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

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

  1. Park your car on the dirt lot. Limited parking (don't park on the street)
  2. Find trailhead and start hiking
  3. The first and second forks stay to your left
  4. Third fork stay to your right
  5. 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.
  6. Chill and soak
  7. Head back before dark

Google Reviews

Ray K
8 months ago
Charyn Fierroz
2 months ago
Juliet Joyee
9 months ago
Ran Chu
2 months ago
Gloria Camacho (Goya)
a year ago

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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