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The walls of this small cave carved by the wind from towering sandstone boulders contain some of the finest remaining rock art created by Chumash Native Americans. A steep uneven path leads to the cave entrance, which is protected by heavy iron grillwork. Anthropologists estimate that the paintings date to the 1600's and earlier. The meaning of these enigmatic images has been lost.
Getting There
The site is three miles south of San Marcos Pass. Take Highway 154 from Santa Barbara and turn right on Painted Cave Road. The cave is located on the left about two miles up a steep, narrow road. Parking is limited to two or three cars. RVs and trailers should not attempt the road.
Further information about Chumash Painted Cave SHP can be obtained by contacting La Purisima Mission State Historic Park at 805-733-3713
The site is three miles south of San Marcos Pass. Take Highway 154 from Santa Barbara and turn right on Painted Cave Road. The cave is located on the left about two miles up a steep, narrow road. Parking is limited to two or three cars. RVs and trailers should not attempt the road.
Further information about Chumash Painted Cave SHP can be obtained by contacting La Purisima Mission State Historic Park at 805-733-3713
Climate/Recommended Clothing
The narrow canyon where the cave is located can be cool, even in summer. Layered clothing is best.
The narrow canyon where the cave is located can be cool, even in summer. Layered clothing is best.
Operating Hours & Contact
The park is open from dawn until dusk. Please contact La Purisima Mission State Historic Park for more information.
Telephone: 805-733-3713
The park is open from dawn until dusk. Please contact La Purisima Mission State Historic Park for more information.
Telephone: 805-733-3713
Accessible Features
This is an undeveloped park with no amenities. A steep uneven trail leads to the sandstone entry of the gated cave entrance. An alternate opportunity to experience and learn about Chumash Painted Cave is provided in a captioned video tour of the Cave and its rock art. This interpretive video can be viewed upon request at the Visitor Centers at La Purisima Mission State Historic Park or at El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park.
Disclaimer
We are working to improve accessibility throughout our parks but we regret that there are currently no (wheelchair) accessible activities at this park. This may be an undeveloped park, or there may be terrain, historic or resource protection issues or other limiting factors. However, there may be some wheelchair accessible features, such as parking areas, restrooms, and routes of travel, that meet some of the current accessibility guidelines. Call the park or email us at access@parks.ca.gov for details.
Be the first to add a trip in this destination!This is an undeveloped park with no amenities. A steep uneven trail leads to the sandstone entry of the gated cave entrance. An alternate opportunity to experience and learn about Chumash Painted Cave is provided in a captioned video tour of the Cave and its rock art. This interpretive video can be viewed upon request at the Visitor Centers at La Purisima Mission State Historic Park or at El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park.
Disclaimer
We are working to improve accessibility throughout our parks but we regret that there are currently no (wheelchair) accessible activities at this park. This may be an undeveloped park, or there may be terrain, historic or resource protection issues or other limiting factors. However, there may be some wheelchair accessible features, such as parking areas, restrooms, and routes of travel, that meet some of the current accessibility guidelines. Call the park or email us at access@parks.ca.gov for details.
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