Red Rock Trailhead
Red Rock trailhead marks the end of River Road. It is a paved parking lot with about 145 parking spots and room for trailer parking.
There are restrooms and dumpsters available.
Red Rock / Gibraltar trail is accessed from this parking lot. The main trailhead is near the bathroom farthest from the main road. From there it is about 0.5 miles to the main Red Rock pools though the trail continues towards Gibraltar dam and forms about a 7-mile loop.
The beginning of the trail is rocky and can be challenging on bikes. Be on the lookout for rattlesnakes under large rocks and know that the main pools can be quite crowded with visitors on the weekends.
Cliff jumping and diving is NOT recommended. Always swim with caution.
General Information
March - November
Sunrise to sunset
- NO overnight camping. Day use only.
- Pack out what you pack in and Leave No Trace!
- Dogs MUST be on a leash not longer than six feet, or otherwise under physical restrictive control [36 CFR 261.16(j)]. Read more info about pet ethics.
- For current Fire Restrictions: Check Current Conditions page and the Alerts page.
- Campfire Permits are required for the use of campfires, charcoal fires, or portable gas stoves outside of designated recreation sites when conditions allow.
This day use area is managed by Parks Management Company (PMC) for the Forest Service. The fee is $10 per vehicle per day, or you can purchase a PMC Annual Pass for $50 through www.campone.com. Day use fees can be paid at the First Crossing kiosk when it is open, at each site, or from PMC campground hosts.
Address: 3505 Paradise Rd Santa Barbara, CA 93105
Phone: 805-724-0079 or 805-967-3481
Hours: Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Closed for lunch 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 34.5344193
Longitude: -119.7123911
Elevation
1200
Directions
Red Rock / Gibraltar trailhead is located at the end of River Road.
River Road is about 5.5 miles and begins at the end of Paradise Road where there is a kiosk and a gate marking the transition. River Road is seasonally closed during the winter and when water levels are high.
Parking
Yes
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are not available at this site.
Other Amenities
Dumpsters are available. Please clean up!
Recreation Opportunities
Fishing - River/Stream