Red Rock

Santa Barbara, California Print   Leave a comment

Description

Red Rock is as nice as its name. Gorgeous red and golden rock surrounds you as you swim in the blue-green water. The hike in can be quite tricky, depending on how close in you park. The closer to the swimming that you park, the less creek crossings you'll do by foot, but the more you'll do by car, which can be quite hair-raising! My husband took me on one of our first dates here and dried my feet after each creek crossing. He really won me over!
Young kids can find the hike a little too exhausting on hot days, but older kids will be fine. Once at the water, find your own little nook in the rocks and set up a picnic (watch out for glass that is scattered here and there). Then swim to your heart's content, or until you're shivering so much you have to get out!
On weekdays you may have Red Rock to yourself. On weekends, there will be a yahooing party crowd jumping from the 40-foot rocks and doing all kinds of other foolhardy stunts. The earlier you go in the day, the less likely you'll share the water with loud littering creeps!
Bring a floating mattress or blowup kickboard. Floating slightly above the water on a mattress or kickboard with your back in the sun keeps you warmer. Also, you don't have to stand on slimy rocks if you have something to float on.
Watch out for poison oak- it has glossy leaves in groups of three.
If Red Rock sounds like too much work, head over to Santa Ynez River for a swim instead.

Photo Gallery

Mostly you can go to Red Rock by car, but not after rains!	Mountains views you'll enjoy as you walk along and cross a million creeks!	You can have a great swim at Red Rock!
The water beckons you to have a dip!	The end of a fine day at Red Rock.	This is one variation of what Poison Oak looks like- glossy leaves, in groups of three. If in doubt, still watch out!

Directions

From Highway 101, take the State St/Highway 154 exit and follow the signs to Highway 154. Drive up and over the mountains for 10 miles, and then turn right on Paradise Rd. Follow it until it becomes Gibraltar Rd. Take the left fork. Before it becomes a dirt road, there will be a ranger booth.
You will need an Adventure Pass in order to park in the Los Padres forest. It costs $5 a day or $30 a year. You can buy it before you head up Highway 154 at Big 5 Sports. Or you can usually buy it from a ranger at one of the ranger stations.
Big 5 Sporting Goods, 3935 State St (Five Points Shopping Center), call (805) 964-4749.
Directions to Big 5 Sporting Goods: From Highway 101 southbound exit at La Cumbre Rd and turn left on La Cumbre Rd. Turn left into 5 Points Shopping Center. From Highway 101 northbound exit at La Cumbre Rd. Turn left at the exit and then right on La Cumbre Rd. Turn left into 5 Points Shopping Center.

This is an interactive map, you can zoom and move it.

Visitor Ratings

Overall Visitor Rating:

hoz 12/27/2010 20:18	When I lived in Lompoc in the 70s we would drive up there to the Red Rocks campground, leave our vehicle and hike up over the hill to the Santa Ynez River to camp. Lots of pools, fish and quiet spots for a peaceful week or weekend. I'm across the country now but your story and picture reminded me of the happy times we had there. PS I imagine it's crowded now but back in the day we always went skinny dipping!
ThomasPeterson 11/03/2010 16:08	The hike in not bad at all. I can remember being six and seven years old and going out to red rock with my father and family friends. We had a blast every time that we went. Growing up in Lompoc, California it took us very little time to get to Red Rock. If you are in this area visiting Catalina island or Salvagne..make sure to make the short drive and hike to Red Rock. There are more spectacular views than pictures on this site. I intend to go back but it is quite a distance from Atlanta.
bob 07/07/2010 13:40	you will be amazed at the rock formations and magical colours
Mazy 10/22/2009 19:27	im going next june(: loved it last year- brother goes to sbcc and he brought me
Madeleine 09/19/2009 19:55	I have been there in July and it was very hot, but the color of the water..wow! We stopped again this month and it was beautiful though dry and more than worth the hike. I hope to do this hike many times and next time bring my swimsuit.