Santa Cruz Trail
Los Padres National Forest, Santa Barbara County, CA
Point-to-point trail in Los Padres National Forest, Santa Barbara County, CA. Hiking, Horseback riding, & Mountain biking.
- Distance
- 18.9 mi (30.5 km)
- Elevation Gain
- 6,637 ft (2,023 m)
- Est. Time
- 9 hr 30 min
- High point
- 5,354 ft (1,632 m)
- Difficulty
- Expert
- Route type
- Point to point
Along the way
- Campsite: 19 Oaks Camp 1 mi (1.6 km) from start
- Spring 3.6 mi (5.8 km) from start
- Campsite: Santa Cruz Camp 9.9 mi (16 km) from start
From OpenStreetMap. Check before you rely on water or toilets.
Questions about Santa Cruz Trail
How long is Santa Cruz Trail?
Santa Cruz Trail is 18.9 mi (30.5 km) long. Most people take about 9 hr 30 min. It climbs 6,637 ft (2,023 m) in total, up to a high point of 5,354 ft (1,632 m).
How hard is Santa Cruz Trail?
GoTrails rates it Expert, from its length and how much it climbs.
Where do you park for Santa Cruz Trail?
No parking mapped: check before you drive.
Are there water and toilets on Santa Cruz Trail?
No water mapped: bring all you need. No toilets mapped. 1 springs (treat before drinking).
Is Santa Cruz Trail shaded?
Mostly exposed (15% under trees).
What can you do on Santa Cruz Trail?
Best for Hiking. Also: Horseback riding, Mountain biking. Shared with bikes, horses. Surface: dirt.
Is this a good week for Santa Cruz Trail?
GoTrails turns the 7-day forecast at the start and at the high point into a clear go / no-go: temperature, rain, storms, wind, heat, air quality and daylight, with a suggested start time. This week’s call is at the top of this page.
Trails near Santa Cruz Trail
- Aliso Trail Los Padres National Forest · Easy · 1.5 mi (2.5 km)
- 19 Oaks Connector Trail Los Padres National Forest · Moderate · 3 mi (4.8 km)
- Lower Oso To Upper Oso Trail Los Padres National Forest · Easy · 1.5 mi (2.4 km)
- Aliso Canyon Trail Los Padres National Forest · Moderate · 3.3 mi (5.4 km)
- Happy Hollow Connector Trail Los Padres National Forest · Easy · 1.3 mi (2 km)
- Snyder Trail Los Padres National Forest · Moderate · 3.7 mi (5.9 km)
- Arroyo Burro Trail Los Padres National Forest · Hard · 4.4 mi (7 km)
- Camuesa Connector Trail Los Padres National Forest · Hard · 8.1 mi (13.1 km)
More hikes in Los Padres National Forest
GoTrails · Route data: © OpenStreetMap