Arroyo Hondo Preserve Temporarily Closed Due to Storm Damage
Recent storms caused extensive damage at Arroyo Hondo Preserve, including flooding, landslides, and impacts to trails, roads, parking areas, and infrastructure. While the preserve is resilient, the effects of this storm are significant.
For safety reasons, Arroyo Hondo Preserve is currently closed. The land is still shifting and settling, and some areas remain difficult to access. Additional winter storms may further impact conditions.
Our stewardship team is actively assessing damage and planning recovery efforts. Some repairs cannot begin until the ground dries, and recovery will take time and meaningful resources to support cleanup, stabilization, and long-term care of the preserve.
Updates on the status of the preserve can be found at https://www.sblandtrust.org/ahp-storm-recovery-updates/
Last updated: [January 8, 2026]
Arroyo Hondo Preserve Reservations
The Arroyo Hondo Preserve is located west of Santa Barbara between Refugio State Beach and Gaviota State Park. The preserve is tucked into a magnificent canyon with winding trails, creeks, shady trees, and rewarding views. All 910-acres of Arroyo Hondo are protected forever and managed by the Land Trust.
Visitors are welcome from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on the first and third full weekends of the month. Free online reservations are required in advance.
- Free guided hikes are held at 10:00 a.m. on open Saturdays. Sign up when you make your reservation—limited to 15 people.
- Select an open date on the calendar to make a reservation. You will receive a confirmation email with visit details.
- For groups of more than 10 people, please contact Preserve Manager John Warner at [email protected].
- Environmental Education field trips are offered to schools for free—contact Education Coordinator Sally Isaacson at [email protected].
- The preserve is sensitive—No pets, swimming, mountain bikes, hunting, fishing, or campfires at the nature preserve.
Learn more about the Arroyo Hondo Preserve here.
