Red Rock
Santa Barbara County, California
| Address: | Gibraltar Trail, California, USA |
| GPS: |
34°32'26.4"N 119°42'18.5"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | California |
Hike and Swim
This swimming hole is nestled between tall, beautiful red and white rocks along the Santa Ynez River. It is a bit of a hike to get out to the swimming hole, as there are several river crossings along the way. There is a road that can take visitors pretty close to the swimming hole, but they will still need to hike in, and the road has been closed from storm damage in the past. On weekdays the swimming hole won't be too crowded, but on the weekends it is a popular destination to visit.
Around the water there are some nice rocks to sit on and enjoy a picnic while watching people swim. There are tall rocks to jump from, though people can get a little carried away with tricks, so be careful.
More Information
Red Rock
Deep swimming holes where red rocks loom gloriously above.
https://www.lotsafunmaps.com/Santa_Barbara/Red_Rock.htmlswimmingholes.org: CALIFORNIA SWIMMING HOLES
THE web site for beautiful, natural places for a cool dip or hot soak.
https://www.swimmingholes.org/ca.htmlBe courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
Read More
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Santa Barbara County, California
- Head northeast on E De La Guerra St toward Presidio Ave (482 ft)
- Turn left onto Santa Barbara St (1.4 mi)
- Turn right onto E Los Olivos St (0.4 mi)
- Turn right onto Mountain Dr (1.3 mi)
- Turn left to stay on Mountain Dr (0.2 mi)
- Turn right to stay on Mountain Dr (79 ft)
- Slight left onto Gibraltar Rd (7.2 mi)
- Turn right onto Forest Rte 5N25/Gibraltar Rd (6.0 mi)
- Turn left onto Forest Rte 5N18 (3.3 mi)
Other Swimming Holes and Hiking Trails Nearby
Seven Falls and Three Pools
Santa Barbara, California
4.6 miles SA steep four-mile round trip leads to Seven Falls, then the cool, waterfall-fed Three Pools — with a natural waterslide when spring flows run high.
Hike, Swim
White Rock
Santa Barbara, California
5.7 miles WA deep, cool swimming hole with low rocks for jumping on the Santa Ynez River, with an oak-shaded picnic area and restrooms just a short walk away.
Swim
Ellwood Main Monarch Butterfly Grove
Goleta, California
13.4 miles SWA free, no-admission butterfly grove in Goleta where Monarch butterflies migrate November through February, adjacent to 137 acres of open space trails with beach access.
Hike
Carpinteria State Beach
Carpinteria, California
14.7 miles SETwelve miles south of Santa Barbara, a mile of clean swimming beach with year-round lifeguards, stellar tidepools, seal and whale sightings, and campsite access to hiking trails and town.
Camp, Hike, Swim
Sespe Gorge
Maricopa, California
25.5 miles EMultiple swimming holes along the Sespe and Bear Creek junction, about 4.5 miles in, with good shade and a small camping area tucked into the canyon.
Swim
Punchbowls
Santa Paula, California
37.5 miles EA series of beautiful swimming holes in Santa Paula Canyon, 3.5 miles from the trailhead, featuring a 25-foot waterfall and natural river slides of varying speeds above.
Swim
