About Nojoqui Falls
Nojoqui Falls (pronounced “no-HO-wee” which was said to be a Chumash word meaning “meadow”) is an impressive 80ft moss and fern fringed waterfall that seem to be somewhat common in the Southern California area.
What’s cool about this waterfall is that it seems to grow the rock cliff over where it flows as opposed to eroding it like most waterfalls do.
Therefore, when we saw it close up, we noticed that the bedrock supporting the falls is actually protruding from the rest of the cliff.
According to the signs here at the time, it’s said that this is a consequence of the water from the Nojoqui Falls depositing minerals in much the same way stalactites grow.
That’s because water picked up minerals (mostly calcium carbonate or limestone) as it dripped through the caves or terrain of similar composition, which in turn left deposits to build up on the underlying surface or wall over time.
Our First Nojoqui Falls Experience
On our first visit back in February 2009, Julie and I enjoyed the short 15-minute (about 0.6 miles round trip) walk as it meandered through a very lush and peaceful canyon.
The profile of the terrain was gentle so it really felt more like a stroll than a typical waterfall hike.
Considering that we visited Nojoqui Falls shortly after a clearing rain storm, we also enjoyed seeing water droplets hanging from the foliage all around us.
Furthermore, we breathed in the crisp, cool air, which further added to the pleasant experience.
Now given that the falls was attractive, well signposted, had a short and pleasant walk, and was quite close to the Danish-influenced town of Solvang, we could totally see why this would be a very popular attraction.
That said, we just so happened to show up on a day when most people were at work and there were still a handful of people here.
So imagine just how much busier it would get on the weekends, which we were fortunate to have avoided on this visit!
Even though we managed to see the waterfall in satisfying flow, I have read that it is seasonal.
Therefore, I’d imagine that this waterfall is best seen during the Winter and early Spring months during a year with average or above average Winter precipitation in the Southland.
Nojoqui Falls Since Our First Time
Over the years since our first visit, Nojoqui Falls Park has seen its share of storm damage.
The result of this has been the official closure of the trail though on our recent visit in March 2024, we noticed that the closure signs and barricades didn’t stop people from continuing on at risk.
Basically, the storm damage forced parking to be set further back from the old trailhead, which added about 0.2-mile each way (or 0.4-mile round trip).
Moreover, we noticed that there was a barricade on the bridge nearest to the Nojoqui Falls as well as a downed tree that we had to duck under.
Finally, when we got to the old viewing area, we could see that there had been landslides that pretty much damaged the old viewing area that we onced recognized.
That made the footing rather slippery and uneven, and thus we can understand why the official stance of the authorities here was to close the trail even though it seemed like the weekenders we encountered ignored the warnings.
As for the waterfall itself, given the fact that California got a year’s worth of rain in a span of about a month throughout February and into early March, Nojoqui Falls had impressive flow (the first photo on this page was taken at that time).
We don’t know if the trail will ever officially open again or if there will be other impacts that might force the authorities to take a stronger stance on prohibiting visitation.
But whatever the case, it’s one of those situations where visitors have to be wary of the risks involved should they decide to go all the way to the end of the trail…
Authorities
Nojoqui Falls resides in the Nojoqui Falls Park near Solvang in Santa Barbara County, California. It is administered by the Santa barbara County Parks division. For information or inquiries about the area as well as current conditions, visit their website.
Nojoqui Falls Park can be accessed from the US101 Freeway between Gaviota State Beach and Buellton.
Heading North from Gaviota State Park / Beach
Look for the signed turnoff for Nojoqui Park roughly 6 miles north on the 101 from the turnoff for Gaviota Beach Road (which leads to Gaviota State Park). This turnoff was downhill from the Nojoqui Summit.
This turnoff takes you onto Old Coast Hwy on the right, which you then take for about a mile before turning left onto Alisal Road.
Take Alisal Road for another 0.8-mile before turning right onto the signed turnoff for Nojoqui Falls Park.
Note that the authorities do close the gate to the main parking lots for the park at sunset (we actually saw the gate partially closed on our way out during our March 2024 visit).
Keep in mind that if you’re coming from Santa Barbara, you would have to drive about 40 miles to get here.
Another thing worth noting is that there is also an unsigned turnoff onto the other side of the Old Coast Highway right at the Nojoqui Summit, which would also take you to the Alisal Road (albeit on a more narrow and winding road).
Heading South from Buellton
Coming from the other direction starting in Buellton, drive south for a bout 4.8 miles on the US101 before turning left onto Old Coast Highway.
Be very careful about making left turns here due to how quickly people drive on this stretch of the US101 (especially if you leave the Old Coast Highway to get back on the US101 southbound).
Anyways, then follow Old Coast Highway for about a mile to Alisal Road, and then turn left onto Alisal Road.
Drive another 0.8-mile on Alisal Road before reaching the Nojoqui Falls Park.
By the way, as alluded to earlier, Nojoqui Falls is only a few miles south of Lompoc and the charming Danish town of Solvang so there’s really no excuse not to check out the falls while you’re in the area!
From a geographical context, Santa Barbara was 100 miles (over 2 hours drive with moderate traffic) from downtown Los Angeles. Without traffic, this drive could easily be accomplished in about 90 minutes.
Find A Place To Stay
Nearly 360 degree sweep showing the unstable cliff context at the end of the trail with lots of people even closer to the base of the falls as of March 2024
Downstream to upstream sweep of the falls from right at its misty base as seen in March 2024
Another downstream to upstream sweep of the falls also with some unstable cliff context before panning along the falls plus some banter during our March 2024 visit
Sweep from bottom to top of the waterfall as seen in February 2009. Notice the texture of the protruding rock and the surrounding ferns and moss.
Related Trip Reports
Related Top 10 Lists
No Posts Found
Related Itineraries
Trip Planning Resources
Nearby Accommodations
Featured Images and Nearby Attractions
Visitor Comments:
Got something you'd like to share or say to keep the conversation going? Feel free to leave a comment below...
Quite a Hike! (Nojoqui Falls) August 18, 2011 11:40 pm - We arrived at the park that is near these falls and were told that there is a ten minute walk. But it's a ten minute walk FROM the ENTRANCE. Actually one could drive up to where the camping areas are and find it quicker. We arrived when the sun was setting. The park closes at… ...Read MoreVisitor Reviews of this Waterfall:
If you have a waterfall story or write-up that you'd like to share, feel free to click the button below and fill out the form...Nearest Waterfalls
