The McMenemy Trail is nestled in the foothills of Montecito, CA and offers a nice day hike with great views of Santa Barbara. The trail is accessible either directly from Mountain Drive in Montecito, or via the San Ysidro Canyon Trail (which also starts from Mountain Drive, about 1.5 miles east). This is where I started the trail; it seems to be a popular spot for many and accommodates walkers, runners, bikes and horses.
The McMenemy trail begins a half mile into the San Ysidro trail, cutting off left (to the west). After crossing a creek, it climbs steadily upward until you reach the stone bench commemorating the trail. After that it dips down for about a half mile before beginning to climb upwards one last time before the final descent. If you hike straight across, you’ll see about 850 feet in elevation gain over a little under two miles (although the actual trail is longer, the rest of it is downhill).
For most people, they hike out the same way they came in (and back to their car). Hiking up the bench and back makes a nice hike of about 3 miles. The bench area also provides great views of the coastline and the Santa Barbara area. Although it’s in the sun, it makes a nice rest spot.
If you’re looking for more, instead of hiking straight across and back there is a nice loop you can take that extends the total to about 6 miles. You will see a sign for the Girard Trail as you’re passing the bench. If you keep going on the McMenemy Trail for a little less than a mile, you’ll find another trail going off to your right for Saddlerock. Following the Saddlerock Trail will have you hiking the ridge to the north until you finally meet up with the Girard Trail and end up back at the bench.
Overall, this is a great hike both for those experienced and those looking to get into hiking. While the elevation gain may prove a challenge to those not in shape, the distance is short enough to not provide too much of a challenge. The views are great and the trail is popular and well maintained.
For more information, the website SantaBarbaraHikes.com offers step by step instructions here.
Good blog man! I love the hiking trails in Santa Barbara-challenging yet well worth the fight. McMenemy Trail is a good one and the views are amazing. I really enjoy your photos as well. I was just in town for a few days to catch some waves and hit the trails! Stayed at the Sandman Inn (www.thesandmaninn.com). Budget friendly and conveniently placed.
Montecito has some trails to check out and McMenemy is one of them. Hard, a lot of uphill and loose rocks but a good hike for any outdoorsy person! I’m a big hiker and Santa Barbara is one of my favorite destinations. For business travel it isn’t too bad to get out there and enjoy a little bit of the open doors! San Ysidro is a good trail as well as Cold Springs, both in Montecito too! Not too far from McMenemy either. I’ve done all of these, some in the same day! Always staying at the South Coast Inn (www.goleta-hotel.com). One of the nicer hotels and close to countless trails!
I’ve actually never been on this trail but I have heard a ton of great things about it. Whenever I’m in the area (Montecito that is!) San Ysidro and Coldspring trail is were I tend to go. Beautiful trails nonetheless but McMenemy Trail might have to be my next stop when I am in town next. I’m reading the above comments, seems hard but I am totally up for the challenge, I love hiking in Santa Barbara! It’s going to be a fantastic summer trip with some old college friends. Going to fiestas and lounging around the beach, how can you top that? Planning on staying at the Sandman Inn (www.thesandmaninn.com). Inexpensive and close to several trails and beaches!