Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
2,804.00 ft (854.66 m)
Trail type
Loop
Distance
10.10 mi (16.25 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Romero Canyon is a 10.1-mile route located in Los Padres National Forest east of Montecito, California, southeast of Santa Barbara, and 1.5 hours from Los Angeles. It combines the Romero Canyon Trail (singletrack) and Romero Canyon Road 26W14 (dirt road trail). 

It is a scenic hike that starts from the Romero Canyon Trailhead and begins with a steep ascent through the lush Romero Canyon. It features oak trees, chaparral, creeks, wildflowers and breathtaking ocean and mountain views. This moderately rated route has an elevation gain of approximately 2,804 feet. The area is accessible throughout the year and is popular with hikers, backpackers, trail runners, and mountain bikers. 

ABOUT THE AREA

Romero Canyon lies within the Santa Ynez Mountains which are part of the Transverse Ranges of southern California. The Transverse Ranges are a series of mountain ranges that run along the Pacific Coast and are unique in that they are the only group of mountain ranges that run east-west, as opposed to the other mountain ranges in California that run north-south. 

ROMERO CANYON TRAILHEAD

Romero Canyon Trailhead is located off Bella Vista Road and offers a small parking lot. The trailhead can be crowded, especially on the weekends, so arrive early if you want a place to park. 

WATER

Water obtained from the rivers and streams should be treated prior to consumption. 

CAMPING

There are lots of camping opportunities in Los Padres National Forest that range from fully established campgrounds to the more primitive sites. For more information about camping visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/lpnf/recreation/camping-cabin

PERMITS AND PASSES

Los Padres National Forest - Designated Wilderness

Wilderness / overnight permits are not required within Los Padres National Forest. Trail use and backcountry campsites are on a first-come, first-served basis. 

For information about campfire permits and current fire restrictions please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/lpnf/passes-permits/?cid=stelprdb5193333

The Adventure Pass

The Adventure Pass is a pass used for designated areas within Angeles NF, Cleveland NF, Los Padres and San Bernardino National Forests. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Recreation Current Condition

Romero Canyon Trail - USFS

Logistics + Planning

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

Adventure Pass required

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Backcountry camping. Creekside Trail. Scenic Views.

Cons

Parking area fills up fast.

Trailhead Elevation

924.00 ft (281.64 m)

Highest point

3,207.00 ft (977.49 m)

Features

Near lake or river
Backcountry camping
Wildlife
Big vistas
Horseback riding
Wildflowers
Bird watching

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

Nearby Adventures

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Comments

Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment?
Sign In and share them.