7 Falls Hike

Great hike overall but the reason I’m leaving a review is because most other reviews and/​or blogs were not specific enough as far as knowing which way 7 Falls and which way Inspiration Point actually is once at the trailhead.
So we parked about a quarter mile from the closed gate (the end of the road leading to these hikes) and there is parking along the road but it is limited. There’s actually a sign that says NO PARKING PAST THIS POINT and I believe it does say to park within the white line off the road. I asked several local hikers to make sure. Ok, so once you pass the iron gate, you will hike up an old paved path for about a half mile to a mile until it turns to a dirt path. Shortly you hit your first fork — stay left for inspiration point and 7 falls — not sure where the right fork takes you. Now you will shortly hit a second fork — again, stay left (right will take you up a steep short path to an overlook — not bad but inspiration point is better).
Once you’ve taken the second left you will be on a great hike down to a brook at a low point — if you cross the brook and continue on, you will eventually reach inspiration point (scenic overlook of SB) however if you take a right and hike upstream, you will be moving toward 7 falls. Realize there is very little path and mostly figuring out how to climb upstream from one natural pool to the next. It’s quite the hike. I recommend wearing good, tight fitting water shoes (when water levels are good) or sneakers/​hiking shoes with good grip as you will have to navigate up large rocks and skip from boulder to boulder. We made most of the way but not to the farthest pool and waterfall as the hike got pretty tough.
At this point we stopped, my girlfriend peed on a rock, and I proposed to her — true story. All in all a fun hike — round trip about 5 miles with inspiration point.

Years ago, I’ve hiked Seven Falls and I clearly remembered how easily it was to get lost in the trails here. I was fortunate enough to find local hikers along the way to assist with directing me to the water pools. I vaguely recalled the trail BUT I could never forget about those beautiful, unique swimming pools which took a little bit of bouldering to get up to. It was worth every muscle in my bone to get up there…
Recently, I’ve been around town for a business trip and was reminded about this trail that I’ve visited years and years ago. But this time around, I made sure to come fully equipped with knowledge to avoid getting lost again. So here’s the skinny about this hiking path… there are TWO parts to this hike. One that leads to a scenic lookout point with views of SB and the Channel Islands (called the Inspiration Point) and the other path called «Seven Falls.» Both trails are doable altogether if you have some spare time. Inspiration Point is about 3.5 miles RT and Seven Falls is about 2.5 miles RT. I personally, prefer the Seven Falls hike over Inspiration Point because being an LA native, we have tons of trails with similar scenic views of the city so Inspiration Point didn’t really appeal to me. But let me tell you about Seven Falls… this is the trail to do if you’re looking for something unique, adventurous, moderate and something that’s picturesque.
Directions to 7 falls: As you walk along the paved road after about a mile in, the road turns to dirt. Keep walking ahead until you reach the turnoff to Inspiration Pt. Instead of following the above to Inspiration Point, turn RIGHT and head up to a very steep trail that takes you above 7 falls and back down to a creek again. Due to this current drought, you might not be able to see the abundance of water like years ago but the bouldering aspect of this hike is still worth the visit. I personally think hiking involving some bouldering makes for an adventure. After all, life is about seeking an adventure. The name of 7 falls meant there are 7 deep series of pools but recently, you’ll notice because its DRY, you’ll only see a few pools. Also to note, there’s a man-​made rope attached to a rock where you can use to assist yourself for climbing higher. I thought that was quite fun and endearing. =D
Parking — quite limited. I just parked along the side near the residential neighborhood along a dirt road. Good luck with parking, can’t really give you any tips there.

This is the best hike! I’m only four starring it because I get lost sometimes and the rock climbing can get pretty hard in a couple spots. It is so much fun! It feels more adventurous than other hikes because you climb up the river bed and get to rock climb. And nature is beautiful as usual. :) Definitely recommend if you’re looking for things to do in Santa Barbara.

Sweet hike. We have done it a few times, but today as we were coming up, about 5 minutes from the last deep hole that everyone swims in, there was a rattle snake sitting on a rock we walked past!
It was awesome, but kind of sketchy because we didnt see him until we were right next to him. He started rattling, but then we were able to just walk away. Luckily he was up on a rock and not by our feet.
Don’t be intimidated by our experience though, the snake wasn’t aggressive at all

breathtaking. Literally and metaphorically. Lol.
It was a nice hike, specially with the cool weather and the clouds low. It was nice to get away from the cit and just take a deep nice breath and fill my lungs with cool air. The views were spectacular.
I loved how it’s not that popular to a lot of people, the greenery is still very organic and natural in a sense. Wildlife roams around the area unbeknownst to human people. The mountains magnificent in their own right.

Great hike. Don’t take it literally and fall 7 times like I did. I kid, I kid.
7 Falls Hike is fairly challening depending on who you’re with as well as your own physical abilities. It helps to have people who have done it before otherwise you’re stuck trying to figure out the best approach at any given time. If you’re out of shape you may require some help. Generally speaking this is pretty safe though.
The water is gone mostly so it’s not that nice anymore but still makes for a fun journey.

This is a favorite hiking spot. Love to bring my dogs here.

I expected a leisurely hike and had an amazing unexpected adventure! What a beautiful hike. I posted the full story with photos on my blog:

«In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.» — John Muir
«Not all that wander are lost.» — Unknown
One of my favorite hikes in the hills above Santa Barbara. Part of the Tunnel Trail system, you can wander to your hearts continue to and fro to the Falls and beyond… all the way to the top of Inspiration Point or, on another trail, all the way till it ends near the fire damage.
The hike is about 2 or 3 miles round trip with an elevation gain of about 800 ft. I prefer adding additional hikes on the surrounding trail system. Parking at the trailhead, which is located at the end of Tunnel Rd in a congested neighborhood, is limited and strict. You must park behind the white line or else they really do ticket and tow. You can get to the Falls, by hiking, from the other entrance on San Roque Rd for the Jesusita Trail.

MY FAVORITE HIKE OUT OF ALL MY HIKES SO FAR (in comparison to other hikes in Santa Barbara, San Fernando Valley and LA).
Hiking, rock climbing, natural water slides, beautiful waterfalls and springs, and the feeling of accomplishment when you get to 7 Falls (and even a higher sense of accomplishment if you make it higher/​farther to 3 pools).
People are always nice and friendly. Some are even willing to help/​guide you when climbing some rocks (ie, when you get to 7 falls, the climb between the second and third spring is the most difficult for people. You just have to find the holes and the climb is like climbing a ladder (literally)). There’s also a man I met who I saw again when I went on this hike on a different day. His name’s Bob Smith. He takes pictures and posts them on his flickr. He’s fun to talk to and has this goal of going on this hike x amount of times in x weeks (I forgot the numbers). The first time I met him he taught my friends and I on how to jump into the first pool (of 7 falls).
Please pick up after yourselves. This place is too breathtaking to trash (last time I went was the day before my graduation and I was upset to see hot cheetos crushed on the rocks of 3 pools and empty bottles floating in the spring). Thanks!

This is one of our regular hikes… though I guess I’m using the term ‘hike’ liberally. It’s mostly scrambling/​climbing over rocks and wading through streams. And for my boyfriend, it’s an opportunity to jump around like a mountain goat.
There are a couple of different ways of doing this hike, one of which takes you around the mountain and you end up at the pools at falls at the top, but we prefer the gutsy route (i.e. more dangerous and fun): upstream through the water. It is really easy to get lost on this hike, so it helps to go with someone who has done this before. It also helps to be flexible, have no fear afraid to do stuff (like climbing vertical rock walls), and be prepared to get wet! This route normally takes a good 4 – 5 hours round trip if you make it all the way to the pools, longer if you’re bringing people who have never done it before and might be hesitant.
Depending on the time of year and how much rain we’ve had the pools, especially the first one at the giant waterfall can get really deep and people will line up to slide down the falls into the pool. Generally this is pretty safe if the water is high.
For pretty detailed directions getting there, Santa Barbara Hikes has a pretty awesome step-​by-​step guide:

If you can make it up all the way past the seven falls, which are lovely and fun (especially going down), there are three very tranquil pools. This is a lovely spot to relax a bit before the excitement getting back down. My boyfriend swears up and down he’s seen wild turkeys just beyond those, but no one believes him.
Musts for this hike: water-​appropriate shoes (we like Vibram five finger shoes, though sometimes sand will sneak in), leave your electronics at home!, and bring lots of water and substantial snacks

DAAAYYYUUUM! Thats what I call a hike!
Or hike/​rock-​climbing/​sliding down rocks kind of a hike… And its like they say about McDonalds… «Im loving it»
We went the wrong way first and ended up at the top where we overlooked Santa Barbara… AMAZEBALLS! the view is to die for!
As we came down again we saw some people coming from where the 7^th waterfall is and we started to «hike» (read rock-​climb) over there…
When we came to the creek and fall, we went into the water and enjoyed the cold water…
All I can say is that I love love love this place and I am already planning a trip to Santa Barbara soon to go to 7 falls again…
Please do not attempt to go there if you are out of shape because it will kill you

Instead of a hike, I’d like to call this a rock-​jumping, branch-​ducking, river-​straddling, life-​risking adventure. The hike was incredible, do-​able for beginners but definitely a challenge. Be prepared to actually climb vertical rock walls.
A good tip for first timers is to forget that rock climbing course you took on the rock wall at UCSB– with the safety rope, that hot instructor who’s always got our back. you know. Here, instead of falling on nice plush matting, you fall onto rocks and into rivers. So now that you’ve woken up to the realities of gravity, this hike is definitely a must-​do.
When you hit the creek, follow it UPSTREAM no matter how intimidating/​impossible it looks. We almost turned back had it not been for a determined, helpful group of 7 year olds who pressured us to go on (haha.)
At the top lies the 25 foot waterfall. You then have the option to slide off it (if there is enough water) or jump off it. It is quite intimidating but by the time you get up, there are so many people waiting on you that you can’t back out :D
Don’t think that just because you’ve hit the waterfall, its over. You can actually climb up past the waterfall to hit the hot springs further up. NOTE, this entails more rock climbing skill if you put any value on your life.
Time wise, to get to the water fall and back should take about 2 – 3 hours. To get to the top of the mountain (crossing the creek instead of following it upstream), add another 2 hour round trip. This is also a great hike. The way up is a lot easier than trying to get down the 70 degree incline –_–

This is a GREAT hike that is both scenic and challenging! Finding the 7 Falls really should not be challenging, but when I went last week there was a big arrow in white chalk pointing one direction when you reach a fork in the road to the right — DO NOT follow it! That takes you to the top of the mountain, not the falls!
Go left for the falls. If you want to go bouldering, 7 Falls is a great place for this! My boyfriend, brother & I spent almost 3 hours (1 hour following that misleading arrow) at 7 Falls and we had a fantastic time. We had all done indoor rock climbing before, but this was the first outdoor experience! It was a challenge, but if I can do, so can you! Plus, the trail along the creek up the 7 falls are pretty overgrown and we were told there is poison oak!
When in the SB area, I would definitely stop by 7 Falls again. We only made up about halfway but next time I’d like to see ALL 7 falls.

The Mission Canyon area at the end of Tunnel Road features several incredible hikes, 7 Falls being one of then. You start on a paved uphill road and continue for just under a mile before reaching the trail head. From here, you have many options depending on your fitness level and aversion to risk.
Take the dirt trail up for a few minutes until you see a turn off on your left hand side (it’s just labeled «trail»). Follow the trail and cross the creek below. Now the fun begins. If you continue straight on the trail just after passing the creek you’ll be heading toward Inspiration Point. This 3.5 mile round trip hike peaks at 1750 feet with spectacular views of the city. Hands down my absolute favorite run in the area (just did this yesterday, in fact). Depending on your uphill speed it should take about 45 minutes.
Walk up the boulders along the creek and you’ll eventually reach 7 Falls. As the name implies, quite a lovely waterfall and a VERY popular hike, as is Inspiration Point. You’ll run into plenty of people on the weekend.
If you want to go off the beaten path and prefer rougher, more challenging terrain, cross the creek, head up a few feet and look for a trail on your left hand side. You’ll follow this (veering left at trail forks) all the way to Cathedral Peak which stands at about 3300 feet. The trail is primitive and steep with plenty of bouldering to keep you interested. Don’t bother trying to run this as you’ll be using your arms and legs to climb much of the time. It is physically demanding and definitely requires agility. Follow the trail to the second highest peak (Cathedral Peak) or continue just a ways to La Cumbre Peak (the highest in Santa Barbara). You’ll need a few hours to do this. Tread carefully as missteps on some of the larger boulders can really cost you. There’s a small book left by local hikers at the top of the peak to record your summit. I also hiked this one over the weekend and had a blast.

The trail begins on a paved access road that the Edison Company uses. After a mile the road turns to dirt and you follow it just a little more toward the turnoff to Inspiration Pt. Instead of going to Inspiration Pt, you turn right and slosh your way up the creek to 7 Falls. The hike is about 3 or 4 miles round trip with an elevation gain of about 800 ft. The creek and falls are beautiful and secluded. The cold water and warm rocks are teeming with life (newts, lizards, etc). Bouldering up the creek is good fun, but be careful it can be a bit slippery/​dangerous at times. If you’re agile and in decent shape you’ll have no trouble.