Arroyo Hondo Preserve

Conserved for

Wildlife Habitat

Wildlife Connectivity

Wildlife Species

Native Plants

Recreation

Vistas

Clean Air

Watershed

Education

Climate Resilience

Research

The Arroyo Hondo Preserve is a magnificent canyon located west of Santa Barbara between Refugio State Beach and Gaviota State Park on 782-acres. Purchased from the Hollister family in late 2001, Arroyo Hondo is protected forever and managed by the Land Trust as a natural and historic preserve. The preserve is rich in Chumash and early California history and the canyon and meadows are thriving with wildlife.

VISIT ARROYO HONDO

Acres:

782

Directions to the Preserve

Traveling northbound on the U.S. Highway 101: The Preserve is about a 30-minute drive from downtown Santa Barbara. Approximately 4 miles past Refugio State Beach, you will see a blue “Rest Area in 7 miles” sign followed closely by a yellow warning sign about falling rocks. The entrance to Arroyo Hondo is in 1/2 mile and will be visible on the right at the bottom of the hill. Make a right-hand turn into the driveway. Come down the driveway, cross the bridge on the right and park near the barn.

Traveling southbound on the U.S. Highway 101: Approximately 4.8 miles past Gaviota State Park and 1/2 mile after the Vista Point Rest Area, move to the left lane. Using the left-hand turn lane, make a U-turn onto the northbound lanes of the U.S. Highway 101. In 1/4 mile, you will see a blue “Rest Area in 7 miles” sign followed closely by a yellow sign warning sign about falling rocks. The entrance to Arroyo Hondo is in 1/2 mile and will be visible on the right at the bottom of the hill. Make a right-hand turn into the driveway. Come down the driveway, cross the bridge on the right and park near the barn.

NOTE: If you miss the U-turn, exit at Refugio State Beach in approximately 4 miles. Continue on the road to cross under the bridge and take the U.S. Highway 101 northbound on-ramp on the left. From there, follow the northbound directions.

Directions to return to U.S. Highway 101 southbound: From Arroyo Hondo, drive north 3.5 miles to exit at Mariposa Reina, then turn left at the stop sign. Turn left at the next stop sign to cross the bridge and take the on-ramp on the left to U.S. Highway 101 southbound.

SUPPORT THE PRESERVE

Cool, stream-side paths through the bay and sycamore trees transition into trails past ancient oak trees, tall yucca blooms and aromatic sages up the high ridges of the Santa Ynez Mountains. Enjoy sweeping vistas of the Gaviota coastline and the distant islands of the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. The watershed is home to thousands of plant and animal species, including several that are considered threatened or endangered.

HOW TO VISIT

Arroyo Hondo is open on the first and third full weekend of the month, weather permitting—reservations are FREE and required. Free docent-led nature hikes are offered at 10:00am on Saturdays of open weekends.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Arrive between 10:00am – 11:00am when the entrance gate is open. Visitors arriving after the gate closure must contact Preserve staff to enter Arroyo Hondo and may be subject to delays. Our staff is often working outside and may not be able to assist you right away.

Docent hikes (Saturdays ONLY) begin promptly at 10:00am at the barn across from the bridge and registration is required.

Cancel your reservation by contacting John at [email protected].

All open dates are subject to change in accordance with government public health and safety orders and weather advisories—we will do our best to notify visitors of closures beforehand.

Bathrooms and handwashing sink located next to the barn.

The preserve is sensitive—No swimming, mountain bikes, hunting, fishing, or campfires at the nature preserve.

No pets.