What to See and Do:
The 301-acre San Marcos Foothills provides excellent opportunities for low-impact recreation for people while preserving habitat for wildlife. Because sensitive animal and plant species occur on the San Marcos Foothills, recreation is limited to on-trail, pedestrian-powered activities that limit the disturbance of wildlife.
In 2007, 200-acres of what is now the San Marcos Foothills Preserve was donated by the Trust for Public Land to the County of Santa Barbara. The intent of the donation, and the reason the Trust chose the County to be the land’s long-term steward, is to ensure that that the Preserve property will be protected as open space for its biological, scenic, and archaeological resources. In 2023, 101-acres of property located just west of the Preserve was added to the Preserve after a short campaign to raise over 18.6 million dollars by a coalition of groups and individuals that included Channel Islands Restoration.
Explore the San Marcos Foothills:
Photos by Ken Owen
View of Atascadero Creek with the West Mesa in the middle distance
View of the Middle Mesa with the Preserve high point in the middle distance
Lower reaches of Cieneguitas Creek
Upper reaches of Cieneguitas Creek
Cieneguitas Creek near Antone Road entrance
Middle Mesa
Upper reaches of Atascadero Creek
West Mesa
The following recreational activities are permitted on the Preserve:
Hiking, Trails, and Running:
Hiking and jogging on the San Marcos Foothills is enjoyable most anytime of the year. There is a well maintained, 2.6 mile trail that runs between the Preserve western entrance at Via Gaitero Road and the Preserve Eastern entrance at Antone Road. A side trail runs a short distance to the north in the middle of the Preserve and leads to a lookout that provides panoramic views of Santa Barbara and Goleta plus the Santa Ynez Mountains, Pacific Ocean, and the Channel Islands. There is also a series of loop trails on the West Mesa, located just north of the Via Gaitero Road entrance. Many species of wildflowers are visible during the late winter and spring season. Follow the links at left to view a trail map and for a list of plants that grow on the Preserve.
Dog walking (on leash only):
Many people enjoy bringing their pets to the Preserve for exercise (for themselves and their pets!). Follow the "Pets & Bikes" link to the left for more information.
Bird-watching:
Bird watching and the viewing of other animal species is also a popular activity on the Preserve.
At least 128 species of birds have been seen on the Preserve and many species of mammals and reptiles can be seen there.
Follow the "Animals" link on the left to find out more.
Anna's hummingbird (Calypte anna)
Allen's hummingbird (Selasphorus sasin)
Management Plan:
Per the County's San Marcos Foothills Preserve management plan, kite flying and "orienteering" are permitted recreation activities on the Preserve.