01
Signature climb
Grass Mountain via Lover's Loop
North Of Los Olivos Off Figueroa Mountain Road • Steep Wildflower Ridge Trail • Best Valley Views
A demanding climb from rolling ranchland to a panoramic summit overlooking the Santa Ynez Valley and the San Rafael Mountains.
From the Midland School trailhead, this classic out-and-back wastes no time gaining elevation as it winds through grassy slopes and up a rugged ridge. In a good winter or spring, the hillsides explode with lupine and poppies, and the summit rewards you with wide-open views that stretch from vineyard blocks to distant peaks. There is little shade and plenty of exposure, so locals tackle it early in the day with plenty of water.
02
Wildflower favorite
Figueroa Mountain Summit and Davy Brown Loop
Los Padres National Forest Above Los Olivos • Mountain Forest And Meadow Circuit • Spring Wildflower Standout
A varied loop mixing oak woodland, creekside shade, and open ridges, famous for colorful wildflower displays when conditions line up.
High above town, Figueroa Mountain offers a network of trails that can be linked into a satisfying loop between the summit area and Davy Brown Campground. The route combines cool stretches along the creek with airy meadows and ridgeline sections where you can see deep into the San Rafael backcountry. The drive in is part of the adventure, and road and trail conditions can shift with winter storms, so locals keep an eye on forecasts before heading up.
03
Easy family walk
Nojoqui Falls Trail
South Of Los Olivos Toward Gaviota Pass • Short Waterfall Walk • Best Quick Stretch-Your-Legs Stop
An easy, shaded stroll up a wooded canyon to a delicate fern-lined waterfall that feels surprisingly lush for the area.
Just off the highway yet tucked into a quiet pocket of oaks and sycamores, this gentle path is a go-to for families and anyone looking for a low-commitment outing. The trail follows a small creek to a high, lacy falls spilling over a mossy rock face, especially pretty after winter rains. Picnic tables and lawns near the parking lot make it an obvious choice for a relaxed lunch stop between Los Olivos and the coast.
04
Coastal day trip
Gaviota Wind Caves Trail
Gaviota State Park Near The Coast • Coastal Canyon And Sandstone Formations • Most Unique Geology
A moderate hike up a sunny hillside to sculpted sandstone caves with sweeping views over the Pacific and Gaviota Pass.
A short drive south from Los Olivos brings you to this popular trail, which climbs steadily from chaparral-covered slopes to a cluster of wind-carved caves. The honeycombed rock makes for fun exploring and great photos, and the ocean horizon feels like a different world from the valley vineyards. It can be hot, windy, and exposed, so sun protection and an earlier start make the outing much more pleasant.
05
Quiet escape
Zaca Ridge Road to Zaca Peak
Backcountry North Of Los Olivos • Remote Ridge Hike • Best For Solitude
A quieter high-country walk along a broad ridge with big-sky views over the San Rafael Wilderness and the patchwork of vineyards below.
Reached via a spur off Figueroa Mountain Road, Zaca Ridge feels far more remote than its drive time from town suggests. Hikers follow an undulating ridge that can be tailored to the time and energy you have, with distant peaks in one direction and the Santa Ynez Valley spread out in the other. There is no water or shade infrastructure, so this is one locals save for cooler days when they want space and silence.