Baron Ranch offers a secluded and scenic hiking experience in the Santa Ynez Mountains, featuring diverse landscapes, habitat restoration areas, and sweeping ocean views. Located west of Refugio State Beach, the ranch is primarily used for conservation and research, with designated trails open to the public for hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian use. The main trail follows Arroyo Quemado Creek before branching into two routes: The Loop Trail for a shorter hike and the Arroyo Quemado Trail, which climbs to Camino Cielo in the Los Padres National Forest. The trail is open seven days a week to all trail users. Dogs are not allowed. The designated trail is the only public access, and all other areas are off-limits for conservation purposes. The trails at Baron Ranch were planned, funded, and built by the Santa Barbara County Trails Council and maintained through agreements with the County of Santa Barbara and the U.S. Forest Service. Due to the sensitive habitat and the presence of endangered species, dogs are not allowed on Baron Ranch.
Arroyo Quemado Trail
Distance: 12 miles out and back
Elevation: 2,800 feet
Difficulty: Hard
This trail is the main route through Baron Ranch, leading from Calle Real to Camino Cielo. The first mile is relatively flat, following the canyon floor and paralleling Arroyo Quemado Creek. As the trail continues, it transitions into a lush riparian zone before gaining elevation into more rugged backcountry terrain. At about three and a half miles, hikers reach a fork where the Loop Trail branches right, while Arroyo Quemado Trail continues left. From here, the trail follows a newly constructed single-track path for three and a half miles to the top of the Santa Ynez Mountains, offering panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Channel Islands.
Trail Link: Arroyo Quemado Trail on AllTrails
The Loop Trail
Distance: 7.75 miles out and back
Elevation: 1,500 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
For a shorter option, the Loop Trail provides an elevated viewpoint without the full ascent to Camino Cielo. The route follows Arroyo Quemado Trail for just over two miles before splitting into a loop that winds through the foothills.
The upper portion of the Loop Trail offers stunning vistas down the canyon, with clear-day views stretching across the Pacific Ocean and Channel Islands. After reaching the top, the single-track section connects back to a ranch road, leading hikers back to the main trail.
Trail Link: Baron Ranch Loop Trail on AllTrails
Directions:
From the South: Take Highway 101 northbound, 2.4 miles past the Refugio Road exit, and turn right at the road crossing onto Arroyo Quemada Lane, just past a yellow sign indicating “cross-traffic ahead.” There is no northbound deceleration lane, so the turn-off must be anticipated. Immediately turn left onto Calle Real and proceed approximately three-quarters of a mile until the road reaches a street sign that says “End.” Use the circle to turn around and park along Calle Real.
From the North: Take Highway 101 southbound to the Refugio State Beach exit. Exit the highway, go under the freeway, and take the northbound Highway 101 onramp. Travel 2.4 miles north and turn right at the road crossing onto Arroyo Quemada Lane, just past a yellow sign indicating “cross-traffic ahead.” There is no northbound deceleration lane, so the turn-off must be anticipated. Immediately turn left onto Calle Real and proceed approximately three-quarters of a mile until the road reaches a street sign that says “End.” Use the circle to turn around and park along Calle Real.