Nojoqui Falls

Solvang, California, USA

About Nojoqui Falls

For Subscribers Only. See Membership Options.

Waterfall Safety and Common Sense

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.

Nojoqui_Falls_055_03102024 - Looking up from the bottom of Nojoqui Falls when we came back 15 years after our first visit in February 2009
Looking up from the bottom of Nojoqui Falls when we came back 15 years after our first visit in February 2009

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.

Nojoqui_Falls_056_02132009 - Looking up towards the top of Nojoqui Falls, where you might notice the protrusions from the cliff suggesting that the water's flow deposited limestone and grew the cliffs outward as a result
Looking up towards the top of Nojoqui Falls, where you might notice the protrusions from the cliff suggesting that the water’s flow deposited limestone and grew the cliffs outward as a result

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.

Nojoqui_Falls_034_02132009 - Julie standing before the bottom of Nojoqui Falls for a sense of scale
Julie standing before the bottom of Nojoqui Falls for a sense of scale

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

Nojoqui_Falls_002_iPhone_03102024 - The Nojoqui Falls Trail still officially closed during our March 2024 visit, but just about every visitor got past the initial barricade to go on the Nojoqui Falls Trail
The Nojoqui Falls Trail still officially closed during our March 2024 visit, but just about every visitor got past the initial barricade to go on the Nojoqui Falls Trail

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.

Nojoqui_Falls_025_03102024 - The barricade atop the last bridge on the Nojoqui Falls Trail was still there during our March 2024 visit, but it didn't stop a lot of weekenders from continuing on
The barricade atop the last bridge on the Nojoqui Falls Trail was still there during our March 2024 visit, but it didn’t stop a lot of weekenders from continuing on

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.

Nojoqui_Falls_102_03102024 - Nojoqui Falls looking very full on our March 2024 visit, but notice the landslide damage below, which I'd imagine was the main reason why they officially closed this trail for many years
Nojoqui Falls looking very full on our March 2024 visit, but notice the landslide damage below, which I’d imagine was the main reason why they officially closed this trail for many years

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.

Maps and Routing Content are for annual subscribers. See Membership Options.
Content is for subscribers. See Membership Options.
Tagged with: solvang, gaviota, santa barbara, southern california, california, waterfall, nojoqui, buellton



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 by James Mourgos - 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 More

Share your thoughts about what you've read on this page

You must be logged in to submit content. Refresh this page after you have logged in.

Visitor 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...

Nojoqui Falls Is Just Beautiful! March 20, 2011 3:50 am by Delia - I've been living in Santa Barbara for 3 1/2 years. A photographer friend of mine invited me to go with her to Nojoqui Falls one afternoon, so off we went! It was a beautiful day; not too hot. The hike to the waterfall is very easy and not too long. The base of the falls… ...Read More

Have you been to a waterfall? Submit a write-up/review and share your experiences or impressions

Review A Waterfall

Nearest Waterfalls



How To Build A Profitable Travel Blog In 4 Steps

Johnny Cheng

About Johnny Cheng

Johnny Cheng is the founder of the World of Waterfalls and author of the award-winning A Guide to New Zealand Waterfalls. Over the last 2 decades, he has visited thousands of waterfalls in over 40 countries around the world and nearly 40 states in the USA.
Read More About Johnny | A Guide to New Zealand Waterfalls.