Tunnel Trail

Tunnel Trail is one of the most popular trails in Santa Barbara. It is within 5 minutes from downtown and has enough twists, turns, and surprises to keep hikers interested. Unfortunately it's mountain-biker mecca, which means you are likely to be run off the trail.

Described here is the basic trail from the trailhead to La Cumbre Peak, the highest peak in Santa Barbara at 3995ft. Along the way are little side trails that you might be able to find if you are alert. If you are interested in an all day adventure you can try one of these steep, super-primitive trails, but use your head. People have gotten lost up there and have needed the Search and Rescue Team (and even Search and Rescue has gotten lost!) For that reason those trails aren't actually described here, but they are there for the discovery.

Tunnel Trail begins on the same paved road as Inspiration Pt. The road is an access road used by Edison and lasts about a mile until it becomes a dirt road. You can ride your bike or hike up the dirt Edison Road if you like. That is an excellent hike all its own.

Tunnel Trail starts a bit past the end of the pavement and goes up the mountain steeply for about 3.5 more miles. Along the way are gorgeous views of the city. The trail is usually very dry with one creek that runs only after rains. If you go up there shortly after a good strong rain you can see the waterfall, which can be impressive. The waterfall, when dry, is an impressive rock formation and makes a nice lunch/view spot. At the top you reach East Camino Cielo Rd. From there it is a short walk up the Road to La Cumbre Peak where there is an old fire tower, picnic table, and the fanciest outhouse I've ever seen. There are also breathtaking views of the rugged Back Country on the other side of the Santa Ynez range.

The hike is about 9-11 miles round trip (depending on if you go all the way to La Cumbre Peak) with an elevation gain of about 3000 ft.

Please note: Parking at the trailhead is limited and strict. You must park behind the white line or else they really do ticket and tow. It is a congested neighborhood and parking within the white line helps emergency vehicles get through. Please be courteous to car traffic as you walk up and down the road and let residents get through. Please keep dogs on leash because there is a flock of free-range chickens that lives in the area. Residents have been pretty vocal about the traffic and safety issues in the area and your courtesy will keep the trailhead open.

Tunnel Trail Updates

Update trail conditions

Posted: December 2, 2011, 1:44 pm
by: ThomasGypsie

I did Rattlesnake to connector to Angustora Pass last weekend and there was recent (day or two old) rock slide covering the Tunnel Trail. The slide its self is only about 40' wide and passable on foot, it's located about 1/2 mile uphill of the connector trail. I already notified FS but if your heading up that way just keep an eye out above you. When I went through there was still some really small stuff coming down.

Posted: January 1, 2011, 2:57 pm
by: Work Dog

Hiked Tunnel to the top (road) today. Started at 9AM, saw a few hikers below the connector to Rattlesnake but none beyond that. One biker coming down on my way back. There is water in the falls and the trail is in good condition, only somewhat muddy at the bottom before the fire road. Suprised to see ice on the trail at the top. Took 3 1/2 hrs.

Posted: October 5, 2010, 8:13 pm
by: Cross Tie Walker

Hiked the Tunnel from South Portal to Angostura Pass yesterday (Monday, 10/4/2010) in glorious drizzly weather.

Views were pretty much nil ‘til about the time we were approaching the Connector junction and the falls (dry), after which time the clouds slowly gave way and we had great views of Arlington, Cathedral, Barger and La Cumbre Peaks. Even in the mid-day sun, the winds were cool and the only sound we heard was the occasional clanging of some wires on those burned posts near the very top. Awesome stuff. We returned via the Rattlesnake Connector and out to Skofield.

Some photos at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/umotamba/sets/72157625104845522/



C

Posted: September 18, 2010, 9:01 am
by: Diane

Mountain lion spotted on Tunnel Trail. Been spotted elsewhere as well. Usually seen at dusk.

Posted: June 14, 2010, 5:01 pm
by: redhathiker

Was this a hike on a trail, or a bake in an outdoor oven? I'm not really sure. The trail was hot, dry and steep, but it was in a good hikable condition. Tunnel Trail is home for the Mission Falls, which, on the map, seems easy to access. It's easy indeed. But it's no longer a fall at this time!! It's a completely dry rock formation. Not many people (and no dogs) were on the trail on this fine Sunday afternoon. I saw very few hikers and some downhill mountain bikers. Animal encounters include a few geckos (?), an unidentified insect bite on my neck, a very cute humming birds, and some butterflies. It was a fun exercise, with a very beautiful view of Santa Barbara covered in a sea of fog on the way down.

Lessons learned:
1) use insect repellant on neck.
2) bring more water (even more than 2.5 liters!)
3) choose a cloudy day to hike this trail.

SUMMARY:
- Distance = 8.62 miles.
- Elevation change = 2544 ft.
- Time taken = 6:30 hours.
- Liquid consumed = 2.5 liters (and that's NOT enough!)

Posted: January 2, 2010, 10:13 pm
by: crman

I got onto the top of Edison road (the utility road) last week via Rattlesnake and while gazing down on the scorched scenery noticed what appeared to be an old trail faintly visible off of Tunnel. Today now that Tunnel seems to be open again I explored it a little way till I got tired of its poor condition. It begins just above the first power pylon you pass a few minutes up and right at the hairpin bend. It's not visible at all from the trail and if I hadn't had seen it from above would never had known it was there but just round the first bend is a stonewall supporting the trail so it must have been somewhat official at some time in the past. It climbs up the canyon wall that holds Edison road facing SB and was heading in the direction of the peace sign when I turned round. I suspect it joins up with Tunnel again further up as it's blocked by the ridge in front of it and may even predate that trail. Anyone know the history of Tunnel Trail?

Posted: July 18, 2009, 10:09 pm
by: kevin751

The base of the trail, at least, is still closed after all the fire. The sign did say that parts of Rattlesnake Canyon and Jesusita, IIRC, are both open.

Posted: March 31, 2009, 1:17 pm
by: oasisbackbeat

Just did it twice in a week...its in great conditions til the top (when you kinda have to figure out your way) and all beautiful views of the city! Reaching the highest point is breathtaking...especially looking back at the fig mountain...bring lots of water! and listen up for those mountain bikers...they are everywhereee

Posted: June 24, 2008, 9:56 pm
by: SkipSmith

I took this trail to La Cumbre Peak for the first time today. I got a late start, and didn't hit the trail until about 10am -- got back to my car at 3pm. No bikers, the temperature wasn't too bad, and there was a nice breeze most of the way.

A word of warning -- it's actually a bit of a walk from the trailhead on Camino Cielo to the peak. I thought I was almost done when I hit the road, but it was a trudge.

Also, as you walk the road, make sure to look down into the back country for a great view of Gibraltar Dam. I almost missed it.

Posted: April 20, 2008, 4:53 pm
by: Taylor

I did this trail with a couple of friends on saturday at about 6 in the morning. What an incredible experience. The whole of the trail is mostly up hill, but it is well worth is to go to the top. If you go early enough there will be no bikers on the downhill, but a few hard core uphillers. Nice and cool as well.