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Seven Falls, Santa Barbara Travel Guide

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Hike to a series of seasonal waterfalls and refreshing pools in Santa Barbara's scenic Mission Canyon.

Seven Falls is a series of small, seasonal waterfalls and pools nestled in the foothills of Santa Barbara. The hike to the falls offers scenic views and a chance to cool off in the refreshing pools.

A brief summary to Seven Falls

Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

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

  • Arrive early to secure parking, as the lot at the trailhead is small and fills up quickly, especially on weekends.
  • Wear appropriate footwear for hiking and scrambling over rocks, and be prepared to get your feet wet.
  • Bring a swimsuit to enjoy a dip in the pools, especially after spring rains.
  • Check recent conditions and weather forecasts, as trails may be closed due to flooding or fire damage.

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Getting There

  • Driving

    From downtown Santa Barbara, take Mission Canyon Road to Tunnel Road. Follow Tunnel Road to the end, where you'll find the trailhead. Note that parking is limited and fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Consider carpooling or arriving early to secure a spot.

  • Walking

    From the Santa Barbara Mission, head north on Mission Canyon Road. Continue on Mission Canyon Road until you reach Tunnel Road, then follow Tunnel Road to the trailhead. The walk is approximately 3 miles and will take about 1 hour.

Discover more about Seven Falls

Seven Falls, a popular hiking destination in Santa Barbara, features a series of small waterfalls and punchbowl-like pools along Mission Creek. The area has been admired since the 1800s as a natural canyon retreat. The water flows over sandstone outcroppings, creating warm, deep swimming holes.The hike to Seven Falls is a 3.2-mile round trip that begins at the end of Tunnel Road. The trail follows Mission Creek, winding through a canyon with a mix of shaded and open areas. Be prepared to cross the creek several times and scramble over rocks as you approach the falls. The best time to visit is during or after spring rains when the pools are full. However, the falls can be dry during other times of the year.Historically, Mission Creek provided water to the Santa Barbara Mission. The Tunnel Trail, which leads to Seven Falls, was originally used by workers accessing a city waterworks project in the early 1900s. Today, Seven Falls continues to be a favorite spot for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

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File:SantaBarbara MissionFacade 20170912.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

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