Ellwood Mesa - Mountain Biking

Review

Intro

North of Santa Barbara, this 137 acres of open space in Goleta, features multiple beginner friendly, flat, hard-packed dirt trails. The mesa is a network of paths moreso than established, marked trails but you won't get lost -- it's an open plateau. It's rather tame for experienced riders but kids and beginners will have fun noodling around on the dirt paths. 

What Makes It Great

Enjoy year round riding, hiking and trail running through Eucalyptus groves and natural grasslands, with costal bluff views and salty ocean breezes to boot. Beach access is available from the trails and there are bathroom facilities as well. From mid-November through mid-February, thousands of Monarchs gather in the Eucalyptus groves, adding a unique feature to the Mesa trail system.

During the Monarch butterfly migration, trails can get quite crowded. Some trails are narrow, and they are all natural, so conditions will vary.For more information about coastal activities like surfing and paddling below Ellwood Mesa, check out Devereaux and Sands.

Who is Going to Love It

This is a great place for beginners and kiddos, though bikers who want to take in the nice views can also have fun pedaling around on the mesa. 

Directions, Parking, & Regulations