Rincon Beach County Park to Tar Pits Park Loop
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August 23, 2025
START TIME – We’ll meet at 8:00 AM at the Rincon Beach County Park parking lot bathrooms.
DESCRIPTION OF HIKE: Moderate (4.7) miles round-trip with around 380’ of elevation gain/loss. We’ll begin at Rincon Beach County Park by hiking along Rincon Bluffs Preserve and connecting to Carpinteria Bluffs Trail. Hike through Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve to Tar Pits Park then to Carpinteria Seal Sanctuary. We will return the way we came. Optional return- drop down to the beach at Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve and hike back along the beach to Rincon Beach County Park
PREPAREDNESS: Bring 2-3 liters/quarts of water (or other suitable liquid) and lunch/snack. Wear appropriate footwear (preferably hiking boots) and be prepared for bright sunlight (sunglasses), heat (layers of clothing), and/or precipitation (rain gear). Hiking pole(s) and a camera might come in handy.
DIRECTIONS TO RINCON BEACH COUNTY PARK PARKING LOT IN CARPINTERIA – Public bathrooms located at Rincon Beach Park and it opens at 8:00 AM – NOTE: You should be at this location by 8:00 AM.
o From Simi Valley, take Hwy 118 and go west.
o Merge onto Hwy 23 and continue Hwy 101 for 27.7 miles
o Keep left and stay on Hwy 101 for another 12.5 miles.
o Take exit 83 for Bates Rd. 0.2 miles.
o Turn left on Bates Rd. 427 ft.
o Continue straight onto Rincon Point Rd. 52 ft.
o Turn right at Rincon Beach Park .02 miles
o Wait for the leader(s).
Note: In Simi Valley carpool option, meet at Donut Delite 1464 Madera Rd. at 6:50 AM (We leave at 7:00)