Red Rock Pools in SoCal is a natural swimming hole along the Santa Ynez River, about an hour’s drive from Santa Barbara. It is the local’s top destination for summertime fun. As evidenced by splashes of graffiti on the rocks in the crescent bend, it’s clear that the area sees large crowds when the river is high. As such, to avoid crowds we suggest visiting early in the morning, preferably during the week. Do this, and you might just have Red Rock Pools all to yourself!

Getting to Red Rocks requires a half-mile hike. Conveniently, the parking lot also serves as the trailhead. The short hike passes over a hill that’s about 50 feet tall; after passing the hill's summit, the pool comes into view down the slope to the right.
RJ Rußell/Alltrails
Portions of the trail can get pretty hot in the summer, so perhaps it’s a good thing you’ll get your feet wet sloshing through a few creeks. If you choose to bike to the pool, note that the trail along the river can be rocky and jarring.
Edgar Preciado/Alltrails
When the water is high, the Red Rocks swimming hole attracts tons of locals, some of whom are drunken teenagers who dive from cliffs 40 feet high into the deep pool. There have been a few fatalities, prompting the police to patrol the area to regulate excessive drinking on summer weekends.
Ty Huber-Cordell-Shaw/Alltrails

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Red Rocks swimming hole is surrounded by boulders that are home to a population of swallows. You should see their nests on the rocks around the pool area. Our favorite part of the swimming hole is the breathtaking scenic views from the water or an aerial perspective.
Marilyn Portillo/Alltrails
The monstrous rocks, lavender shrubs, tall trees, butterflies, and sprawling species of plants make Red Rock natural pool look like it was ripped right out of a storybook.
Mary Raven/Alltrails
We also love how the water appears milky green or clear blue, depending on the angle and intensity of the sun.
Dixon Cider/Alltrails

If you’re not a fan of crowds, you have two options: visit the Red Rock Pools in SoCal on a weekday or continue your hike further along the trail and slosh through more creeks to the more secluded pools upriver. Though you’d have to add a few miles to your hike, the pools there can be quite the refreshing reward.

Don’t forget to let us know how your trip goes!

Looking for more beautiful waterfall-fed pools in SoCal? Hike to this scenic waterfall you can swim in!

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Red Rock Pools in Santa Barbara

Sarah M. | July 09, 2022

What are some other natural swimming holes in Southern California?

Red Rock Pools isn't the only swimming hole in SoCal; our region of the Golden State is positively teeming with lovely natural pools! Nothing quite captures the fun of summertime than a dip in a natural outdoor pool in the great outdoors. And one of the best ones on the planet just so happens to be right here in SoCal: Malibu Creek Rock Pool, which you'll find located inside Malibu Creek State Park at 1925 Las Virgenes Rd, Calabasas, CA, 91302. You won't have to drive for hours and hours to reach this destination, but once you arrive you'll definitely feel like you've entered another world even though it's only a short drive away. The water is serene and mesmerizing. One of our favorite times to visit is early in the morning when there's nothing but peace and quiet in the air.

Another natural swimming pool in SoCal we flock to when the weather's warm is Cedar Falls. This spectacular spot outside of San Diego in Ramona is a hidden gem. A pleasant 2.5-mile trail will lead you down to Cedar Creek Falls where you will be greeted by this heavenly pool of water. It's truly one of the most underrated outdoor adventures in SoCal. Other amazing places to take a dip include Malibu Creek Rock Pool, Cooper Canyon Falls, Solstice Canyon, and Tenaja Falls!

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