Are there fees or permits required for Nojoqui Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Nojoqui Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Nojoqui Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Nojoqui Falls.

Nearby gauge (Santa Ynez River A Solvang Ca) · 19 ft³/s · Higher than usual

Nojoqui Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Nojoqui Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Nojoqui Falls.

California • 80 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Photo Credits (5)

Adventures with E&L CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

radarxlove CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

davidseibold CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

0.7 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

100 ft

About Nojoqui Falls

Nestled near Solvang in Santa Barbara County, Nojoqui Falls (pronounced na-hoo-ui) plunges about 80 feet down a moss-covered cliff in the park that shares its name. This seasonal cascade is at its most dramatic after winter rains when runoff swells the falls, but even in drier months the verdant canyon and spray-dampened rock make for a picturesque stop that’s popular with photographers and casual hikers alike. The hike to the falls is a compact, family-friendly outing — a 0.65-mile out-and-back that gains roughly 100 feet and ends at a viewing area near the base of the cascade. Easy to reach from Solvang, Nojoqui Falls Park offers a lush, short excursion that fits well into a half-day visit to the Santa Barbara County countryside.

The Setting

Nojoqui Falls sits at 1,024 feet in the foothills of California. The falls drop 80 feet.

Height: 80 feet

Trail & Hike Details

0.7 mi distance 100 ft climbed

The Approach

The easy 0.65-mile out-and-back trail gains 100 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

This short, easy out-and-back trail is 0.65 miles total with about 100 feet of elevation gain. The well-maintained path winds through shaded oak and riparian vegetation and is suitable for most visitors, including families with children. The route terminates at a viewing area near the base of the 80-foot seasonal waterfall, which flows strongest after winter rains.

What to Expect

The falls cascade 80 feet. Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Nojoqui Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Nojoqui Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring winter

The best time to visit Nojoqui Falls is in late winter or early spring, after significant rainfall, when the waterfall is at its fullest.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring and Winter.

Safety Information

The trail may be slippery or muddy after rain, so exercise caution. Stay on the designated trail to avoid damaging the environment or risking injury.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Strong

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Santa Ynez River A Solvang Ca, 4.2 miles away, not on Nojoqui Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

19 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Higher than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

Based on 73 years of record

4.38 ft

Water depth at gauge

64°F

Cool

Refreshing for swimming

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

The water is flowing higher than usual for this time of year. Water temperature is a refreshing 64 degrees F, good for a quick swim. Expect adequate dissolved oxygen levels. Mineral content is elevated.

Water Quality

7.0 mg/L

Dissolved Oxygen

Good

Adequate oxygen levels

940 µS/cm

Conductance

Dissolved minerals in the water

About This Gauge

SANTA YNEZ R A SOLVANG CA

USGS 11128500

4.2 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 579 sq mi

Altitude: 358 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge SANTA YNEZ R A SOLVANG CA (7 km away).

High confidence

Strong right now

19 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Strong

19 cfs

10/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

21 cfs

6/10

Thu

Roaring

22 cfs

6/10

Fri

Strong

20 cfs

10/10

Sat

Strong

19 cfs

10/10

Sun

Strong

19 cfs

10/10

Mon

Strong

19 cfs

10/10

Best window: Today — strong flow, partly sunny (trip score 10/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early February to early April, peaking in February.

How we calculate this

This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Solvang hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR

Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.

1-meter lidar shows Nojoqui Falls dropping about 313 feet in a single sheer step. That is more than the listed 80 feet because the gorge keeps dropping below the falls themselves. The brink sits at about 999 feet above sea level.

The ground changes about 157 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 48 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northwest and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Nojoqui Falls near Solvang, California, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Nojoqui Falls near Solvang, California, showing about 313 feet of drop, a single sheer drop, facing northwest

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 999 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 313 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Northwest; Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northwest).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Nojoqui Falls is located in Nojoqui Falls Park, approximately 7 miles southwest of Solvang, California. The park is accessible via Alisal Road, just off Highway 101.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a free parking lot available at Nojoqui Falls Park, located near the trailhead.

Elevation

1,024 feet above sea level

Coordinates

34.528233° N, -120.172338° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Visit after winter rains for the best waterfall flow. Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be muddy after rain. Bring water and snacks, as there are no concessions in the park. Restrooms are available near the parking area.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

For this easy 0.7 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.

Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag

Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.

Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)

Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.

Kahtoola MICROspikes

Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.

JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit

Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Nearby Campground

MT. FIGUEROA CAMPGROUND

17.8 miles away · 34 sites

Reservable

Overview Experience life elevated when you enjoy vistas of wildflowers, star gazing, and summer campouts atop Figueroa Mountain. Lose yourself in a grove of beautiful red manzanita, oaks and pines as Figueroa Campground lifts your spirits and your senses. Take a leisurely walk up the mountain ridge to watch a beautiful sunset or walk the trail around the campground to see the wildlife and all of nature's beauty. During the spring season, the area features an amazing wildflower display. This easil

Book on Recreation.gov