Lizard's Mouth Rock is the highest point of a large, flat rock formation near the top of the Santa Ynez Mountains. It is the most popular and expansive sandstone bouldering location in the area and is an easy 1/4 mile walk from the trailhead. Lizard's Mouth has one of the best views of the Santa Barbara area and is directly north of the Santa Barbara Airport and the city of Goleta. It is a wonderland of massive sandstone outcroppings. The forces of wind and water have created numerous caves and crevices that are fun to explore.
The actual Lizard's Mouth Rock itself can be seen go to the highest spot of the sandstone amphitheater then boulder-hopping around the east side until you see the north side of the outcropping which gives the rock a resemblance to a lizard's mouth. Don't be surprised if you hear gun shots throughout your visit because the Winchester Canyon Gun Club is just a few hundred yards away. The Lizard's Mouth area is a beautiful setting for rock climbing. The majority of routes are perfect for beginners and intermediates.
Directions
From the 101 freeway exit San Marcos Pass (Highway 154). Turn towards the mountains. Drive 7.68 miles until you almost reach the top of the mountain. You will see a sign on the right hand side of the road that says West Camino Cielo with an arrow pointing left. Get in the left turn lane and turn left, exiting Highway 154. You will quickly see a sign that says Kinevan Rd/W Camino Cielo with arrows pointing right. Turn right. The Lizard's Mouth parking area is 3.5 miles from Highway 154 along West Camino Cielo Rd. If you have reached the end of West Camino Cielo Rd where it becomes a dirt road or it you see the entrance for Winchester Canyon Gun Club, you have gone a bit too far.
There are two trails to Lizard's Mouth: the lower trailhead and upper trailhead. The lower trailhead is the first parking area you encounter near Lizard's Mouth, and is a 500 yard hike. The lower trailhead and is generally considered the best place to start because you can hike on more rocky terrain on your way to Lizard's Mouth rock, and getting there is where much of the fun is. The upper entrance is a much shorter hike to Lizard's Mouth rock (300 yards) and is mostly dirt trail. If you just want to watch the sunset on Lizard's Mouth rock, start at the upper trail. If you are bringing kids of rock-hopping age, for sure start at the lower trailhead.
Map to upper trailheadMap to lower trailhead
