Bill Wallace Loop
Distance: 13 miles
Difficulty: Hard
Elevation Gain: ~2,000 feet
The Bill Wallace Trail at El Capitan State Beach offers a rewarding hiking experience with panoramic coastal views, diverse terrain, and the chance to connect with nature. It's a 13-mile round-trip trail that winds through coastal foothills, chaparral, and along El Capitan Canyon, providing a good workout with a mix of inclines and descents. This challenging loop is for experienced hikers looking to explore deeper into the backcountry.
Beyond its beauty, this trail plays a pivotal role in a long-term vision to connect coastal communities with the Los Padres National Forest — improving public access, recreation, and conservation opportunities for the region. Learn more about the advocacy efforts behind this connection ›
Directions:
El Capitán State Beach is located off Highway 101, about 20 miles west of Santa Barbara. From the highway, take the El Capitán State Beach exit and follow signs to the day-use and campground areas. Parking is available with a day-use fee, and trailheads are easily accessible from the main lots.
Trail Link: Bill Wallace Loop on AllTrails