Manzana Creek Text

Manzana Creek

A double or triple-spout waterfall depending on how much rain has fallen on San Rafael Mountain. Manzana Narrows is somewhere between a pool and a tub. The western flow of Manzana Creek means great afternoon light. It’s not much more than six feet deep. Not a lot of seating available either and that means this is definitely not a place that could absorb lots of visitors. But with the trail camp on a bench above the hole, there’s plenty of room to spread out your stuff. The waterfall, about six feet high, is engaging enough and there’s plenty of foliage that creates a nice ceiling.
The San Rafael’s most famous claim is being the first official wilderness. The Wilderness Act of 1964 converted several places like the San Rafael from federally designated “primitive areas” to federally designated wilderness areas. It took a few years to apply the regulations, but in 1968 the San Rafael earned the distinction.
It’s a longish day trip, around seven miles one way. The trail is in good enough shape that you can use trail runners to cover ground quickly. The canyon is relatively straight and wide for the Santa Barbara backcountry. Big views at several points as the trail climbs up on the valley’s shoulders before plunging back into the alluvium.