🪨 Creek Spot
🟡 Moderate $10/day USFS standard amenity fee or Adventure Pass required
🌊 About Red Rock Canyon swimming hole (Los Padres NF)
A popular, easy-access Los Padres National Forest swimming spot surrounded by scenic red rock formations along the Santa Ynez River.
📋 Visit Details
Entry Fee
$10/day USFS standard amenity fee or Adventure Pass required
Water Temperature
💧 Cool, variable
Best Season
📅 Spring–summer
Water Type
Creek swimming hole
Managed By
US Forest Service (Los Padres National Forest)
County
Santa Barbara County, California
Access Difficulty
🟡 Moderate
🗺️ Getting There
Address / Access Point:
Red Rock Trailhead, Paradise Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
Access Notes:
Short half-mile hike
✅ Before You Go — Checklist
-
✓
Check current water conditions — especially after recent rain
-
✓
Save GPS coordinates offline before leaving — cell service may be limited
-
$
Bring cash or card for entry: $10/day USFS standard amenity fee or Adventure Pass required
-
✓
Pack reef-safe sunscreen, dry bag, water shoes and plenty of drinking water
-
✓
Tell someone where you are going before heading to a remote location
-
✓
Pack out everything you bring in — leave no trace