This was an easy short hike with some scrambling that was well tolerated by my 6 and 9 yo kids. Pay off is a cool rock formation that looks like a lizards's open mouth (with what looks like an eye too!). You can climb to the top of the "roof of the mouth" as well as up to right under the mouth. There's not exact trail but if you keep scrambling past the initial rocky hill to the other side you will see the rock formation as your look back. Bonus is a nice view of the ocean. read more

I love this hike as it's great from beginner to moderate. The trails have a great balance of flat to steep and the views are well worth it. If you want to have a good bike ride this is also a great option. If you are a runner you can definitely have fun with this hike. read more

Whether it's exploring the caves, scrabbling over rocks or simply basking in the view Lizard's Mouth does not disappoint! A very short "hike" but also not for the wary as there is no trail. You have to park on the side of the road and head southwest a bit to find it. read more

Found this snazzy ORANGE DIGITAL CAMERA Panasonic Lumix. These photos on it are so priceless!!

Lizard's mouth is the perfect get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The drive up is about 40 minutes coming from downtown Santa Barbara and is curvy, forested, and fun! There a sign that marks the trailhead and a good amount of parking on the side of the road. It's only a 5 minute walk up from the trailhead to Lizards mouth. There are a plethora of rock formations: ones to climb inside, ones to jump to and from like Lilly pads, and ones perfect for picnicking. There's a safer, flatter area that's great for kids and dogs and a little further on is a more advanced climbing area with larger boulders and crevices. Don't be alarmed if you hear gun shots in the background. There is a private gun range nearby, but they keep that area safe and secure. If you live in Santa Barbara and haven't gone up to Lizard's mouth yet, I highly recommend for a fun 1/2 day adventure. read more

Lizard's Mouth - Rock cave - Hiking Near Me - Goleta, California

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Just like the other reviews said, Lizzards Mouth isn't really much of a hike mileage wise. Depending how much you walk/climb around you can probably travel over a mile while you're here. The trail that leads in here is maybe about half a mile until you get to the rock area of the mountain. You can find Lizzards Mouth pretty quick, most of the area you'll can pretty much rock climb/hike. Up here you have an amazing view of the mountains in the distance, as well as the ocean. If you decided to venture around the rest of the area try to keep try of where you are because there are a ton of paths on the lower end of the mountain and you can get lost pretty easy since some of the paths lead you around in circles. read more

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One of the best views in Santa Barbara! On the All Trails app it says it is a hard hike but it really isn't! It's only 0.3 miles but there is a lot of rock climbing! I recommend bringing a backpack with a blanket, some food, a speaker, and food company! Definitely a place you can spend all day at. For those that want to practice bouldering/ rock climbing there's a few you can practice on. read more

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When you see the sign for the hike, go to the RIGHT of it. We went to the left and wandered aimlessly for quite a while. : / Anyway, the hike is straight after that and pretty easy. After a short amount of time, you'll get to the cliff with great views! To get to the actual Lizard's Mouth Rock, it's a bit more treacherous and we decided not to go with a toddler. But the view is good at the end of the easy part! read more

Lizard's Mouth - Hiking Near Me - Goleta, California

Beautiful rocks very easy hike, be careful of oncoming traffic when driving up the mountain

Getting to Lizard's mouth from the road is just a short walk. You do have to climb rocks and jump around since there isn't much of a trail. I did notice some arrows that people drew. It is a great place to look out over SB. I loved watching the sunset from here. For awhile, I didn't know we were on top of Lizard's Mouth. I had to climb down to see it. read more

Sea-carved rocks not found at the beach but the ridgeline above Goleta. I like this place more than the beaches and bluffs of Goleta because I still get the ocean view plus the fun boulders. The Apple phone map directed us to park 0.3 miles prior to the trailhead. The road sign that says Lizard's Mouth is 2.9 miles away is correct. Reset your car odometer when spotting this sign. If the street pavement ends, you've driven about 0.1 miles past the trailhead. The proper trail is not defined or marked. Following footprints doesn't help because random tracks are all over the place. If a direct route is found using a GPS, then the rock is a minor 0.1 miles from the trailhead sign. Getting lost is likely but wandering is good in this case because it allows finding more oddly-shaped rock formations other than Lizard's Mouth. An easy walk so we didn't get "licked" by Lizard's Mouth during our 40-minute stay. read more

Beautiful gorgeous hike. Very short trail so don't worry about the distance. It's perfect during any time. Not too crowded. Great for dogs. Careful there is a good amount of rock climbing. But even a grandma can do it. There's a shooting range next door. Easy to find. Definitely worth it. You can go any route and you'll end up at the lizards mouth. Great for pictures. My top 5 hikes. Explore the architecture and look at the different rock patterns and caves. Not many lizards LOL read more

Lizard's Mouth - Hiking Near Me - Goleta, California

There are so many alternate vantage points that you can easily avoid the crowds of teenagers at sunset. The view is fantastic, in case the winding drive up didn't clue you in. It took us almost an hour to figure out the proper way to ascend the infinite scramble options, but only 20 minutes back to the road. A lot of fun if you don't mind unmarked paths, a bit of challenge, and the occasional rabbit and some stubborn lizards. It gets dark fast, so I recommend bringing a light source for your return trip, and a light jacket if it's a windy day. The graffiti is certainly unfortunate at most vantage points, and watch out for broken glass between the boulders. read more

Lizard's Mouth - Boulder scramble fun. - Hiking Near Me - Goleta, California

The one word that gets me here every time is SUNSET! The best time to come and the most beautiful attraction this spot can provide is the amazing Santa Barbara sunset. I've also heard sunRISE is pretty spectacular but generally I'm more interested in the views of my inner eyelids at that time. Just to get one thing straight real quick, this is not a hike. Do not come here if you are looking for a strenuous trek or some form of walking/jogging/uphill workout. No, this is a drive up into the mountains on the 154, turning right on Kinevan Rd/W Camino Cielo, driving another 3.67 miles along a windy West Camino Cielo Rd, parking and walking to the rocks where you can climb around and play hide and seek. Also a great spot to bring a six pack and a boombox for some outdoor, nature loving communal bonding! Tourists, have you tried Fig Mountain Brewing yet? One of their main beers is actually named after the gorgeous spot. My recommendation is grabbing a six pack of Lizard's Mouth Fig Mountain beers and heading up to the Lizard's Mouth "hike" at sunset to take a totally trendy social media pictures that all your buddies back home with be jealous of - Makes for a great time and an awesome memory! Don't forget to find the rock that looks most like a Lizard! read more

Came here on Saturday for a Yarn Bombing event! This isn't so much a trail hike as it is a labyrinth of trails! Pretty exciting, because you just adventure around looking at all sorts of stuff!, jumping on rocks and checking out the view! Heard its a great spot for bouldering or rock climbing. Took my dog and let her roam around. HOWEVER, this seems like prime rattlesnake territory so I would keep your dog on a leash for their own safety! There is graffiti on some boulders, which is thoroughly disappointing, but you can't do much about that. :[ The journey to get to this place is just that, a journey. The yelp directions did nothing, but get me lost so I had to get creative in looking for directions online. Here's how I got there, off the 101 you hop onto the 154 a few miles down the road (about 7) turn left onto West Camino Cielo and take this one lane road for about 3 miles. This road seems like you don't belong on it because it seems to only be used by residents, but once you drive down all the way you'll see the entrance to the trail head, which is a brown pipe in the ground and a wooden billboard just before the gun club. I put these into my gps (34.503055, -119.865691) and got there much more easily than the yelp directions. Once you see the pipe you just park along the side of the road. read more

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Good hike.... Although the path is wild. You have to do quite a bit if jumping and climbing and stuff like that. Definitely not ADA accessible, unfortunately... Takes not too long to find the lizzards mouth. Great views of the sunset and ocean read more

Lizard's Mouth - Hiking Near Me - Goleta, California

This place was kinda hard to find. We followed directions here and trip advisor but we didn't end up at the entrance of the lizards mouth sign. It's kinda hidden. So we just started up a trail before. We also got lost and had to figure out own way to the lizards mouth. It's actually a really short hike if you start at the right point, but we didn't. Once we got up there it was pretty cool. You have to go to the side and around and down some rocks to try to get a good picture of the mouth. But once you're there it was cool. The walk back was much easier. read more

Lizard's Mouth - Lizards mouth front view - Hiking Near Me - Goleta, California

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The hike was hard to find in the beginning. But once we found it. It was an easy hike. It is about a 0.5 mile hike to the lizards mouth. Alot of rock climbing and saw alot of lizards running around. Went on a day that was 102+, but still made it without passing out. So that tells you it was an easy hike. Up steep or up hill climb. This hike was right before the gun club fyi. read more

If you're looking for a couple hours of fun for family with kids, consider this place. Kids would love climbing around the rocks. Getting there is not very difficult but the road is narrow. GPS will not take you to the entrance but it'll stop in the middle of the road. Keep on driving up. The entrance is on the left before the gun club. If you reach the gun club, you already go too far and must turn around. When you drive down, not far from the gun club, you'll see the entrance with the sign on the right side. The sign is not curbside and it's easier to spot when driving down than driving up. Parking is on the street. There are a few large areas off street nearby the entrance. Just park in one if those areas. With a short walk on the trail, you'll teach the rocks area like a vista point with the views of Santa Barbara and the Pacific Ocean. It's windy up there so bring a light jacket or a windbreaker even in summer. Wear comfortable shoes, hat, put on sunscreen, bring water & snacks to enjoy the day. Kids will love climbing around the rocks. This place is not suitable for people with mobility problems. read more

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Super easy hike with great views. If you're into rock climbing this is the perfect place for you. However, watching out for lizards and snakes in this area. read more

The end to a perfect trip. Climbiing around the rocks on Lizards mouth trail. Sometimes something so simple can be so much fun. I came to SB because I missed my friend. I was thankful she took me here to show me what natural beauty the area had to offer. We hiked until sunset. Climbing up and through rocks, weaving through ridges, and jumping from peak to peak. I will never forget the moments I had here. Re connecting with one of my best friends. We stopped on a high rock to sit down and stare in awe at the beaches and land below. We reminisced about old times and laughed about boys. In an insane time of my life this was the sanity I needed. It was beauty, clarity and friendship all at the same time. I realized high on top of these massive rocks that I loved my life. I loved my self. And most of all, I realized its ok to be who you are. read more

This is an amazing place to explore and discover. It isn't much of a trail, more like big rocks to climb and see the view of Santa Barbara and the Pacific Ocean. If you are in this area this is definitely worth checking out. Did it with my husband and almost three year old. We all loved it! read more

Lizard's Mouth - Hiking Near Me - Goleta, California

Short hike but Awesome place to explore and do some amateur rock climbing! Gorgeous views of Santa Barbara, the Pacific Ocean and the Channel Islands! Directions to LIZARDS MOUTH From the 101 Freeway west of downtown Santa Barbara, exit on Highway 154 and head north into the Santa Ynez Mountains. After 7 miles, turn left onto West Camino Cielo (if you reach the East Camino Cielo or the top of the mountain pass, you have gone to far). Off Highway 154, West Camino Cielo makes an immediate right before winding up to the top of the ridge. Take this road for 3.5 miles and enjoy the views over Santa Barbara. The trailhead is on the left side of the road a few hundred feet before the Winchester Canyon Gun Club. When you reach the gun club or the point where the road becomes unpaved, turn around and backtrack to the roadside parking near the trailhead. A wooden board next to a tree (and a brown pipe on the ground) mark the start of the trail to Lizard's Mouth. Trailhead address: West Camino Cielo (Forest Route 5N12), Los Padres National Forest, Santa Barbara, CA 93105 Trailhead coordinates: 34.503055, -119.865691) read more

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-good times with hard core motherfuckerbiatching climbers -kinda hard to find if you've never been -you know you're on top of the lizard's head when you see the lion king looking hill (where the monkey dood lifts the cub) -the lizard's mouth was heaven for the climbers -it was ideal since it was a warm day and it was fully shaded! =I PEED HERE TWICE read more

our party included: a 90 lb dog, 5 year old, 3 year old, and 3 adults on a October weekend -- so it wasnt ridiculously hot. Dont forget to bring munchies for the kiddo's and hella water for everyone. trailhead is well marked on the left hand side of road. if you hit gravel -- you went too far. if you start from the actual trailhead, the trail is decently marked / trodden. if you start before the actual trailhead, you will be finding your own trail along the boulders. we didnt encounter any broken glass, thankfully. Our whole party made it to the top / lizzard's mouth. cool view. read more

Drive wasn't that bad, hike itself was easy! In 99 degree weather it was a bit challenging but ultimately worth it! The view from the top is gorgeous and the pictures from the top of the lizard mouth is insane. A must do in SB! read more

Lizard's Mouth - Obligatory picture with the gorgeous backdrop. - Hiking Near Me - Goleta, California

This is an incredible place to rock hop, boulder, and explore. The one negative is that it is right next to a gun club, which (for me) takes away a star. I don't enjoy hearing gunfire while being out in "nature." The views are certainly worth it though. read more

Beautiful park with amazing views all around. I have been out here a few times for bouldering and hiking and have really enjoyed myself each time. I will say there have been times where I have come across broken beer bottles and cigarettes but they are usually cleaned up by the next time I am out there. The gun club up the road is a bit discouraging to hear, but no fatalities yet! ;) read more

It's really alot of fun, but is a busy place. Not really a hike per se, more of how much work out you really want to do. Views are just crazy good. read more

My experience at the Lizzards Mouth trail was easy and fun! It was a quick hike into the trail and if you keep going you will see an amazing view! I seen amazing views from every angle! One of the first must hike trail! I spent 3 hours at Lizzards Mouth! Loved the view of the sunset from here. read more

There's no capturing this place with a wordy description... just get out and enjoy it!

Incredible place. So much to see you can't do it in one visit. It's not exactly a hike, more like a big playground dotted with beautiful sandstone boulders. read more

The silhouette of lizards mouth during sunset is gorgeous!!! It gets really windy though and it will require some rock climbing. It's not difficult at all to get to, but don't wear non-sensible shoes like heels/sandals because it's not a nice paved trail. read more

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I think everyone should come to Lizard's Mouth at least once. It is as easy or difficult as you want since there isn't much of a trail but lots of boulders for rock climbing. I would like to come back here with a tri-tip sandwich from Cold Springs and watch the sun set. read more

Spectacular view, fun walk, lots of rock hopping. Sadly also lots of graffiti and trash. I was stupid to think something so far away would keep out the asshats that leave nature marked up and trashed. The trails hiker maintained and trails seem to lead all over the place. I fun fallowing random ones until the dead ended. Lots of neat little corners and picnic spots. read more

An easy hike with lots of great views. Rarely crowded. You MUST stay for the sunsetting over Goleta and the airport. Afterwards head down the hill to Cold Spring Tavern for dinner. Don't forget to have an Adventure Pass or you risk a ticket because it's in the National Forest. read more

A short hike, but a long and twisty drive. Be ready. Positioned close to a gun range, so you hear shots fired now and then, is a large collection of boulders. Aka, Lizards Mouth. That are really fun to climb on and see the city from. A little dangerous, if your not a mountain climbing person. But if you are into the adventure, perfect. Fun way to get out of the city. read more

One of my favorite hiking spots in S.B. The views are fantastic and it's not crowded on weekdays.

Super fun hike! For a while we couldn't find the actual lizards mouth, but venturing around is just as fun!!!! Keep in mind that the mouth is deep into the trail. We went straight forward and around to the left, while the mouth is far right. Enjoy :) read more

Short hike, not really a mountainous trail per say, but rather a crap load of huge rocks that go for miles that are great for exploring. Really a fun time and sort of a workout! Come with a few friends and make it an adventure. The only tricky part is getting there, but just know that if you're at least near the gun club you're in the correct vicinity. Make sure you wear the right shoes and bring sunscreen, and of course PLENTY of water. My friends and I always work up an appetite after this hike so you can always look forward to grubbing down on whatever you feel like afterwards :) read more