San Ysidro Trailhead — Attraction in Montecito

We started on mountain drive. Descended to the waterfall where the water is clear. We only had time to get up until where there is a net that spans the width of the river creek. The view from Mountain Drive and the creek are beautiful.

Know: It is impossible to drive a bike down the path. Most of the trail is very narrow and steep and in some parts it is not hard to slip and probably die. There was no shade for about 70% of the trail so have lots of water with you

Beware: On the way back to Mountain Drive either a king or coral snake moved from the side of the mountain to next to our feet. This could have been very dangerous had one of us slipped off the narrow trail or gotten bitten. Already spoked by this snake, we found another danger noodle waiting for us in the middle of the trail. This time it was a...

Excellent hike! Doesn't go to an overlook/peak per-se but you can see the ocean in the distance straight through the gorge when you get high enough. The beginning is fairly easy and shaded but it becomes rocky and steep the higher up you go. You can see several smaller waterfalls along the way, but the main San Ysidro Falls weren't very prominent during our visit due to a lack of rain recently. Plenty of great views of the nearby peaks and lots of wildlife to enjoy as well. Make sure you follow the signs because there are a few other trails that split off in...

The trailhead is right in the middle of some of the first damage from last winter's fire and flood. Some homes are being repaired - some are probably stuck in insurance limbo - some are just gone, including some of the land they stood on. Very sad. But the trail, at least as far as the waterfalls, is good - worth a visit. Just be prepared for a mixture of beauty and not...