Aliso Canyon Trail

Aliso Canyon Trail is a good place to go to see pretty spring flowers. The saturation on Figueroa Mountain may be greater, but the variety here cannot be matched. It's possible in a good year to see just about every kind of flower that blooms in spring in Santa Barbara all at the same time.

Flowers like Chinese Houses, Blue Dicks, Fairy Lanterns, Mariposa lilies, Chocolate lilies and many many many more.

The hike is a loop, about 4.5 miles long with some climbing, so I would rate it as moderate if you are in decent condition. But you aren't obligated to do it as a loop. You can opt to stay along the creek in the shade and avoid the upper, hilly section. Either way, if it's spring, there will be flowers all along the way.

You will need an Pass to park.

Get directions

Follow Paradise Rd. to the Ranger Station. It is before the first crossing of Paradise Road and the Santa Ynez River, so if you cross a river you went too far. There is a prominent sign on Paradise Road pointing you to Sage Hill Campground. That's where you are going, so turn there, a left turn. You will need an Adventure Pass to park your car.

Aliso Canyon Trail

Start the parking area at the far right (northeast) end of Sage Hill Campground.

Aliso Canyon Trail begins at a large sign. It is well marked and there may be interpretive fliers you can take with you to learn about things along the trail.

 

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