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Santa Cruz Trail

Santa Barbara · Managed by Los Padres National Forest (USFS) · Region: Los Padres backcountry
Difficulty 10/100 · Easyout and back#los-padres#los-padres-backcountry#backcountry
Distance
37.9 mi
Net gain
4,190 ft
Net loss
4,190 ft
Elevation
1,160–5,350 ft
Days
3–4
Permit
Not required
Campfires
Campfires allowed seasonally

Overview

Santa Cruz Trail is a 18.94-mile trail through the Los Padres backcountry that climbs from 1,160 to 5,350 feet and is rated Strenuous by the Forest Service.

Highlights

  • 18.94 miles of backcountry trail per the Forest Service
  • An elevation range of 1,160–5,350 feet
  • No wilderness permits required on the Los Padres

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Santa Cruz Trail Trailhead · parking: Per the Forest Service trail page directions; no trail fees
  • Water: Seasonal creeks along the route; treat all water and confirm flows.
  • Resupply: None; services are limited in the backcountry districts.
  • Shuttle: Not needed for an out-and-back.

Permits

No wilderness permit is required for this route (per Los Padres National Forest (USFS)).

Campfires & stove regulations

Campfires allowed seasonally. Fires are allowed only in designated fire rings, and forest-wide fire restrictions are common — check current alerts. A California Campfire Permit is required for stoves. Current fire restrictions. Rules change with conditions — always confirm with the managing agency before your trip.

Best time to go

Best months: March, April, May, October, November.

Snow: Year-round; winter snow is possible at higher elevations.

Heat: Summer brings heat and sun exposure — spring and fall are ideal.

Bugs: Poison oak and ticks in warm months.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • Check current fire restrictions before your trip
  • A California Campfire Permit is required even for a stove
  • Poison oak lines many Los Padres trails
  • Water is seasonal — confirm creek flows

Sources & citations

Data compiled 2026 from public agency and reference sources. All descriptive text on this page is original; verify current conditions with the managing agency before your trip.

  1. Santa Cruz Trail. Los Padres National Forest (U.S. Forest Service). https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/lospadres/recreation/trails/santa-cruz-trail-27w09. Accessed 2026-09-10. License: Public domain (US government work). Trail distance (18.94 mi one way), elevation range (1160–5350 ft), and difficulty rating (Strenuous).
  2. Los Padres Fire Use and Firearm Restrictions. Los Padres National Forest (U.S. Forest Service). https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/lospadres/alerts/los-padres-fire-use-and-firearm-restrictions. Accessed 2026-09-10. License: Public domain (US government work). Current fire-use restrictions for the forest.
  3. Hiking — Los Padres National Forest. Los Padres National Forest (U.S. Forest Service). https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/lospadres/recreation/opportunities/hiking. Accessed 2026-09-10. License: Public domain (US government work). Forest hiking overview and trail index.