Tunnel Trail to Inspiration Point

Out and back to Inspiration Point. Moderate.

Route open

The closed section is on the back side of the range, past the top. This route stays on the front side. Closed section: 27W19 Matias Potrero to 5N18.3 Santa Ynez River Rd, forest order 05-07-54-26-09, through Sep 15, 2027.

Directions to the trailhead

Round trip: 3.5 mi
Climb: 820 ft
Trailhead: 1,020 ft
Top: 1,840 ft
Time: 1½ hrs
Effort: Moderate

1,000 ft1,500 ft2,000 ft2,500 ft Trailhead Inspiration Point

Feet above sea level, one way. Touch or hover to follow it on the map.

Good to know

Park near the end of Tunnel Road. Spaces are limited, so you may have to walk a bit. Forest Service
The trail itself starts about three-quarters of a mile up the paved road. City of Santa Barbara
About three-quarters of a mile up the trail, the Inspiration Point spur splits off to the west. City of Santa Barbara
No water and very little shade. Bring plenty. Forest Service
Watch for poison oak. City of Santa Barbara

Before you go

Wood and charcoal fires are banned on Forest land in the Santa Barbara front country. Forest Service
Bring water or treat it. Creek water can carry parasites even when it looks clean. Forest Service
Creek crossings can be dangerous when the water is high. Forest Service
Ticks are out there and can carry Lyme disease. Check yourself after. Forest Service
Rattlesnakes like warm rocks. Give them room. Forest Service
The Forest Service reports recent mountain lion sightings on front-country trails. Forest Service
Dogs on Forest trails need a leash no longer than 6 feet. Forest Service
Santa Barbara Ranger District: 805-967-3481, weekdays 10 to 3, closed noon to 1. Forest Service

Nearby

Status: Los Padres National Forest alerts, read each morning. Route: the trail as mapped on OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors) from the trailhead to Inspiration Point. Heights: USGS 3D Elevation Program, smoothed. Time: 3 miles an hour plus an hour per 2,000 feet of climbing, round trip. A clear status doesn't mean a trail is safe or in good shape.

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How was it? Water in the creek, mud, poison oak, parking, crowds.