Little Patch of Earth: UCSB Labyrinth Trail

Wednesday, August 4, 2021

UCSB Labyrinth Trail

The labyrinth in the lagoon at UCSB was constructed over 2 months in 2011with decomposed granite and river rocks, but it took 5 years to plan and clear all the hurdles. Campus leaders want to create a space for students to have a "quiet place on campus to be alone just to think and sort things out." Labyrinths have been used in different faith traditions as a form of meditation or prayer. Unlike a maze where there are choices between paths, the labyrinth has one path in and retraces the path back out. Overall, the path and retracing are .6 miles total. (When it reopens, we hope to visit nearby REEF in their visitor hours.)

Why it is a favorite: it is a beautiful location with sea birds flying overhead and the ocean breeze blowing

Stone Labyrinth

Location: Lagoon Island at the UCSB Lagoon

Directions: We have accessed it in two ways: walking from Goleta Beach and from lot 6.
To Goleta Beach, take the 101 to the 217. Exit at Sandspit Rd and turn left. The first right will be Goleta Beach. At the T, turn right and park at the end of the parking lot. Walk on the bike path up toward Campus taking the left hand paths to lead down to Campus Point. At Campus Point, take the path that crosses over the lagoon and head up the steps to Lagoon Island. From there it is a short walk to to the labyrinth. Head toward the right after heading up the hill.

To Campus Point, take the 101 to the 217 to its end. At the roundabout take the second exit to Lagoon Rd. At the sign indicating authorized cars only, turn left into lot 6. Park in a coastal access space and pay the hourly fee (see below). Take the path down to Campus Point. At Campus Point, take the path that crosses over the lagoon and head up the steps to Lagoon Island. From there it is a short walk to to the labyrinth. Head toward the right after heading up the hill.

Path to the Labyrinth

Time Spent: 30 to 90 minutes depending on the path you take to get there.

Cost: Free

Entrance to Labyrinth

Hours: Daytime

Parking: Parking at Goleta Beach is free and plentiful except on very busy summer/weekend days. Lot 6 has coastal access for $3 for 1 hour, $5 for 2 hours , $7 for 3 hours.