Introduction
Las Varas Ranch is located on the eastern Gaviota Coast in southern Santa Barbara County, approximately half a mile east of El Capitan State Beach Park. This region features a mix of narrow intertidal beaches and coastal bluffs, making lateral shoreline access highly dependent on tides and seasonal sand supply. The Santa Barbara County Trails Council conducted an analysis to assess how tides affect public lateral access along the Las Varas Ranch shoreline, particularly in light of development proposals that could alter existing access.
Public Access and Regulatory Context
Public access to California’s coastline is constitutionally protected, and state and county policies mandate the provision of access along the shoreline, even at high tide. The proposed Las Varas Ranch development project includes a lateral coastal access easement along the beach, but due to tidal constraints, this would not guarantee continuous public passage. The alternative route suggested by the developer—a segment of the California Coastal Trail along U.S. Highway 101—is nearly half a mile inland and does not fulfill the intended function of a lateral beach access trail.
Tidal Influence on Beach Access
Beaches along Las Varas Ranch are strongly intertidal, meaning that access is often restricted during tides as low as 2-4 feet. At high tide, waves commonly reach the base of the coastal bluffs, particularly west of Edwards Point, effectively cutting off passage along the shore. The Trails Council's surveys and NOAA tide data indicate that during winter and spring, when sand levels are lower, many beaches become impassable due to rocky terrain and tidal coverage.
Methodology
The Santa Barbara County Trails Council conducted field surveys between 2012 and 2014 as part of the Gaviota Coastal Trail and Access Study. Observations included tide conditions, sand levels, beach width, and accessibility. The study incorporated NOAA tide data and aerial photography to assess how often beaches were passable at different tide levels. Results showed that while negative low tides allow full access, only certain stretches of beach remain passable at tides below two feet, and many become impassable at four feet or higher.
Key Findings
- High tides frequently reach the base of the coastal bluffs, obstructing public access along the shoreline.
- Seasonal variations impact beach width and lateral passage, with access more restricted in winter and spring.
- The proposed lateral access easement does not meet the county’s policy requirement of allowing public passage even at high tide.
- The alternative inland trail route along Highway 101 does not serve as an adequate substitute for true lateral coastal access.
Conclusion
The study highlights that tides significantly restrict lateral public access along Las Varas Ranch beaches, particularly during higher tide periods. Given the regulatory requirements mandating access even at high tide, any development proposals should account for these constraints and ensure compliance with state and county coastal policies. Ensuring practical and continuous public access remains a critical concern for preserving coastal recreation opportunities.
Download our report: Affects of Tides on Lateral Coastal Access at Las Varas Ranch