Gaviota Peak is a coastal summit in the Santa Ynez Mountains of Santa Barbara County, rising near the Gaviota area between Santa Barbara and Point Conception. Closely tied to the steep Gaviota Grade, it stands above one of the most demanding stretches of U.S. Route 101 in Southern California. A trail to the top follows Gaviota Peak Fire Road from Gaviota State Park into Los Padres National Forest, passing Gaviota Hot Springs and offering broad views of the mountains, Lompoc Valley, Pacific Ocean, and Channel Islands. Its position near major highways, protected lands, and the coast makes it a prominent western Santa Barbara landmark.