Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Inspiration Point

    4.4 (95 reviews)

    Inspiration Point Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Inspiration Point

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Trail views in fall
    Lindsay W.

    Although parking at the trail head can be hard to find on the public street, this hike is worth a couple extra steps if parking lower than you planned. Recommend going earlier in day or towards evening as the initial part of the hike is pretty sunny and along a paved road. It is about 3.5 miles round trip and up the whole way. Once there, the views of Santa Barbara make the trip well worth it. Take some water and relax along the way, you won't regret this when you are done!

    On the way to 3 pools
    Sarah S.

    Luckily for us, we know someone who lives just below the start of the trail head so we were fortunate to pass by all the other hikers trudging up the hill to get to the head. I'm not sure I'd commit to the hike if I had to anticipate the parking struggle. The extra trudging can add a good extra 15 minutes uphill. The first 30 minutes of the hike is on pavement with some views of the valley and ocean and one bridge over a creek: not too exciting, but worth it for the greenery and creek beds that come next. The trail splits off into different routes (a map is provided at the forks). Our favorite route goes to what is called 3 pools. It's 30 minutes past the first run in with the creek bed. The beginning gets your lungs breathing heavy but after those 10 minutes it's a fun 20 minute dance along the rocky trail DOWN to the pools. (That's right, DOWN, no more uphill. Hooray!) it's a great spot for a picnic if you plan ahead, unlike us. Our french bulldog easily navigated the Rocky trails and was having a total blast off leash, but be careful at some of the view points because it could be an easy tumble down for your furry friend.

    SB City and beach views
    Scott L.

    3.4 miles RT from tunnel rd. Moderate level difficulty. 1.45 to 2 hours RT total hiking time. 1,800 ft above Santa Barbara coast and 935 ft gain. Beautiful panoramic view of the Santa Barbara coast and city. Popular location with locals. There is a map at one the main junctions. However, one critique I had was that a junction had no official signage at all which left my friend and me lost for a bit. See picture*. Parts of the trail in the beginning are paved. I didn't see any bathrooms at base as there are few street parking and homes. Few dog walkers here with some that don't pick up after their pet. I wished the city maintained the trail a bit more as some parts of the trail were slippery and had no traction even with my hiking boots. Plan on bringing sufficient amount of water and snacks. Many hikers and locals hike late around 6 PM to catch the sunset. However, it would be unwise to go if you weren't experienced, didn't have headlamps or a flashlight for the trek back. At the peak, you'll stare in awe and amazement for the picturesque views of Santa Barbara. You can also take longer journey/detour to the Jesuita trail.

    Jonathan C.

    As of 6/29, this hike is open to the public. We started at the Inspiration Point Trailhead and it's about a 4mile, 2-3 hour hike of moderate intensity. The first half is paved and the second half requires going over some rocks so recommend a good pair of hiking shoes. Like others have said, the trail isn't well marked, but if you keep making lefts at each fork, you'll get to the destination. On a clear day, you'll get great views of Santa Barbara and also be able to see the Channel Islands. Minus-1 Star for the parking situation. There is NO parking lot and very minimal street parking so be prepared to take a "mini-hike" from wherever you find parking to the start of the trailhead.

    The path straight ahead is Jesusita Trail.
    Tony H.

    There seems to be at least 4 different trails that lead to Inspiration Point, one being Jesusita Trail which I took to get here, Stevens Park is another, & the other 2 I forgot but once you make it up to the peak you can see there are two other paths that lead here. This spot has some great views of to the south & west of Santa Barbara County. Despite the ocean being overcast I still got some decent shots of the view, but trust me the picture don't do this spot that much justice. Even though this is just my first hike of a mountain in the Santa Barbara area getting up to this point for the view is totally worth it.

    JOHN C.

    Nice views Hike through the oaks on a well maintained trail. Close to town And from the top you can see the whole beach below Not too crowded even on weekends

    Erika V.

    Whether you're a Santa Barbara local, new to town or visiting, Inspiration Point is the hike to do! As an SB local myself, Inspiration has always been my favorite. I usually meet a friend at the Mission, then take one car to park on Mission Canyon as spaces can be sparse. Make sure you stay to the left in the beginning to avoid the dead end steep hill! I would say the hike is fairly moderate, with a breathtaking and well deserved view at the top! Bring water!

    Waterfalls
    Alex H.

    This hike this morning was awesome, it came highly recommended by the workers at the hostel I'm staying at, so I went to give it a try. Upon driving up to the area, be aware that you need to park on the side of the road, so if there are a lot of cars up ahead, just grab the first spot you see and get ready for the uphill climb to the base of the trails . So then you reach the trailhead, and already, you have views. Beautiful scenic shots of the ocean and SB, beautiful. The first part of the trail is paved and comfortable. Easy walk up the path and a fun little waterfall along the way, it was nice. Then, once the path becomes dirt and unpaved, the real hiking begins. And I went towards Inspiration Point up the hills, and I'd say it's a low Medium-Easy hike to get up there. But remember, bring water. There are no fountains. Also, be careful of THE MUD. The mud was pretty thick on the way up, and it almost ate my shoe as I was trudging through it. So be wary. And also, enjoy the dogs on the path. The waterfalls are beautiful, and the scene from the top is breathtaking. This hike is a 5 star hike.

    September sunset view of Santa Barbara from Inspiration Point
    John P.

    We hiked here late afternoon and got one of the last parking spaces before the road ends at the water tower. You'll hike up a fire road for a while before hitting the trail head. We talked to a few folks who were headed to or coming from the right branch, so we headed left up to inspiration point. The observation point is not very far from the trail head but it's a steep climb. Wonderful tranquility and views all along the trail and at the overlook (at the power line tower). We went in September and the sun was still pretty far north. Had hoped to see it set over Santa Barbara. Would like to come back closer to the solstice to see how much further south the sun sets. Nice view of Santa Barbara. In my photo the mission is in the middle and the harbor to the left. UPDATE: after reading a description of this hike on AllTrails, I'm not sure we were on the right trail. Anyway, we had a steep, but nice hike up to the power lines, and were rewarded with a nice view.

    Rocks going up
    George L.

    The view is awesome, just be sure to know where you're going before you leave for the point. Enter this in Google Maps to get there: Spyglass Ridge Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93105 ------------------------------------------------ When you're on Mission Canyon Road, you'll have to park on the side street. There's no public parking, and be sure to be within the curb to not get towed. Once you're up there, go right of the water tower and KEEP HEADING on the FIRST LEFT of every fork in the trail until you're at the top of the mountain. From there, cross the junction and you'll see a wonderful view of Santa Barbara. The hike is easy but not totally flat, so bring 2 bottles of water per person since the hike itself is about 2 hours round trip and on a summer afternoon, it can get pretty hot.

    Rock and view at the end of trail. Dog friendly.
    Thanh P.

    Good quick hike about 3.6 miles. Finished in 2 hours even a slow pace. It was not difficult and dog friendly. It had a few rocks to navigate up so felt like small adventure to a view point at end. Not spectacular ending but it was nice spot to snap a pic. We thought we went early at 7am but most of the parking already taken and we took the last parking spot on side of road. We still had to hike like 0.3 miles to trailhead.

    Gorgeous views
    Kinga H.

    Inspiration Point trail is a easy to moderate hike. The trail can be reached from the Tunnel Road trail (I've done it and this review is based off that) or from the Jesusita Trail (which I have not done). About the hike- Approximately 4.5 miles roundtrip, the trail does not loop. Perfect for morning or late afternoon, although there are few shaded areas you don't want to be hiking in the strong midday sun. The trail is not just uphill but varies between level, uphill, and downhill throughout all while making an elevation gain of about 800ft. How to get there- Take Foothills Road Mission Canyon Road, when the road forks keep left onto Tunnel Road which you will take until the end and park. Walk along the paved road until you reach the trail head. At the top- Once you reach the top the view is, well, inspirational. Spectacular views of Santa Barbara and the ocean. Great picture opportunity. There are reptiles, birds, and other wildlife on the hike. It's a great location with other trails in the area to try as well.

    Inspiration Point
    Youri Y.

    One word: INSPIRATIONAL :D It's a great hike which took my two friends and I going up about 45 minutes with some upward incline, lizard spotting, greeting fellow hikers and watching not to trip and fall lol At the top you can see all of Santa Barbara, Goleta, and UCSB. Pretty cool view with sunny weather to accommodate it :)

    Gotta burn to tan

    See all

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Good hike w/ the Mrs. 1.5 hrs. Nice view of SB. Wish it was longer

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    I thought it was a nice hike and really steep towards the end. Took us under 2 hours there and back.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Linda D.
    26
    110
    39

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Very nice hike with a beautiful view at the top! Not an avid hiker and I thought it was very managable!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Moo K.
    132
    22
    6

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    15 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dan B.
    158
    26
    3

    15 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    This is a short hike that will give you a good workout. The only bad part of it is the parking. It has an amazing view as well.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 3 of 3

    Ask the Community - Inspiration Point

    Review Highlights - Inspiration Point

    To make sure you stay on the right path, keep to your left and follow the signs for the Jesusita Trail.

    Mentioned in 10 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Hiking 877 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Cold Spring Trail

    Cold Spring Trail

    4.4(33 reviews)
    3.4 mi

    Once upon a time, my boyfriend Matt B. brought me on a hike on Cold Spring Trail. This was probably…read morefifteen years ago, when we were in our twenties, and Matt--who I've since married--still brings up how I struggled on that hike. Cold Spring Trail is apparently short and easy and well suited to inexperienced hikers. We went again on a recent Sunday morning, and took our two boys, who are three and six years old. We didn't make it all the way to the top, but I can't say we did the first time, either. The trail was quite pleasant in the morning, before the sun came out in full force (I believe this was what made that long-ago hike so difficult). The grade was never too steep, even for our three-year-old, and there was plenty to see. All kinds of interesting bugs and plants and rocks, and several lovely little waterfalls. There was poison oak, too, but we got away clean, and our six-year-old seemed to enjoy spotting it. We also saw several other hikers and good dogs on the trail, but it never felt overly busy. I'm sure we'll be back to Cold Spring Trail, and maybe next time, we'll make it all the way up. Piece of cake for me, of course, just have to be mindful of the children.

    My friend and I hiked this 2 mile easy trail on a Tuesday morning. It was great! Temperature was…read moremild, there is quite a bit of shade throughout the hike. The waterfalls are small but beautiful. There were not a lot of people when we hiked, maybe we saw 8 people max through out the hike. To Note: there is A LOT of Poison Ivy-Oak. I wore light long hiking pants. There are some stretches with no shade so wear sunscreen if sensitive to sun. Great if you are time limited, short hike. Landscape: little waterfalls, there is limited parking.

    Photos
    Cold Spring Trail
    Cold Spring Trail - Blue jays

    Blue jays

    Cold Spring Trail

    See all

    Montecito Peak Hike - Creek.. I guess?

    Montecito Peak Hike

    4.9(7 reviews)
    4.0 mi

    She came from out of town and said she wanted to do something fun…read more.. The conversation shifted to the hot springs in this neck of the woods... From the tone of my voice... She said I was unenthusiastic about it. But then I thought..... On our way to this place... The first thing that came off weird to me was parking.. Their isn't much parking This is about the only negative thing I have to say... I'm not an avid hiker I really don't go hiking at all In the middle of the day I was walking towards "The peak" Out of all days that could be chosen I found gold The weather was superb... Of course it had it's weird breaks (heat and sun) For the most part it was great And if you want a great experience Choose a day featuring great weather.. The hike up had lots of elevated climb to it I loved it... Their was lots to look at I didn't encounter any strange animals/ indigenous people or what have you I did see a bright blue dragon fly that seemed to follow me Wherever I went... The people along the hike we're friendly and nice We all seemed to share the same thoughts "Lost and confused " Not sure what hikes are to entail But this one would definitely called for strength, calories and hydration... You will need all that.. There was off beaten paths that led to points of scratching my head.. And in those moments I just turned around and went the way I came... While all this was happening I was reminded how far we have come along as humans How tough things were for our ancestors Just how appreciative I am for the life I have

    (I am more than confused with what trail(s) are actually located here, and need to state that sadly…read moreI hadn't hiked here pre-fire and flood.) My first trip I was trying to locate Tangerine Falls, which may or may not be located on the other side of the washed out area of E. Mountain Drive. So once I turned my car around and was heading back to Olive Mill/Hot Springs Road I found a very small place to park. (NOTE: If that small area is full, you can park on Riven Rock Drive.) I began the trail, again fully thinking I was heading for Tangerine Falls. (But even today, as I check Google Maps, they call this: HOT SPRINGS CANYON TRAIL HEAD.) - so doesn't that constitute a name change? As a very beginner hiker the trail starts fast. I had boots and walking poles, which helped my footing immensely, Once I realized I had no idea where I was headed to I asked a few people for help who were on the trail, too. They informed me that now (post fire and flood) the way to access Tangerine Falls is via Gibraltar Road. Lots of dark green trees, lots of black burned trees, too. There is a place where you cross the road and then continue on the trail. After about 1/2 mile, I believe, there are 2 signs that gave direction to HOT SPRINGS trail, and I think there may have been a bridge (since washed out) where you could cross the creek to hike another trails? SEE PHOTO - Not too sure about this though, only inferring from the signs and what *looked like where a bridge may have been. I wasn't confident crossing over fallen trees and logs to cross the creek to literally "see what was on the other side". I did hike just a bit past this sign - and the trail is very narrow and drops off steep to the creek. Since I am a big newbie I turned around from there ASAP, but quite a few people flew right past me. Again, this review is from a newbie hiker. I'm in love with this place regardless and am determined to figure out what exactly is up there still and what trails a hiker has access to. (Cold? Hot? Tangerine? San Ysidro? Saddle Rock? What else?) Since I'm not a local I am putting together piece by piece on my own as I can. Apparently there are hotel ruins up higher as well? Expect more pictures ASAP! And bring water, good shoes, and maybe a trekking pole if you're a newbie like me. :)

    Photos
    Montecito Peak Hike
    Montecito Peak Hike - Wonderful hike to the top!

    Wonderful hike to the top!

    Montecito Peak Hike - Burned tree 5/15/2020

    See all

    Burned tree 5/15/2020

    Enjoy The Mountain - Such a nice place to visit

    Enjoy The Mountain

    4.6(48 reviews)
    3.7 mi

    DO NOT BOOK WITH THIS COMPANY -- TERRIBLE EXPERIENCE- Location in Tracy- Northern CA…read more We booked a mountain ATV ride with Enjoy the Mountain ATV in July 2026, and unfortunately, the experience was extremely disappointing. The first red flag was that the company did not provide a phone number, making it difficult to get help or clarification when we needed it. We followed their directions exactly and arrived 30 minutes early. We parked in the designated lot as instructed by the person at the gate, but our guide never came to meet us. We eventually had to drive into the park ourselves and locate the guide, who was parked on the side of the road. There was no clear signage identifying the company or where customers were supposed to check in. Once we finally found the guide, the intake process took approximately 40 minutes. After all of that, we paid approximately $700 for a ride that lasted only about 20 minutes. We were also promised pictures from the experience, but no pictures were ever provided. What made the experience even worse was the customer service afterward. Rather than taking responsibility for the poor communication, unclear instructions, lack of signage, and failure to provide what was promised, the company provided little to no accountability. For the amount of money we spent, this was absolutely not the experience we expected. Poor communication, poor organization, inadequate customer service, and failure to deliver what was promised. Based on our experience, I would not recommend this company and would strongly encourage others to consider other ATV companies before booking.

    My two brothers and I spent the long Thanksgiving weekend in Solvang and decided to end our trip…read morewith an ATV tour in the Santa Barbara mountains before heading back to L.A. Best decision ever! Although getting to the meeting point was a bit scary as we drove 15 mph through winding roads next to steep cliffs, the views were nice and the ATV experience was totally worth it! We gave ourselves plenty of time to get lost and it took us about 1.5 hours to get to the checkpoint. Luckily Google Maps was on the entire time and we even had an hour to kill on top of the mountain before our 12:30pm appointment. (Also had screenshots of the directions in case we lost service). Upon arrival, we met with the two girls who were wearing face masks and face shields so we felt safe. They had all the sanitizing stuff. They checked us all in, gave us each a mesh covering for our head, pairs of gloves, goggles and helmets. They offered different insurance plans (just like a rental car company), each ranging in price. Then, they walked us over to the ATVs where Jorge was our tour guide. He asked us if we've ever rode before and taught us how to use the automatic ATVs and made us feel comfortable and safe. (Throttle was on the right handle bar and brakes on the left. Second brake was a foot pedal). We drove on wide and narrow trails, over some fun rocky areas, kicking up lots of dust, and he took photos of us the entire time. This was a great family bonding experience and we're all still talking about how fun it was and want to do it again. Know Before You Go: It gets dusty so wear clothes and closed toe shoes that you're ok getting dirty. Give yourself plenty of time to drive to the location because the last thing you want to do is rush through the scary mountain roads. 10/10 would definitely do this again!

    Photos
    Enjoy The Mountain - Christy, Sean and Steven

    Christy, Sean and Steven

    Enjoy The Mountain - Jorge told us to get off the ATVs and took this photo of us with the cool mountain background

    Jorge told us to get off the ATVs and took this photo of us with the cool mountain background

    Enjoy The Mountain

    See all

    Inspiration Point - hiking - Updated September 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...