The secret spots of Santa Barbara’s backyard
You’ve probably never even heard of them
La Cumbre Peak
Nestled within the various summits of the Santa Ynez mountains, this 3997 ft tall goliath will sure give you that view you’ve been needing to see, and haven’t been able to fulfill at Inspiration Point.
La Cumbre is the perfect vista for a day with your friends, an afternoon getaway, or even a romantic date with the lover(s). If hiking isn’t your thing, you’re in luck, as the peak is easily accessible by cars (almost) so you won’t have to deal with that pesky “nature” for long.
Directions: Take Highway 154 headed North from State St. Exit. Turn right on East Camino Cielo and follow it for close to 9.5 Miles, or until you reach the Cathedral Peak Trailhead. You’ll run into a gate, where you will have to then leave the car and follow the road, sticking to the right until you reach the above pictured bench. Congrats, you made it! DO NOT continue on the trail to Cathedral Peak as it is for experienced hikers only!
Salt Cave Santa Barbara
If driving in trees is still too much stress for your city-loving, yuppie self, maybe an evening spent at Salt Cave Santa Barbara will give you that relaxation you so desire.
Placing itself in the heart of State St., Salt Cave Santa Barbara is an underground — you guessed it — salt cave that offers relaxation sessions, massages, and even yoga classes. The salt in the walls, roof, ground (that’s not sand), and air is meant to help the skin, body, and lungs. With prices running not much more than a 30 rack, a casual stop by the caves can kickstart your week when work or studies have you beat.
Knapp’s Castle
A little more well known than the former two, Knapp’s Castle places you on the opposite side of the Santa Ynez mountains, overlooking Lake Cachuma and the flowing mountains that line the surrounding valley.
A hike that couldn’t be longer than a half mile, Knapp’s Castle is a great place to go with the ‘squad’ and enjoy the sunsets over the mountains. if you’ve never been into Santa Ynez territory, this is a must-see, as it lays out the entire terrain in one giant spectacle. This is a popular destination couples, polygamists, large groups, and families alike, all enjoying the somewhat steeper backyard of the beach town they call home. Sometimes that may mean crowds, but there are always ways to beat that (a hidden and potentially dangerous rope swing, the location of which I will leave you to find…).
Directions: Again, take Highway 154 to East Camino Cielo, and follow it now for a measly three miles where you will see a gate on your left. Hop on out and walk down the dirt road for about 0.5 miles.
Cold Spring Tavern
Founded in 1886, this local gem was established as a stop for stagecoaches and the Pony Express, but now acts as a hangout spot for locals, bikers, and celebrities.
What looks like a tavern out of a fairytale (or a shack sunk into an ogre’s swamp, depending on your taste in architecture), Cold Springs Tavern boasts not only the #1 rating for Santa Barbara’s top most, but also the #1 tri-tip sandwich award in my heart. So, if you’re searching for an interesting new restaurant to get your daily ‘grindz’, give Cold Springs a night out and enjoy their delicious dinner dinner menu and live music on the weekends.
Directions: Take Highway 154 over the pass, and take either exit onto StageCoach road. Follow this road until you come across the tavern, and voila. You’re there.
Red Rock
How daring would you say you are? And don’t say “very daring” just because you’re in front of your lady-friend. Ok, maybe do, but at Red Rock that can only get you so far. After this short hike at the farthest end of Paradise Rd. in the Santa Ynez mountains, the sight of Red Rock will creep up on you like an oasis in yellow-brown, dying, weed covered mountains.
Not for the faint of heart, the highest jump at Red Rock will leave you wetting your pants as you stare down at the now-seemingly small landing area that you must now land in to impress your special someone. Whether or not you choose to take that leap, or the many others scattered around the small swimming hole, Red Rock is a great location for a hot summer day with good friends and even better beer (always have a DD home). For specific directions
Directions: Take a right turn exit onto Paradise Rd. from Highway 154. I know what you’re thinking, “Highway 154? You just expect us to know where this is?! You’ve never even mentioned it before!” Come on kids, catch up. Anyways, follow Paradise Rd. until you reach the end. Yes, I mean the VERY END of the road. This will take a while, and you’ll begin to think that I’m bullshitting you, and maybe I am (I’m not), but trust me. Once you’ve reached the very end, there will be a parking lot where you can park, grab your things, and continue down the trail connected to the lot that goes along a field into the mountains, and soon enough (like 10 min walking) you’ll arrive at the above pictured location. HOORAY!