Gaviota Peak

Gaviota Peak is a mountain summit in Santa Barbara County that rises to about 2,450 feet above sea level, offering panoramic views of the Pacific coast, Channel Islands, and inland valleys from its top. The peak can be reached via established hiking trails that pass through oak woodlands and chaparral vegetation.

The mountain area served as a hunting and gathering ground for the Chumash people, who inhabited the California coast for thousands of years before European contact. The peak remains part of the region's natural heritage today.

The mountain features two distinct trails, the Gaviota Peak Trail and Trespass Trail, which demonstrate different approaches to mountain access and preservation.

The hike to the summit takes several hours round trip and involves a moderate to steep climb with significant elevation gain. Visitors should bring plenty of water and sun protection, especially on warmer days when the exposed trail offers little shade.

The peak sits just a few kilometers from the Pacific Ocean, creating a rare geographic pairing where hikers can see both ocean and inland landscapes in the same view. This closeness to the coast makes it a distinctive spot for experiencing California's varied terrain compressed into one vantage point.