Free docent-led nature hikes are offered at 10:00 am on Sundays of open weekends. Visitors can also hike on their own on these days. Hikes are free of charge; however, donations to help support Arroyo Hondo Preserve and the work of the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County are gratefully accepted. Everyone is welcome to visit the Preserve to hike, picnic, paint, volunteer, or research, but advance reservations are required. Online reservations can be made here: https://www.sblandtrust.org/arroyo-hondo-preserve-reservations/ Due to the sensitivity of the resources in the canyon, dogs, mountain bikes, horses, hunting, fishing, and campfires are not allowed.

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.