More Mesa Loop

More Mesa is a large, protected bluff area nestled between several housing developments in Santa Barbara protected and maintained by the Santa Barbara Land Trust.

Sitting on 36 acres of conservation land, More Mesa is criscrossed with trails allowing visitors to choose their own route. Sticking to a perimeter path, the trail enters the preserve for a parking area along the shoulder of Shoreline Drive and heads beneath a canopy of dense shady oak trees before emerging onto the arid plateau. A wider hard packed dirt path runs along most of the perimeter, while dirt single track paths spur off of that.

Hikers, bicyclists, and dog walkers (many of whom have access from surrounding neighborhoods with paths feeding into the mesa) all share access to the trails, and though a popular place to visit, the large size of the open space will also give visitors the chance to not feel like the area is crowded at all.

The open space abuts against an additional parcel of open land along its northwest edge which offers more trail access as well as riparian habitat. At its southwest corner, More Mesa offers access to a steep set of wooden steps carved into the cliffside which descends to the beach below.

While housing tracts surround the area on each side, More Mesa keeps an open feel, with panoramic views of the Santa Ynez mountains.

More Mesa is open from sunrise to sunset daily. Visitors should be aware that the majority of the mesa contains no protection from sun or wind.

Parking is available along Shoreline Drive - after Shoreline Dr curves and becomes Orchid Dr, the road becomes private and there is no parking available here. There are no amenities of any kind at the trailhead or throughout the open space.