Easy hikes and walks around Isla Vista
4.0
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83
hikers
28
hikes
Easy hiking trails around Isla Vista are characterized by a diverse coastal environment, featuring dramatic bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean and expansive sandy beaches. The region includes inland areas with eucalyptus groves and forest paths, alongside wetlands and lagoons. Terrain generally presents gentle elevations, making it suitable for various hiking levels.
Best easy hiking trails around Isla Vista
- The most popular easy hiking route is Ellwood Forest Park Loop, a 3.0 miles (4.8 km) trail that takes 1 hour 15 minutes to complete. This loop leads through diverse scenery, coastal views, and eucalyptus groves.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Campus Point loop, an easy 3.0 miles (4.9 km) path. This route offers views of the coastline and the university campus, with panoramic ocean vistas.
- Local hikers also love the Sea Lookout Park to Devereux Beach Loop, a 1.5 miles (2.3 km) trail leading through coastal areas, often completed in about 36 minutes. This hike features ocean views and tide pools.
- Hiking around Isla Vista is defined by coastal bluffs, sandy beaches, and eucalyptus groves. The network offers options for different ability levels, focusing on easy hiking trails.
- The routes in Isla Vista are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.0 stars from over 2 reviews. More than 70 hikers have used komoot to explore Isla Vista's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
8
hikers
4.79km
01:15
30m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
hikers
2.33km
00:36
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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2
hikers
4.89km
01:16
20m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
hikers
1.41km
00:23
10m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
hikers
4.88km
01:15
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Ellwood Beach is a secluded beach beneath scenic bluffs and accessible via dirt trails through the Ellwood Mesa Open Space. The beach is beautiful, but normally not busy, so it is a great place for a relaxed stroll.
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Nice view over Ellwood Beach. There are some small paths that take you down to the beach, if you want to dip your toes in the water after admiring the view.
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Ellwood Mesa Sperling Open Space, a 230โacre coastal preserve near Goleta, features a network of over 10โฏmiles of relatively flat, packed-earth trails perfect for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
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Campus Point Beach is the surfing beach at the UC Santa Barbara. There are good views of the beach and surfers from the hiking trails that run above the beach.
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Devereux Beach, also known as West Campus Beach, is located a stone's throw away from the University of California. You can either run on the wide concrete path that runs adjacent to the beach, or pop your shoes into your bag and enjoy a barefoot run on the sand.
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Elwood Forest Park is a dreamy location for a run. You've got the beach, cliffs, mountain views and an extensive network of flat, compact-dirt trails with unlimited opportunities for loops and laps.
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In winter there are thousands of Monarchs hanging in the tree
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A portion of the shore of Goleta Bay is managed by the County of Santa Barbara, as the Goleta Beach County Park. The beach itself is partly man-made as sand was spread onto an existing sandspit in 1945. In 1949, the Federal Government granted Goleta Beach Park to Santa Barbara County. In 1953, the County granted the Park to the State of California. The State granted it back to the County in 1970. Known for its long fishing pier and sunbathing beaches, these 29 acres are often a destination for bicyclists on the area's paved trail system. Between the lively restaurant and BBQ picnic areas are volleyball, horseshoes, children's playgrounds, and free beach wheelchairs. The 1,500-foot pier in Goleta Beach County Park provides boaters, fishermen, and families out for a stroll, an engaging view of the Pacific coast. The Goleta Pier boat launch is available for public use on weekends and holidays. Paddle Sports Center is an authorized concessionaire that provides Kayaks, Stand-Up Paddle Board Rentals, Lessons, and Tours from Goleta Beach County Park. Open Seasonally from 10 am to 6 pm. https://www.countyofsb.org/813/Goleta-Beach-Park
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many easy hiking trails are available around Isla Vista?
There are over 20 easy hiking trails around Isla Vista, offering diverse coastal environments, bluffs, and eucalyptus groves suitable for various activity levels.
What kind of scenery can I expect on easy hikes in Isla Vista?
Easy hikes in Isla Vista feature dramatic coastal bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, expansive sandy beaches, and inland areas with serene eucalyptus groves. You'll also find paths along lagoons and wetlands, providing a rich variety of natural landscapes.
Are there any easy circular routes in Isla Vista?
Yes, several easy circular routes are available. For example, the Ellwood Forest Park Loop is a 3.0-mile trail that takes you through diverse scenery, coastal views, and eucalyptus groves. Another great option is the Campus Point loop, offering panoramic ocean vistas.
What are some notable natural features or landmarks to see on these trails?
Hikers can enjoy stunning coastal bluffs, sandy beaches like Ellwood Beach and Devereux Beach, and unique eucalyptus groves, particularly famous for hosting monarch butterflies. The Lagoon and Beach at Campus Point is another beautiful spot, and tide pools can be explored near Devereux Beach.
Are the easy hiking trails in Isla Vista suitable for families?
Yes, the generally gentle elevations and diverse scenery make many of Isla Vista's easy trails ideal for families. Trails like the Sea Lookout Park to Devereux Beach Loop offer engaging features like tide pools that children often enjoy.
Can I bring my dog on the easy trails in Isla Vista?
Many trails in Isla Vista are dog-friendly, especially those in open spaces and along beaches. It's always recommended to check local signage for specific leash regulations and restrictions in certain areas or nature preserves.
What is the best time of year to go hiking in Isla Vista?
Isla Vista's coastal climate makes it suitable for hiking year-round. However, spring and fall often offer the most pleasant temperatures. Winter can be a unique time to visit the eucalyptus groves to see monarch butterflies.
Are there any trails that offer ocean views?
Absolutely. Many trails in Isla Vista boast spectacular ocean views. The Campus Point loop and the Sea Lookout Park to Devereux Beach Loop are excellent choices for panoramic coastal vistas.
What do other hikers say about the easy trails in Isla Vista?
The easy trails in Isla Vista are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.0 stars. Hikers often praise the stunning coastal views, the unique experience of walking through eucalyptus groves, and the accessibility of the trails.
Are there any parks or open spaces connected to these easy trails?
Yes, Isla Vista is home to numerous parks and open spaces that integrate with the trail network. These include Ellwood Mesa Open Space, Camino Corto Open Space, and Sea Lookout Park, all offering access to easy trails and diverse natural settings.
Are there any beaches accessible from the easy hiking trails?
Yes, several easy trails provide access to beautiful beaches. For instance, the Sea Lookout Park to Devereux Beach Loop leads directly to Devereux Beach, known for its tide pools. Ellwood Beach is also accessible via dirt trails beneath coastal bluffs.
What is the typical terrain like on these easy hikes?
The terrain on easy hikes around Isla Vista generally features gentle elevations, making them accessible for most hikers. You'll encounter sandy paths, dirt trails, and sometimes paved sections, often along coastal bluffs or through wooded areas.
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