Nojoqui Falls: A Hidden Waterfall in Santa Barbara County
Tucked away in the rolling hills of Santa Barbara County, Nojoqui Falls is a short but rewarding hike that leads to a picturesque seasonal waterfall. Located just a short drive from Solvang, this hidden gem offers an easy trek through lush greenery, making it a perfect stop for families, nature lovers, and road-trippers looking for a quick outdoor escape along Highway 101. Here is all the information.
Details
- 1 mile round trip
- 100 feet of elevation gain
- Easy for the whole family
- Free parking
- Bathrooms at the trailhead
- Information from my visit in 2014 and 2025
The History of Nojoqui Falls
Nojoqui Falls and the surrounding area have long been significant to the Chumash people, the region’s Indigenous inhabitants. The name “Nojoqui” is derived from the Chumash language and has been linked to historic ranching communities that settled here in the 19th century.
Hiking to Nojoqui Falls
After getting off Highway 101, proceed on Old Coast Highway to Alisal Road, there you will reach the sign for Nojoqui Falls Park on the right-hand side. Continue to the back of the parking lot, and you will see a bathroom and a sign for the waterfall trail.
From here it is a beautiful forested walk through this amazing countryside.
It crosses leisurely over a small creek during its short 3/4th of a mile distance, but during that time, you will see everything from fall colors to small picturesque bridges over the water.
At the trail’s end, you’ll reach Nojoqui Falls, a 80-foot waterfall that trickles down a rock face covered in ferns and moss. The flow of the falls varies greatly depending on the season—during or after the rainy season (winter to early spring), the waterfall is at its most impressive, while in the drier months, it may be reduced to a mist or even dry up completely.
That did not stop it from being a beautiful place to sit and relax as we watched the trickle fall down the rock face where the waterfall would be.
The waterfall is about 50 feet tall, as you can see by Amie standing next to it in the below photo.
After exploring, you simply head back the way you came to your car and on to your next Pacific Coast Highway stop, which is hopefully Ostrich Land and Solvang. For the amount of time it takes and the beauty of the area, I highly recommend spending a little time at Nojoqui Falls Park.
