking
The first and second forks stay to your left
Third fork stay to your right
Take left at the 4th fork in the trail. You’ll cross a small riverbed and then just a bit after this the hot springs will be off to your left.
Chill and soak
Head back before dark

Google Reviews

4.5

Hot Springs Canyon Trailhead367 reviews

Ray K

8 months ago

Mildly moderate hike, depending on who you ask. But it’s all worth it when you reach the hot springs. We didn’t bring trunks but I could not resist dipping into a true hot spring. The place was packed on a weekend afternoon, but we found a spot and soaked for about 30 minutes. Everyone was super friendly and happy and having a great time. Just please take your trash with you!!!

Charyn Fierroz

2 months ago

Amazing trail! Despite going on a rainy day, the springs/pools were very crowded, but the crowd was a good energy. Family friendly (lots of kids) and clothing optional, so if you are opposed to nudity, don't go. Also, a huge plus for me, DOG FRIENDLY! This trail had it all, beautiful green nature, slightly challenging terrain, flowing water throughout the whole trail, and HOT SPRINGS! The pools are muddy so don't bring a bathing suit you care to not get dirty. We packed a towel so we could use as a screen to change in and out of our clothes and that worked great for us. Bring water, trail is not long but has some challenges! I gave 4 stars because parking is not great at all and I saw someone getting towed which always bums me out so be aware of that! Otherwise Happy hiking Fam!

Juliet Joyee

9 months ago

Exciting location for nature lovers. The parking lot is very small so prepare to be an early bird. Roadside parking is possible. The first quarter of the hike was easy, but the rest was a bit challenging. Sure it's doable with kids. Take water and snacks. Hiking sticks helps in uphill. We have to cross the creek twice. All trail maps nailed the correct path so just follow it. Check the weather and dress up accordingly. Avoid hot days as the trail path is not shady. Some of the area is a bit steep especially 200 meters before the hotspring. Hotspring is beyond our expectations. Only two people were there. People are very friendly.

Ran Chu

2 months ago

Beautiful trails lead to hot springs. Multiple springs ponds in series, the hottest at top. The dirtiest at button. Dirty because the algae can grow in lower cooler ponds. Trail about a mile long could be challenge for kids under 5 and mobility difficult people get to.

Gloria Camacho (Goya)

a year ago

The hike was easy and shady. But it was too crowded to enjoy. There was not enough parking. Drinking smoking and nudity. It did not offend me but people take their children there. I would recommend early hike or week hike.

Q & A

At the first fork in the trail stay to your left. At the second fork, stay left again. At the third fork, stay to your right. After you pass the hotel ruins (you’ll see a sign about water conservation and begin to smell sulphur), take left at the 4th fork in the trail. You’ll cross a small riverbed and then just a bit after this the hot springs will be off to your left.

Some limited street parking is available at the trailhead. Do not park on the street, you might be towed or fined.

Hot springs are a rich source of sulfur and its healing benefits include treating skin irritations and infections such as rashes and eczema. Sulfur-rich hot springs are also thought to help treat dry scalp, arthritic pain and internal problems such as menopausal symptoms and digestive disorders.

Hot tubs and hot springs often have sulfur in its water which will tarnish your jewelry. Keep in mind that some skin care products like Acne solutions do contain sulfur. ... Tarnish is just a thin layer of oxide on the metals surface. In most cases it can easily be removed with a soft jewelry polishing cloth.

Rules & Safety

Parking is limited— park safely and do not block roads or driveways.
Dogs are permitted but pick up after them.
Leave no trace. Pack it in/pack it out.
Trail is open dawn to dusk, no overnight parking or camping.
The following activities are prohibited: Use of motorized vehicles, including but not limited to all-terrain vehicles, dirt bikes, etc. Use or disposal of glass. Camping. Setting of any fire and smoking. Use of firearms and hunting.

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