Bill Wallace Trail 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. The trail has been damaged by fire and floods, so its condition will vary.
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: https://santabarbaratrails.org/project/bill-wallace-trail-2-lpnf/
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. Take the frontage road on the north side of Highway 101 and go west to the entrance of the Sun Outdoor RV Campground. Free parking is available on the left side of the entrance near the trailhead.
Trail Link: Bill Wallace Loop on AllTrails