Aliso Loop Trail 28W05
A shady one-mile, interpretive trail along Aliso Creek or try the more strenuous 3.5-mile loop. The walk along the ridgetop offers views of the Santa Ynez River. Loop trail can also be accessed from Upper Oso Campground.
Interpretive Trail
The first mile of the trail is a self-guided interpretive trail. It starts at the upper portion of the Sage Hill Campground, and head north along the trail. After crossing Aliso Creek two times, you'll come across a juncture with the Aliso Loop Trail 1/4-mile from the trailhead. Continue straight ahead on the Aliso Interpretative Trail.
Expect a few more creek crossings before leaving the base of the canyon. The trail then climbs steadily up the shale hillside before taking you around the edge of a meadow. Continue along the trail to mile 1.5, for a trail junction between the Upper Oso Trail and the Aliso Loop Trail.
The Aliso Interpretive Trail ends here. You'll have the option to continue onto the Aliso Loop Trail or turn around and follow the same trail you just hiked up from.
Aliso Loop Trail
Head south along the Aliso Loop Trail from this point. Along here you'll have great views of the San Rafael and Santa Ynez Mountains. The trail makes its way down the hillside to the edge of the Santa Ynez Canyon, at which point there are good views of the Santa Ynez River – the longest free-flowing stretch of river in the Southern California region.
You'll reach the bottom of Aliso Canyon via a series of switchbacks. Shortly after reaching the bottom, the trail reconnects with the Aliso Interpretative Trail, at which point the Aliso Loop Trail ends.
Rejoin the Aliso Interpretative Trail by turning left. Hike a short distance to return to the original trailhead and parking area.
Active Alerts
Specific Trail Information
Trail Number
Trail Type
General Information
Stay safe and Know Before You Go:
Parking is $10/vehicle per day. Or you can purchase and display the Parks Management Annual Day Use Pass. Buy this pass for $50 at www.campone.com or from the campground host at Paradise Campground, White Rock Day Use Area, or at the First Crossing kiosk.
Adventure Passes and Interagency Passes (Senior, Access and Annual) cannot be used for parking.
water spigots at the Sage Hill Campground
- For current Fire Restrictions: Check Alerts and Fire Danger Status menu above and Current Conditions webpage.
- Fires only in designated fire rings.
- 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.
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
Trailhead/Starting Points
From Santa Barbara Hwy 101:
- 10 miles NW on Hwy 154,
- 4.5 miles East on Paradise,
- Turn left at Ranger Station.
- Go 1/2 mile to Sage Hill Group Campground
- Trailhead parking lot is near Loop 5.
Parking
Parking lot for the Aliso Trail is in the Lower Santa Ynez Recreation, near the Sage Hill Group Campground.
Directions
Latitude 34.5491694
Longitude -119.7872173
Elevation 1000 - 1600
Distance 2.27 miles
Difficulty Easy/Moderate
Additional Information
Operated By
Trail is managed by USDA Forest Service.
Parking Area is managed by Parks Management Company.
