The best running trails around Isla Vista

This scenic jogging route from the University of California to Goleta Beach Park offers a delightful mix of coastal views and varied terrain. You'll find yourself running along paved bike paths, natural dirt bluff paths, and even sandy beach sections, with expansive ocean vistas and dramatic cliffs as your backdrop. The trail passes by the serene UCSB lagoon and through the Goleta Slough Ecological Reserve, providing a rich natural environment before reaching the iconic Goleta Beach Pier.

Planning your run is straightforward, with Goleta Beach Park offering convenient amenities like restrooms, water fountains, and picnic areas, plus readily available parking. The route is a moderate 4.3 miles (6.8 km) with a gentle 75 feet (23 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 43 minutes. If you choose the sandy beach sections, be aware that soft sand can increase the difficulty, and tidal conditions might affect accessibility.

This route is a favorite among UCSB students and locals for its accessibility and the option to connect with other paths, such as the paved bike path extending towards Santa Barbara. It's an excellent choice for those seeking a dynamic coastal run with plenty of scenic stops, including eucalyptus groves and views of the Santa Ynez Mountains from the pier.

The North Campus Open Space, Ellwood Forest Park & Devereux Beach loop is a fantastic moderate 6.4-mile (10.3 km) jogging route that packs a punch with its diverse scenery. Expect a journey through restored wetlands, along coastal bluffs with ocean views, down to the wide Devereux Beach, and through the serene eucalyptus groves of Ellwood Forest Park. With only 147 feet (45 metres) of elevation gain, it's a relatively gentle workout that takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes, offering a mix of natural paths, gravel, and paved sections.

Planning your visit is straightforward, though it's worth noting that some sections, particularly the descent towards Devereux Beach, can be steeper and more rugged. After heavy rains, you might encounter erosion or standing water on informal trails within Ellwood Mesa, so check local conditions. The best time to experience a truly unique natural spectacle is from November to February, when Ellwood Forest Park hosts thousands of monarch butterflies.

This loop trail is a testament to successful ecological restoration, transforming a former golf course into a vibrant natural wetland within the North Campus Open Space. It seamlessly connects coastal environments, eucalyptus forests, and wetlands, providing excellent opportunities for observing local wildlife and numerous bird species, including the threatened snowy plover. The area also links to other protected spaces like Ellwood Mesa and Coal Oil Point Reserve, forming a continuous open space.

This easy 3.1-mile (4.9 km) jogging loop near the University of California offers a delightful mix of coastal scenery and natural habitats, with only 47 feet (14 metres) of elevation gain. You'll journey from wide, packed earth trails through the restored wetlands of the North Campus Open Space, past coastal bluffs with expansive ocean views, and onto the sandy expanse of Devereux Beach. The route then winds through the distinctive eucalyptus groves of Ellwood Forest Park, providing a varied and engaging experience that takes about 32 minutes to complete.

Accessing this route is convenient from the University of California, making it a popular choice for students and local runners. While specific parking information isn't detailed, the surrounding North Campus Open Space and Ellwood Forest Park areas typically have accessible entry points. If you plan to jog after heavy rainfall, be mindful that some informal trails on Ellwood Mesa might be uneven due to erosion or standing water. For an unforgettable experience, visit between November and February to see the monarch butterflies.

What truly sets this area apart is its unique combination of diverse ecosystems. The North Campus Open Space is a restored wetland, offering excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. Ellwood Forest Park is a significant overwintering habitat for thousands of monarch butterflies from November to February, creating a spectacular natural display. This blend of coastal bluffs, beach, wetlands, and forest makes for a captivating and ever-changing jogging experience, perfect for those seeking running routes near UC Santa Barbara Devereux Beach.