Gaviota Hot Springs and Peak

While visiting a friend in Santa Barbara we decided to climb the close-by Gaviota Peak. Besides the marvelous view from the top of this mountain, the main attraction is the natural hot springs on the way to the peak. The hike itself is very easy and mostly follows a gravel fire road.

We start our hike at the Gaviota Hot Springs Trailhead (5$ fee) and follow the trail up the hill along the Gaviota Peak Fire Road. At an altitude of around 600 ft we take the usetrail on the right hand side which takes us to the little pool of the Gaviota Hot Spring and we take our first bath, a wonderful little pool in a gorgeous forest with a palm tree right next to it. The water looks milky, light blue and is nice and warm. After soaking for a while we go back to Gaviota Peak Fire Road and follow it all the way to the ridge east of the peak. From there a path leads up to the highpoint, which offers a very nice view to the pacific on the south and also to the Santa Ynez Mountains in the north. On our way back to the trailhead we take another dip in the hot springs. This time we take the direct shortcut above the hot springs to get there, where you'll find lots of poison oak (!). To our surprise the color of the water changed and it is crystal clear now!