Lovers Loop

Hike Lovers Loop in Los Olivos and Wine Taste in Santa Ynez Valley

Peaks, canyons, streams, meadows, trees—Lovers Loop in Los Olivos is the hike of your dreams in the Santa Ynez Valley. Explore it on this 4-mile (round-trip) journey along the Grass Mountain Trail, where beautiful vistas abound.

The hike begins by passing through a wooden hiker’s gate, heading north into the canyon framed by the ridges of Grass Mountain and towering Zaca Peak (4,305 feet). The path eventually meanders along babbling Alamo Pintado Creek—expect multiple rock-hopping stream-crossings, and you often have a choice of trail on either side (when in doubt stay close to the water).

The heavily shaded path eventually climbs out of the oak forest and up through sprawling meadows, switchbacking 750 feet along the sloping grassy hillside. The ever-growing expansive canyon views are a welcoming addition. Crossing over a ridge (at about 2,000 feet), you reach the pinnacle and are rewarded with an awe-inspiring panoramic vista of the Santa Ynez Valley. Find a boulder to perch on, give your legs a rest, and enjoy the scene before your descent. 

Also look for Figueroa Mountain to the east, at the edge of the Los Padres National Forest, the tallest peak in the immediate area. You can summit the mountain via a trail at the culmination of Figueroa Mountain Road. Eventually, you reach a signed junction amid a fairytale forest of oaks and other towering trees—both upper and lower Lovers Loop trails lead you back to your car (lower is slightly quicker, but requires a bit of a walk along the road). Loop Love!

PERFECT PAIRING: Pair your hike with a lovely reward at one of the many famous wineries in Los Olivos. For a vineyard experience, drive (or walk or bike) along the picturesque Zaca Station Road, home to resident favorites such as Firestone and Zaca Mesa wineries. For tons of tasting rooms in close proximity, head to the quaint downtown, where you’ll find a variety of tasty wines at local staples like Carhartt, or opt for an aptly named ale at Figueroa Mountain Brewery.

To get to the Lovers Loop trailhead, take the CA-154 to Figueroa Mountain Rd. and head north. After 7 miles, the road turns sharply right and deposits you at the dirt lot. Park at the dirt lot off of Figueroa Mountain Rd. and find the trailhead next to a sign marking the Midland School trails and a permit box. Grab a permit, fill it out, and put it on your car’s dash before starting the trek. Downtown Los Olivos (tasting rooms and brewery) is directly south of Figueroa Mountain Rd. (Grand Ave.). Zaca Station Rd. is just 3 miles west along the CA-154. Dog-friendly (varies by winery)!

Story and photos by Matt Pawlik

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Taking the Stage: Tyler Ranch

    Hike the recently opened Tyler Ranch Staging Area in Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park, with 18 miles of new trails. This 6.5-mile loop up Sunol Peak is a challenge and rewards with exceptional views of seasonal iridescent hills.

    View
  2. A woman stands at Dante's View in Death Valley, looking out to Telescope Peak and Manly Lake, Badwater Basin below.

    Sunset Hike (and Manly Lake Vista!) at Dante's View

    It’s one of the world’s best places to watch a sunset. Dante’s View is a 5,476-foot vantage of the whole southern basin of Death Valley from the top of the Black Mountains. On clear days you get views of both the highest and lowest points in the contiguous U.S. 

    View
  3. Swing into Spring

    Swing into this 7.1-mile hike in the hills of Half Moon Bay! It’s got gorgeous views, fields of spring wildflowers, and a hidden rustic tree swing.

    View
  4. The Carson Show

    Carson Falls is ready for primetime. This three-tiered, 100-foot stunner is hidden back in a canyon outside of Fairfax and reached on a 3.25-mile (round-trip) hike.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Lava Lava

    Once a land of volcanic activity, Mojave National Preserve shares plenty about its past via a quick yet adventurous hike to the Lava Tube in the Cima Dome Volcanic Field.

    View
  2. Kelso Dunes

    The hike to the top of Kelso Dunes in the Mojave National Preserve is only 3 miles (out and back), but you’ll feel like you’ve hiked much farther by the time you’re done.

    View
  3. William Kenyon Overlook

    Some of the best vistas of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park are easily accessible via a short and sweet 1.25-mile (round-trip) hike just off the CA-78. Enter your next favorite desert viewpoint: the William Kenyon Overlook.

    View
  4. Beaudry Bountiful

    There are no cars allowed on Beaudry Loop, but this 6-mile hike takes you on a wild ride. You’ll be climbing 1,500 feet up the southern Verdugos along a chaparral-lined trail with gorgeous mountain and urban vistas every step of the way.

    View