Turns out, my hike to Inspiration Point a few weeks ago with friends has snowballed, and since we have gone on some sort of hike every week.
I haven’t yet written about our adventure on Cold Spring Trail – and I will – but last night was exactly what I needed and I want to talk about it.
Having stuffed my face at the TASTE, I have been itching to get out into nature and the mountain air. We chose a rather simple hike called Lizard’s Mouth that leads to a mountainside stacked with boulders, offering opportunities for rock climbing, bouldering, or a place to sit and take in the spectacular views.
We drank red wine and watched the sun go down, the lighting on the side of the hills of Santa Barbara changing, the shadows gradually growing. It wasn’t the toughest workout in the world, but sometimes a deep breath and a view can clean out more than any amount of exercise.
We waited until it was almost dark before departing, weaving our way in between the boulders on the path. I was climbing on top of them – I can’t help myself – watching the pleasant, warm evening transition into a comfortable night, the moon glowing brighter and the streetlights turning on in Santa Barbara.
Here are the directions to Lizard’s Mouth. I highly recommend this type of adventure – get a group together and get out there before the time changes (whether it’s Lizard’s Mouth or your local lookout).
Check out these photos. For more, visit Wake and Wander on Facebook.
Wake and Wander 
I’ve done that hike – wonderful view. Great photos!
Thanks Betsy! It was beautiful.
Great article! So glad I got to be there 🙂
Good times! Bummed I’m missing this week.
The sunset looks ALMOST as good as the one at Cachuma on sailing day…
haha. I will say honestly that the sunset was better at Cachuma…the mountains blocked our view at Lizard’s Mouth. But in the winter when the sun sets over the ocean, that might be a different story.
Wow my husband and I will definitely have to check this one out next time we are in town. Our personal favorite is Seven Falls (left at the fork where you would go right for Inspiration Point). The natural water slides on that hike are so much fun! We were in town about a month ago and stayed at a great little hotel that was so close to so many hiking spots, The Sandman Inn (www.thesandmaninn.com) on State. We loved it!
Seven Falls is a nice spot, glad you and your husband were able to check it out. You should definitely hike Lizard’s Mouth when you’re in town. I’ve got to be honest, though – seems like you’re more interested in promoting the Sandman than you are the hikes! What did you like about it? I’ve driven by it many times (it’s on Upper State street – not walking distance to downtown) – and I can’t say it has grabbed my attention.