Location: Goleta, CA – 15 minutes from Solvang/45 minutes from Santa Barbara
Distance: Less than 1 mile out and back Time: 30 minutes-1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 180 feet
Season: Winter/spring or after a reasonable rain
Foot Traffic: Moderate to heavy depending on season
Overview
Nojoqui Falls is a beautiful 80 foot, seasonal waterfall that is only truly appreciated after a good rain or a wet season. The falls are located inside Nojoqui Falls Park, a short 15 minute drive from the epicenter of Solvang or a 40 minute drive from Santa Barbara. The trail is insanely straight forward and doable for hikers of almost all abilities. This is also what makes this area so popular and a favorite with families. It’s important to remember, if it hasn’t been raining or been a wet year, then you may be a bit disappointed as the falls are often barely flowing. Even if this is the case, the trail is short and appealing enough that it’s worth the minimal effort to check it out.
Trail Description and My Story
As my wife and I were making an early morning drive from Ventura in order to spend some time in the cute Dutch town of Solvang, we were eager to check out something new. In the past we had driven by the small park that houses Nojoqui Falls but had never stopped before. This early morning would be the perfect chance for us to set out on this trail, being that it had rained recently and I figured that there would at least be a little bit of water flowing from it.
Starting Off on the Nojoqui Falls Trail
There are a ton of nice picnic areas here under shaded trees, so we spend a few minutes relaxing and eating some food before setting out. We picked up the obvious trail in the back of the parking lot and were off. As far as the trail goes, there is not a whole lot to say. It’s incredibly straight forward. It is fairly pretty and definetly makes for a nice, albeit short, morning stroll.
This is an insanely popular hike due to the short and easy accessability of the trail. However, I was surprised that on this morning we were the only visitors along the trail. The scene was very peaceful as we followed along the stream and within a few short minutes heard the sounds of Nojoqui Falls. As we arrived at the falls, we were delighted to see water coming down and that they weren’t entirely dry.
Reaching Nojoqui Falls
The falls weren’t gushing but they had a reasonable amount of flow to make them enjoyable. I took my wife’s phone, messing around with it near the stream to take some videos. It was a good time until it slipped out of my hand and fully submerged into the stream. I plucked it out, hoping it was okay as my wife stared in my direction without saying a word. Finally, we both just sat and took in the beauty of the falls in complete solitude. When all was said and done, we had gone from the parking area to the falls and back in less than a half hour. What a way to start the morning and it was still early, leaving for a easy short drive to Solvang to spend the rest of the morning.
Getting to Nojoqui Falls
From the town of Solvang, briefly head West onto Mission Drive. Take a left onto Alisal Road and continue for 6.5 miles. Turn left into Nojoqui Falls Park.
Nojoqui Falls Park, 3250 Alisal Rd, Solvang, CA 93463
Notes, Questions and Thoughts
Hours
- Monday-Sunday (Dawn-Dusk)
Is this a fee area?
- No. There are no fees to park or hike at Nojoqui Falls.
Are dogs allowed on the Nojoqui Falls Trail?
- Yes, dogs are allowed but must be leashed and kept in control at all times. Please pick up and properly dispose of all animal waste.
Are there restrooms at the trailhead?
- Yes. Restrooms are located near the parking and trailhead area.
Charcoal grills and picnic tables are available under a scenic canopy of oak trees
Please recreate responsibly. Respect hikers and all visitors and wildlife. Help make everyone’s experience better by keeping the nature experience as authentic as possible. Leave no trace and pack out everything that you pack in. Please remember that we are visitors and stewards of these special places. Help keep these places as wild as possible while not diminishing the outdoor experience of others.
