Seven Falls: A Santa Barbara Cascade

4.5 (153)

Discover Santa Barbara's Seven Falls: A scenic hiking trail leading to cascading waterfalls and refreshing pools in the Santa Ynez Mountains.

Hike to Seven Falls, a series of seasonal waterfalls and pools in the Santa Ynez Mountains, offering a moderate 3.2-mile round trip adventure with creek crossings and rock scrambling. A popular spot for cooling off and enjoying nature near Santa Barbara.

A brief summary to Seven Falls

Tunnel Rd, Santa Barbara, California, 93105, US
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Seven Falls.

Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, as parking at the trailhead is limited and fills up quickly.
Wear sturdy shoes suitable for rock hopping and creek crossings.
Bring water and sun protection, as parts of the trail are exposed.
Check trail conditions and weather forecasts before you go, and avoid the hike during or after heavy rain.

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Getting There

Walking

From Tunnel Road's end, proceed past the locked gate. Continue along the paved road for about 0.75 miles until you reach a bridge crossing Mission Creek. If you're feeling adventurous, turn right and follow the creek upstream, which involves some rock hopping. Alternatively, continue on the dirt road, past the Tunnel Trail turnoff, until you reach the Jesusita Trail. Turn right when the trail descends to the creek and head upstream. The start of Seven Falls is about a quarter mile further, marked by narrows.
Public Transport

To reach the Seven Falls trailhead using public transportation, take the MTD Line 11 bus. Get off at the bus stop closest to the intersection of Mission Canyon Road and Tunnel Road. From there, walk up Tunnel Road to the trailhead. Be aware that this adds approximately 1.5 miles to your journey. Bus fare is $1.75 per ride.
Taxi/Ride-share

From downtown Santa Barbara, a taxi or ride-sharing service to the Tunnel Road trailhead will cost approximately $15-25, depending on traffic and surge pricing. Note that parking at the trailhead is limited, especially on weekends, so arriving early is recommended.

Discover more about Seven Falls

Seven Falls is a popular hiking destination located in the foothills of Santa Barbara, California. This natural attraction features a series of small, cascading waterfalls and refreshing pools nestled within the rocky terrain and lush greenery of the Santa Ynez Mountains. The area has been admired since the 1800s as a canyon retreat. The moderate 3.2-mile round trip hike to Seven Falls begins near the end of Tunnel Road and involves some rock scrambling. The well-maintained trail follows Mission Creek, winding through a scenic canyon with a mix of shaded areas and open terrain. Be prepared to cross the creek several times and navigate some rugged sections as you approach the falls. The best time to visit is after rainfall, when the waterfalls are flowing and the pools are full. However, conditions can be dangerous during wet periods. Seven Falls offers a chance to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of the Santa Barbara backcountry. The cascading falls and pools create a refreshing oasis, perfect for a break from the heat.