THE HISTORIC BEGINNINGS OF OUR RANCH

Hot Springs Canyon Ranch was first established as a portion of the original Rancho San Marcos founded in 1804 as an outpost for the Santa Barbara Mission. It was later sold as a Mexican Land Grant, One of a small number of historic grants in California. In 1938, Dwight Murphy purchased the property and made it famous because of the hot springs water which he routed to his two cottages and two bath houses. Famous personalities such as Supreme Court Justice Earl Warren frequently visited this popular destination. Murphy, noted for his greatness and humility, contributed much time to rebuilding the City of Santa Barbara after the great earthquake in 1929. Because of his concern for the common good of Santa Barbara, he generously supported the construction of the Tecolote Tunnel which carries the water from Lake Cachuma to Santa Barbara, even though this Tunnel took away the water from the hot springs and turned Hot Spring Canyon into a seasonal creek. 

Dwight Murphy, an excellent horseman, also played an important role in founding the group of riders known as Los Rancheros Visitadores. This dedicated group wanted to commemorate the important role ranching and horsemanship played on the south coast. Hot Springs Canyon Ranch was one of the group's usual stops on their ride to Santa Ynez. The remnants of those encampments, including a picnic area containing a barbeque pit, are still visible at the lower portion of the ranch. Because our ranch played a vital part in Santa Barbara history, we are inspired to carry on this tradition of connection to nature and the community.