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.

Live Conditions · 18 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 Mar 2026

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

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 1 hour ago Moderate

18 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 72 years of record

4.37 ft

Water depth at gauge

73°F

Comfortable

Pleasant 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. The water is a comfortable 73 degrees F, pleasant for swimming. Expect adequate dissolved oxygen levels. Mineral content is elevated.

Water Quality

6.4 mg/L

Dissolved Oxygen

Good

Adequate oxygen levels

935 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

Moderate right now

18 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Moderate

18 cfs

9/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

3 cfs

8/10

Sat

Moderate

1 cfs

9/10

Sun

Moderate

18 cfs

9/10

Mon

Moderate

18 cfs

9/10

Tue

Moderate

18 cfs

9/10

Wed

Moderate

1 cfs

9/10

Best window: Today — moderate flow, partly sunny (trip score 9/10).

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

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.

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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

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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

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