Red Rock (Santa Ynez River) — cliff jumping spot in Santa Barbara, California
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Red Rock (Santa Ynez River)

Santa Barbara, California · map view — photos in the app

About this spot

Red Rock sits in Los Padres National Forest along the Santa Ynez River, reached via Paradise Road off Hwy 154 past San Marcos Pass; park at the Red Rock Trailhead lot ($10/vehicle day-use fee, no camping) and walk a short trail to the pools. Ledges on the formation reportedly run up toward 80 feet on the highest outcrops, though most people jump far lower; water swings hard between winter storm flow and late-summer trickle, so depth and submerged rock must be checked on site. The Forest Service does not ban jumping but explicitly advises against it. Large, sometimes rowdy summer crowds and swift or shallow water are the main hazards.

Safety first. Cliff jumping is inherently dangerous and can cause serious injury or death. Conditions — water depth, submerged hazards, and access — change constantly. CliffScout is community-sourced reference information, not a guarantee a spot is safe. Always assess the conditions yourself before jumping, and never jump where you're unsure. You assume all risk.

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