Romero Canyon Trail
Romero Canyon is a popular destination for hikers and mountain bikers. The trail is shady and along a creek bed for the first half. There is a strong scent of bay laurel in the air. The creek almost always has plenty of water, making the first half of the hike a tranquil forest hike.
About 2 miles up, there is a junction with a fire road. Mountain bikers often use this road because the grade is reasonable. You can use the road to create loops and figure-eights of various lengths.
There are wonderful views of Montecito and the ocean from the summit of this trail, and sweeping vistas of the wild back country if you reach East Camino Cielo Rd. You can even continue into Blue Canyon, a nice destination for a backpack trip.
To begin the hike, pass through gate and follow the dirt road. There is a sign at the gate.
At about 1/4 mile, dip down to cross the creek where a concrete bridge has been washed out.
At approximately 1/2 mile, cross the creek again.
Just beyond the crossing, look for the sign marking the trail. Turn left onto the trail at this sign, leaving the road.
The trail follows the creek in lush vegetation and shade. There are a few creek crossings that are not difficult.
At just under 2 miles is the junction with the dirt road. You can make a loop by turning right and following the road back to your car.
To continue the trail, cross the road and begin an uphill climb at the small sign.
The trail climbs steeply in sparser vegetation. You summit at the 3 mile mark at about 3100ft. There are many separate trails going this way and that at this point. Recently a fire break was created making the area even more confusing. The hiking trail is marked with a small sign saying “trail.” The trail goes downhill at this point. Last time I hiked this last section of the trail it was terribly overgrown.
Continuing straight, at 3.5 miles you meet up with East Camino Cielo Rd, which at this point is a dirt road. Across the road and a little to your right is a rusty metal sign marked “Romero Canyon Trail.” This is the continuation of the trail and descends into Blue Canyon, a nice spot for an overnight camp out.
If you instead continue on the fire break, you will climb up and then back down, leading you to the water tower on Romero Saddle at the end of the paved portion of East Camino Cielo Rd.
From the water tank you can follow the dirt road overlooking Montecito and Santa Barbara all the way back to the trail junction at mile 2. Or you can just return the same way you came. The total round trip will be somewhere in the neighborhood of 8 or 9 miles.