Iconic Ocean view overlooking Santa Barbara at Inspiration Point

Inspiration Point is one of the iconic views over Santa Barbara, so we wanted to hike this one once we started planning our trip to the area.  The fact that its trailhead was about a mile from our AirBnB was an added benefit.  We parked at the end of Tunnel Road.  Because it was the middle of the week finding a spot was not a problem.  Your mileage may vary on the weekend.

Right from the start we could tell that lots of locals use the trail.  Many knew each other even if they were not hiking together and all were very friendly.  They picked up trash or dog poop, though there was not much of either.  They care about this trail.

The trail is actually a continuation of Tunnel Road that's closed off to traffic.  So the surface starts off with a paved road.  A utility placement, perhaps related to water delivery, marks the end of the paved part of the trail.  It transitions to something like a jeep trail.  When coming across a prominent information kiosk the trail will transition to rougher single track.

There is some signage, but not at every possible junction.  I saw in a writeup elsewhere that recommends following the general rule of "veer left".  Except at the very top the rule holds.  If you come to a trail fork, take the left option.  It just works.

Black flies were a bit of a nuissance at times, but mostly for me.  They didn't seem as interested in my wife.  Are they trying to tell me something?

When you get to the top you'll come to a four way intersection.  Here's where the veer left rule should be ignored.  Go straight to get to Inspiration Point.  From the trailhead, it's about 2 miles to get to this spot.  From here you'll great views over Santa Barbara below and the Channel Islands offshore further afield.

Inspiration Point is aptly named.  However, we found an even better vantage point nearby that we might call Inspiration Point+.  Going back to the four way intersection turn right onto the service trail for the powerlines nearby.  After a short distance, look for a narrow trail opening to the right.  It looks like a tight fit, but it does open up a bit and becomes even easier as you go.  It only takes about a tenth of a mile to get to another vantage point that provides even better views.  From the rocky perch at the end you'll have a panorama of about 180 degrees.

We doubled back down the mountain along the same route and clocked in at 4.69 miles.