Rattlesnake Canyon

Dogs Leashed

Features River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers

This is a somewhat challenging trail, but one that can be done quickly and offers some of the best views over Santa Barbara's coastline. It can also be tied into Tunnel Trail for a long loop or just additional miles and views on the out and back. Interesting geology, relative solitude, and views make this a locals' favorite.

Starting from the trailhead, which is located alongside Las Canoas Road, head north past the Rattlesnake Canyon Wilderness sign. Soon after beginning your run you'll cross the creek and climb slightly up the hillside. Half a mile into the trail you'll see another trail diverging to the right. This trail makes for a great byway that later reunites with the main Rattlesnake Canyon Trail a mile later. Continuing along the main trail, you'll cross over the creek a couple of times before reaching a huge, flat rock, known as "Lunch Rock", that sits in the creek.

After crossing the creek once again, you'll follow the trail to Tin Can Meadow, which was named after a homestead cabin that existed there before it unfortunately burned down in 1925. A trail junction sits at the end of this meadow, at which point you'll want to bear right to follow the Rattlesnake Canyon Trail for another 3/4 of a mile until it hits Gibraltar Rd. The Rattlesnake Trail ends at this intersection with the road, but there are stunning views of the South Coast from this point.

Thanks to John McKinney, The Trailmaster, for sharing this trail description. To learn more about trails in California, check out his guides at The Trailmaster Store.

You can find purple hummingbird sage cloak, manzanita, and red-berried toyon along the hills in the canyon.