Cold Spring Trail begins gently in shade by a creek that almost always has plenty of water. After a gentle uphill for 1/4 of a mile you reach a bench by the creek where you can sit and clear your mind with the gentle sounds of small waterfalls.
Directions from the Mission, corner of Laguna and Los Olivos Street in Santa Barbara:
Get on US 101 going southbound by taking Laguna St. to Mission St. (toward the ocean). Turn right on Mission St. Follow Mission St. to the freeway and take US 101 south. Take the Olive Mill Rd. Exit. Turn left. The road becomes Hot Springs Rd. at some point without turning. At East Mountain Dr., turn left.
Drive about a mile and a half and park just before, or just after the stream crossing on the road.
The trailhead begins on either side of the stream, but is best started before the stream crossing at the Montecito Trails Association sign.
(About 15-20 minute drive)
