Arroyo Hondo Preserve

The Arroyo Hondo Preserve is home to thousands of plant and animal species. Not just that, the place also preserves a lot of history. There are trees planted by the Hollister family, Adobe built by the Ortega family, and an Olive tree that was once a landmark for a trusted stagecoach route. As you walk through the trails, you are greeted with sweeping vistas of the Gaviota coastline. The cool breeze, the stream side-paths through bay and sycamore trees transition into trails up the ridges of the Santa Ynez Mountains.

There is so much fauna as well. There are tiny frogs camouflaged with the soil, jumping around the creeks. The preserve is open the 1st and 3rd full weekends of the month by reservation only from 10 am to 3 pm. Docent led hikes are available and is great to learn more about the place.

The area is home to woodpeckers too. Also known for its geology from coastal bluffs to sandstone formations, the preserve has gushing water sources that flow through and out of the layers of the porous rocks as little streams. There is lots of fern which could possibly be older than any other tree in the preserve. Along the creek you may see the steelhead trout (endangered), turtles, and more. Visit this area and you will be amazed by the diversity that is here for you to discover.

It is said that the earliest known inhabitants of the preserve are from the Barbareno - Chumash civilization of 5000 years ago. An evidence of Chumash village has also been discovered in the lower canyon. Located 25 miles from Santa Barbara, the Arroyo Hondo Preserve is open to public. The trails offer everything from an easy creek-side stroll to rigorous ridgeline hikes. This jewel of the Gaviota coast is definitely worth the visit!

Reference: Information taken from the Arroyo Hondo brochure