Name: Tar Pits Park
Rating: 2

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California

Santa Barbara County

Carpinteria

Tar Pits Park

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Places to see

Natural Monuments

United States

California

Santa Barbara County

Carpinteria

Tar Pits Park

Recommended by 2 hikers

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Location: Carpinteria, Santa Barbara County, California, United States

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Best Hikes to Tar Pits Park

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1. Tar Pits & Carpinteria Bluffs Trail — Carpinteria State Beach

4.39km

01:10

40m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

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2. Rhodes Fleming Coastal Trail – Tar Pits Park loop from Carpinteria

3.67km

01:00

50m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

5.0

(2)

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3. Rhodes Fleming Coastal Trail – Carpinteria State Beach loop from Carpinteria

8.89km

02:20

70m

Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Intermediate

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June 2, 2025

Tar Pits Park features some of the few natural asphalt lakes in the world. These tar pits, formed by ancient petroleum seepage, date back to the Pleistocene epoch and have preserved fossils of prehistoric creatures. Historically, the Chumash people used tar to waterproof their boats and tools. The park has been preserved and restored to its natural state, with a great path that winds throughout the grounds, popular for hiking and biking. There are several picnic tables, plenty of benches with fantastic views, a harbor seal sanctuary, and a lovely stretch of beach. Tar seeps out of the ground along the trail, beach, on the bluffs, and throughout the park and can get on your shoes. It's a good idea to bring footwear that you don't mind getting dirty when you come to explore this beautiful area.

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Elevation 0 m

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Monday 6 October

20°C

14°C

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Max wind speed: 7.0 km/h

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See hikes here

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Location: Carpinteria, Santa Barbara County, California, United States

Tar Pits Park

1. Tar Pits & Carpinteria Bluffs Trail — Carpinteria State Beach

2. Rhodes Fleming Coastal Trail – Tar Pits Park loop from Carpinteria

3. Rhodes Fleming Coastal Trail – Carpinteria State Beach loop from Carpinteria

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