Los Padres National Forest – Paradise and River Road Treasures
Along Paradise and River Road in the Santa Ynez Valley of the Los Padres National Forest, there are wonderful trails to hike, beautiful places to swim, and many opportunities to camp and picnic.
Located less than 25 miles from UCSB, these public lands and waters are very special all year. If it is foggy in Santa Barbara, you can drive over the Santa Ynez Mountains on Hwy 154 and almost always find sun and warmth in the Valley. On warmer and even hot days, there are many fabulous places to take a cooling swim in the Santa Ynez River, including the Falls Day Use Area.
This 50 Great Public Lands and Waters Destination Page will start with the Falls Day Use Area, and then, in Nearby Public Lands Worth Visiting below, mentions other nearby Paradise and River Road treasures located in Los Padres National Forest. All of the areas included are terrific places to explore and enjoy!
Falls Day Use Area provides ample access to the beautiful Santa Ynez River for swimming, relaxing, walking, wildlife viewing, picnicking, and, if you are so inclined and the water is high enough, jumping into water pools. There are some sandy beaches and lovely views of sandstone cliffs. Away from the river, there are also picnic tables, oak trees, and shade.
Details
Location
Falls Day Use Area, off of Paradise Road
Managed By
US Forest Service
Distance from UCSB
22 mi
How To Get There
Things To Do
Birdwatching, Camping (nearby), Hiking, Picnicking, Relaxing, Running, Swimming, Viewing, Walking, Watchable Wildlife
Fun Facts
The Los Padres Forest Association maintains this trail, which it and a school group helped develop.
Other Information
Sometimes Paradise Road is closed due to high river water, so be sure to check beforehand by calling the Ranger Office: 805-448-3648.
Aspects of this combined destination have accessible features: Los Prietos Campground has accessible sites and restrooms. Also, the Red Rock Trailhead is accessible.
Nearby Public Lands Worth Visiting
Other places to access the Santa Ynez River are: the Lower Oso Day Use Area, which includes picnic tables, barbeques, restrooms and trash receptacles; the Sandstone Day Use area, which is very close to Red Rock Trailhead and a great place to cool off after hiking there; or wherever else you can access the river from the road.
For great hikes, there are many options. One very special one is the Santa Cruz Trail, which can be accessed at the Upper Oso Trailhead. This beautiful trail passes through narrow sandstone canyons, offers terrific views, and reaches the San Rafael Wilderness. Backpacking here is very special, especially next to the Oso Creek and Santa Cruz Creek. Because of previous flooding, the dirt road leading to the Upper Oso Trailhead is closed. Fortunately, it is a delightful and quiet walk or bike on the dirt road to get to the Upper Oso Trailhead.
Another popular and special hike is Red Rock. About ½ mile from the trailhead there is a popular and beautiful pool for swimming. If it is too crowded, there are great pools further up the trail. The entire area is stunning.
Although it is currently closed, Aliso Canyon Loop Trail is one of my favorites. Only 3.5 miles long, the trail offers diverse experiences from walking through shaded Aliso Canyon next to Aliso Creek, to hiking uphill to a ridge with great views of the Santa Ynez and San Rafael Mountains, as well as the Santa Ynez River. In the spring, it is filled with wildflowers, and throughout the year be on the lookout for wildlife.
Camping: All of these destinations are great day trips, and they can also be combined with overnight camping in one of the many Forest Service campgrounds on Paradise Road and Santa Ynez River Road, like the Los Prietos Campground, a wonderful campground, and Sage Hill Campground for group camping.
Mountain Biking: In addition to biking some of the trails described above, there is also an excellent, short and scenic mountain bike option, the Gibraltar Trail, which leads to Gibraltar Reservoir from the Cold Spring Trail.
Best Time To Visit
Spring, Fall, Winter, Summer (but can be very hot)
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