Montecito Hot Springs - Hot Springs Canyon

Unwind amidst the scenic beauty of Los Padres National Forest at Montecito Hot Springs. Hike along a moderate trail and discover a cascading series of natural pools, each offering a unique thermal experience. Breathe in the fresh mountain air and soak in the restorative waters, known for their potential healing properties since ancient times.

Montecito Hot Springs Near Santa Barbara

Montecito Hot Springs (AKA Hot Springs Canyon) is a lovely cascade of seven rock-walled pools of varying temperatures. The pools are tucked between canyon walls and require a moderate 3-mile roundtrip hike. You will encounter ruins from a health resort built in the 1800s, but now the land is protected as part of the Los Padres National Forest.

The moderate flow hot pools range in temperature from 60°F to 112°F (the pool near the top is the hottest). The water in each pool is a murky grey-blue and smells of sulfur, which can be a bit off-putting. However, that smell is due to the natural minerals bubbling up from the earth and can be excellent for your health. Each pool fits four or more people comfortably.

A few notes:

• Parking fills by early morning most days
• People bring their dogs here
• Expect nudity

Travelers should be prepared for all of the above, such as arriving as soon as sunrise. You cannot stay overnight at the hot springs, but travelers from other parts of California may choose to stay in the nearby towns of Montecito, Carpinteria or Santa Barbara.

Camping

There is no camping allowed on-site at Montecito Hot Springs. However, several developed campgrounds can be found within Los Padres National Forest. Dispersed camping is not permitted near the hot springs.

Facilities

Limited street parking is available near the trailhead. There are no restrooms or changing facilities at the hot springs.

Additional Considerations

Montecito Hot Springs caters to a diverse audience, including families and adventurers seeking a clothing-optional hot springs experience. Public nudity is legal in certain areas, but always be respectful of others. Open drug use or disruptive behavior is not tolerated.

Access and Usage Fees

There are no entrance fees for Montecito Hot Springs. However, parking requires a National Forest Adventure Pass or America the Beautiful Pass. Daily and annual passes can be purchased in three locations in Santa Barbara: the REI store, Big 5, or Santa Barbara Ranger District office. Additionally, the pass can be ordered online at least a week before your trip on MyScenicDrives.com. If you already have a valid National Parks pass, you can use that instead, just make sure it is displayed on your dashboard.

History

The Santa Barbara region has been known as a therapeutic place, and it is still one of the most popular vacation spots in California. The Chumash, Native people in this region of California, lived on the coast and hiked in to relish the hot springs. The Chumash call this area “Shalawa.” After colonizing Southern California, Spanish people renamed this area “Montecito,” meaning “little mountain,” due to the many hills. Then in the 1800s, early U.S. settlers claimed this land and built resorts next to the hot springs. Fires destroyed the buildings, and in 2013, a land trust bought this area to be included in Los Padres National Forest. Read more about the history of the hot springs at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum.

Seasonal Access Information

The hot springs are accessible year-round, although winter may present icy conditions on the trail. Summer can bring high temperatures and potential wildfires. Spring is typically the best time of the year to visit Montecito Hot Springs. Visiting during the late summer months is not recommended, as these can be uncomfortably warm and humid, with daytime temperatures at or over 80°F.

The four ideal months to visit Montecito Hot Springs are April, May, October and November. These months have the clearest days with the most comfortable temperatures. These are also the months with fewer tourists. And in the autumn, if you’re planning to take an ocean dip, the water is at its warmest. October would be an excellent month to hike, soak in the hot springs and dip in the Pacific Ocean.

Directions to Montecito Hot Springs Trailhead

Montecito Hot Springs is in Montecito, an unincorporated community beside Santa Barbara. The 1.5-hour drive from Los Angeles and a relatively short hike to the hot springs make this the perfect day trip for LA residents.

If you’re traveling west from Los Angeles, drive the 101 North towards Santa Barbara for over 100 miles, one hour if traffic is smooth. Take exit 94A for Olive Mill Road, then turn right. Follow Olive Mill Road, which turns into Hot Springs Road, for 1.8 miles through a residential area. When you get to Mountain Drive, turn left. In 0.2 miles, you’ll see a small dirt parking lot on your right. The parking lot fits 8-10 cars.

If you’re traveling south from San Francisco, drive the 101 South via Salinas for 328 miles, approximately five hours of driving without a break. Take exit 94A for Olive Mill Road, then turn left. Follow Olive Mill Road, which turns into Hot Springs Road, for two miles through a residential area. When you get to Mountain Drive, turn left. In 0.2 miles, you’ll see a small dirt parking lot on your right.

Google Maps Directions

• Northeast of Santa Barbara, California (10 minutes and 5 miles)
• West from Los Angeles (1.5 to 2 hours and 107 miles)
• South of San Francisco (5.5 hours and 331 miles)

Montecito Hot Springs Hiking Directions

To get to the hot springs, park in the small dirt parking lot on Mountain Road in Montecito, California. However, you may have to walk longer if you arrive later. Parking fills quickly, but there is street parking further away in the neighborhood (pay attention to the signs to make sure you’re parking in a legal spot).

Once you’re in the parking lot, you’ll see a small wooden sign and a well-walked path into Hot Springs Canyon. The sign says 1.3 miles to the hot springs. The hike to Montecito Hot Springs takes about 1 hour.

The trail is clear to follow and will take you past ruins, under tree tunnels and into the hills. At 1.3 miles in, you’ll see a white sign that says “Montecito Creek Water Co.” There, you’ll cross the stream on the left and hike up for about 0.1 miles to the cascade of hot springs. Unfortunately, this trail is not handicap-accessible, and parts of the rocky trail may be challenging for those with mobility issues.

Map

Montecito Hot Springs Soak Stats:

Season: All (Spring and Fall most optimal)
Type: Hike (1.3 miles to the hot springs, approximately 3 miles round trip)
Temperature Range: 60°F – 112°F
Water Clarity: Moderate (murky)
Water Odor: Sulfur
Elevation: 1485 ft
GPS: 34.450678449340934, -119.645928 (trailhead)
GPS: 34.465115737690105, -119.64052066722087 (hot springs)
Map Quad: Santa Barba USGS
Trailhead Address: 1202-1298 E Mountain Dr, Montecito, CA
Parking: Limited space; requires Adventure Pass or National Parks pass
Usage Level: High-Extreme
Visibility: Moderate
Camping: No
Pet-Friendly: No
Public Lands: Los Padres National Forest
Area Features: Santa Barbara, Carpinteria, Ojai, Malibu
Nearby Hot Springs: Gaviota, Willett, Sespe, Avila, Sycamore, Ecotopia
Closest Gas and Food: 1.5 miles away in Montecito
Bugs: Moderate
Clothing Optional: Yes
Bathrooms: No