Chumash Painted Cave: A Glimpse into the Past
Discover ancient Chumash rock art at Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park, a unique cultural site offering a glimpse into the lives and beliefs of California's indigenous people.
Venture into Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park, a small but significant site preserving the rock art of the Chumash people. Located a short drive from Santa Barbara, this cave contains vivid pictographs believed to be centuries old, offering a unique glimpse into Chumash cosmology and spiritual practices. The park itself is quite small, encompassing just 7.5 acres, but the experience is profound. The cave is protected by a metal gate to preserve the delicate artwork, but openings allow for unobstructed viewing and photography. Be prepared for limited parking and a steep, narrow road leading to the site, adding to the sense of discovery and historical immersion. This is one of the few places where you can witness original Chumash cave paintings in person, making it a must-see for those interested in Native American history and culture.
A brief summary to Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park
- CA-154, Santa Barbara, California, 93105, US
- +1805-733-3713
- Visit website
Local tips
- Parking is extremely limited (only 1-2 spots), so arrive early or be prepared to park further down the road and walk.
- The road to the cave is narrow and winding; avoid bringing RVs or trailers.
- Bring a flashlight to enhance your viewing of the pictographs inside the cave.
- Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Cachuma Lake or Cold Spring Tavern for a full day of exploration.
- Respect the site by not touching the cave walls or leaving any graffiti.
Getting There
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Driving
From Santa Barbara, take Highway 101 North to Highway 154. Follow Highway 154 for approximately 6 miles, then turn onto Painted Cave Road. The road is narrow and winding for about 2 miles. The park entrance will be on your left. Parking is very limited, with space for only one or two vehicles. If parking is full, you may need to park further down the road and walk. Be cautious of oncoming traffic on the narrow road. There are no parking fees.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
From downtown Santa Barbara, a taxi or ride-share (Uber/Lyft) to Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park will take approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay around $40-$60 for a one-way trip. Note that cell service can be unreliable near the park, so scheduling a return trip in advance is recommended. Due to limited parking, the driver may need to drop you off and find parking elsewhere or return later.
Discover more about Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park
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