Red Rock

NOTE: The road to Red Rock is currently closed (March 2017) after the storms. You must walk a long trek to get to Red Rock, navigating deep river crossings.

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.

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. After the road changes to Gibraltar Rd, take the left fork. Before it becomes a dirt road, there will be a ranger booth.
Cost to park is $10.

Click on map for interactive view