Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
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Who owns the Land?
Who owns the Land?
Hot Springs Canyon and the hot springs are public lands managed by Los Padres National Forest
Trail Etiquette
Trail Etiquette
Montecito Trail Foundation has an excellent reference for "The Do's and Don'ts of the Trails"
Soak Etiquette
Soak Etiquette
Today's Montecito Hot Springs are considered as primitive and is now well known with many visitor days, yet if you come to soak your feet here are suggestions from several sources.
Can I soak and is it safe in the hot springs?
Can I soak and is it safe in the hot springs?
Today there are a series of rocked soaks in the creek channel. While the minerlized water itself is safe for soaking it is considered as nonpotable, the soaks do not have suffcient pass through rates, and the soaks are neither drainable or cleanable. Soak at your own risk.
Can I camp at the springs?
Can I camp at the springs?
No. Overnight camping is prohibited on the Los Padres National Forest Santa Ynez Front Country. Santa Barbara County Zoning only allows day use sunrise to sunset.
Can I be ticketed at the trailhead parking lot or in the Canyon?
Can I be ticketed at the trailhead parking lot or in the Canyon?
The Trailhead and springs are day use only. You can be ticketed for prohited times and locations outside of the trailhead parking lot.
What do I do if I witness or experience prohibited activity or crime?
What do I do if I witness or experience prohibited activity or crime?
These are special lands and waters. Considered as sacred, considered as medicinal and therapuetic, and today as nature immersive. Everyone plays a role in having safe family friendly oppertunities in nature. In the rare instance in witnessing prohibited behaviours; observe, do not engage, deescalate, avoid confrontation. Descreetly take note and images, leave and report as soon as possible. Help the City Santa Barbara in providing family friendly trails and destinations within the front country.
I enjoy hiking and occasionaly soaking how can I help steward the land?
I enjoy hiking and occasionaly soaking how can I help steward the land?
These are public lands managed by the Santa Barbara Ranger District of Los Padres National Forest.
There are several organizations that have relationships or partnerships with the national forest and City of Santa Barabara. Please review the Volunteer section of this website to discover how to get involved.
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