Sperling Preserve Trail

Dogs Unknown

Features Views

Beginning from the parking area off of Hollister Avenue, the Sperling Preserve Trail heads southward toward the ocean. Following the Sperling Preserve Trail you'll soon run in and out of a ravine before staying to the right as the trail takes you to the eastern edge of the Sandpiper Gold Course. Once you reach this point turn left to continue following the trail as it runs along the edge of the golf course and dips in and out of another ravine while heading toward the coast. After roughly 6/10 of a mile of running from the trailhead you'll reach the bluff's edge.

From here you can run down the coast along the towering cliffs for about 3/4 of a mile to a beach access point. You can take this path down to the beach, but be aware it is one of the most tar-filled beaches in the state. Continuing along the bluff tops, you can run for 1/4 of a mile to a strand of eucalyptus tress before veering left to join a trail heading inland (northward). After running this path momentarily you'll reach the ends of the residential cul-de-sacs of the Santa Barbara Shores community. At this point the Sperling Preserve Trail comes to an end and you can return along the same route or link up with the Butterfly Preserve Trail to do the Santa Barbara Shores Loop run.

Thanks to John McKinney, The Trailmaster, for sharing this trail description. To learn more about trails in California, check out his guides at The Trailmaster Store.

Buckwheat, sage, fennel, mustard, and lemonade berry can be found on the bluff tops along the Trail.