Arroyo Hondo Preserve

photo courtesy: Elizabeth Price

Everyone is welcome to visit the Preserve to hike, picnic, paint, volunteer or do research but advance reservations are required. The Preserve is open the first and third weekends of each month, and every Monday and Wednesday for school and community groups. Free nature hikes with one of our knowledgeable docents are held the first Saturday and third Sunday of the month at 10:00am.

Due to the sensitivity of the resources in the canyon, dogs, mountain bikes, horses, hunting, fishing and campfires are not allowed.

Fees: For individuals and small groups, there is no cost to visit on open weekends, unless you want to reserve a specific picnic area. Schools are invited (also at no cost) to come out for a fun and fascinating Environmental Education field trip led by our docents. The Preserve is available for large events of up to 100 people for a fee, which varies with the type of use.

For information or to make a reservation to visit the
Arroyo Hondo Preserve, call (805) 567-1115 or
email us at arroyohondo@sblandtrust.org.

From Santa Barbara: Traveling northbound on the U.S. Highway 101, the Preserve is about a thirty minute drive from downtown and approximately four miles past Refugio State Beach. After the Refugio exit, pay attention to the blue CalTrans call boxes spaced one mile apart on the right hand side. The Arroyo Hondo entrance is located at call box 101-412. Make an immediate right hand turn into the driveway.

From Buellton/Lompoc: Traveling southbound on the U.S. Highway 101, approximately 6 miles past Gaviota State Park and a mile after the Vista Point Rest Area, look for the blue CalTrans Call Box #101-403. Be in the left hand lane. Just after the Call Box, make a u-turn (turn lane provided) onto the northbound lanes of the U.S. Highway 101. In a mile, make a sharp right turn into the Preserve immediately after blue CalTrans Call Box #101-412.

(If you miss the U-turn, the next turnaround is at Refugio State Beach about four miles south.)

Come down the driveway, cross the bridge and park near the barn.

Questions? Call The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County at 966-4520 during business hours Monday-Friday. Admission to the preserve is by invitation or reservation only. Call Arroyo Hondo Preserve at 567-1115 to make reservations. Our Preserve managers are often working outdoors and will return your call.

To Get Back to Santa Barbara: Head north a few miles to Mariposa Reina exit, get off, go over bridge and enter southbound onramp.