Montecito Peak Trail Map

Hiking distance: 7.50-mile roundtrip.

Hiking time: 3 hours.

Highlights: The trail begins in an alder-shaded canyon and follows a year-round creek with several pools and small waterfalls. After the trail switchbacks out of the canyon, there are great views of the Santa Babara coastline and Channel Islands. From the summit of Montecito Peak, there are breathtaking 360 degree views that include the coastline from Point Mugu to Goleta.

Elevation gain/loss: 2,450 feet.

Difficulty: Strenuous.

Signs: Not all trails and junctions have signs, but the main trail is clear.

Spurs: The trail to the peak is a spur.

Dogs: Leashed canines are permitted on trails.

Drinking fountains and picnic tables: None.

Restrooms: None. There is a gas station at on Olive Mill Road at the Highway 101 exit.

Directions to trailhead: From Highway 101, in Montecito, take the Olive Mill Road exit. Drive north on Olive Mill Road; at 0.6 mile it will become Hot Springs Road. Continue north on Hot Springs Road for another 1.3 miles and turn left on East Mountain Road. Drive 1.1 miles to the trailhead on the right just before the road crosses the creek. There is parking along the shoulders of the road on both sides of the creek.

Hiking directions: There are three trailheads at this location. The one you want has a wooden sign with Cold Springs Trail and the circled letters MTF (Montecito Trails Foundation) on it. It is just before the road crosses the creek. From the road, the trail starts climbing immediately and there are wooden steps just after the trail turns to the right. For the first mile and a half there is lots of poison oak, so be aware and stay on the trail. At 0.26 mile continue straight when you come to the West Fork trail on the left. Just past this junction there is a bench on the left. The trail continues a steady climb with two creek crossings and numerous switchbacks. Stay on the wider more wore trail at any junction. At 1.63 miles is the Edison access dirt road. To the right is the Montecito overlook, but take the trail to the left to continue to Montecito Peak. Cross under the power lines and at 1.71 miles take the marked trail on the left. This rocky, sometimes steep, trail passes two trees with a makeshift bench with great views. From the two trees, the trail heads toward Montecito Peak and then passes to the west. When you are almost past the peak at 3.6 miles, look on the right for an unmarked narrow trail. The trail is narrow, steep and in shale, but the climb up to the 3,214 foot summit is well worth it. The summit is at 3.85 miles and there are several containers with log books. The Cold Springs Trail continues past Montecito Peak for another mile to the 3,540 foot crest at East Camino Cielo. The return route is the way you came.