Canyon History

Legends of El Capitan Canyon (Ajuilashmu)

El Capitan Canyon offers a rich history of hospitality. From the Canyon’s beginnings as an ancient Chumash tribal celebration site, continuing into the 19th century Mexican adobes and eventually to the cabins and campfires of today’s comfortable lodgings. Magnificent groves of sycamore and oak stand at the entrance just as they did in prehistoric times, guarding the Canyons pristine legacy.

More than 8,000 years ago, the first inhabitants were undoubtedly impressed by the fertile foothills to the north and the creek coursing through the Canyon and into the great ocean to the south. Along the creek, the ancient Chumash peoples built their hut villages and devoted themselves to harvesting the bounty of the sea. Chumash legend calls the area Ajuilashmu (Ah-wah-whi-lac-mu); the dancing place of celebration. Adjoining the creek, a long trail leads to a sacred place called Senoq (associated in Chumash myth with fire) and an ancient burial ground. A historical site at which the remains of a medicine man buried with his “panpipes” (whistles) was discovered. Tribal elders still revere this site and hold rituals and blessings here; continuing the Chumash’s deep honor of the land, water, and sky.

In 1542, the area was “discovered” and claimed for Spain by explorer Juan Rodriquez Cabrillo. Spanish soldiers established the Presidio (fortress) in Santa Barbara in 1782 and Ajuilashmu became noted on the charts as “El Capitan”. Legend has it named for Capitan Don Jose Francisco de Ortega, one of the founders of the Presidio, who came ashore and was greeted by Chumash leaders.

The modern-day El Capitan Canyon Resort began in 1970 as a rustic private campground situated 17 miles west of Santa Barbara on a 300-acre site directly across from El Capitan State Beach. In 2000, new local owners completely transformed El Capitan Canyon into a refined rural retreat for the 21st century. On Saturday evenings in the summer, guests gather around the main campfire to savor a delicious dinner and enjoy the area’s best local musicians. Under the stars, the sounds of celebration echo through El Capitan Canyon, a timeless scene reminiscent of the ancient Chumash village of Ajuilashmu.

Environment & Philosophy

Canyon Environment & Philosophy Programs

Environmental consciousness is of the utmost importance at El Capitan Canyon. The watershed specific, “Native Vegetation Enhancement Project” creates or reestablishes the riparian buffer zone with native plant biodiversity. At our onsite nursery, plants are grown from hand collected seeds, cuttings and transplanted propagates of local canyon stock.

“Canyon Poolside Renewable Energy Project”:

Solar heating swimming pool systems are one of the most economical forms of solar energy available today. El Capitan Canyon will cut its heating expense by an estimated 75% using free and renewable energy from the sun, making this a wise choice for our environment. Even in warm southern climates, water temperature in an unheated pool can drop to a chilly 55 degrees Fahrenheit during winter months. Solar pool heating can produce comfortable water temperature and lengthen the swimming season. Solar heated pool systems produce clean, non-polluting energy. It is safe for our environment, safe for plants and animals and safe for all of us.

“Urban Timber Salvage and Recycle Program” saves trees that could end up as firewood or in a chip yard. When winter storms or old age brings an end to local or exotic flora, the fallen trees are transported to the El Capitan Canyon Workshop. There they take the shape of beautiful handmade picnic tables, post and rail, stairs, hand rails, signs and even the interior design of the Canyon Market and Deli adding to the unique comfortable campground charm.

“Collective Cooperation Water Conservation” encourages El Capitan Canyon guests to participate or to become conscious of water saving techniques:

– Towel & linen wash, at a request or every other day
– Limit the use of Jacuzzi tub and shower per day
– The use of drought tolerant native plants to beautify the landscape
“Car Free Canyon” is a low impact environment enhancement program to encourage safety for pedestrians, wildlife, reduce noise and air pollution. El Capitan Canyon offers complimentary bicycles for quick transportation throughout the canyon.

Thank you for assisting us in creating an eco-friendly travel experience!

Careers & Openings

El Capitan Canyon

El Capitan Canyon is a unique resort located 15 miles north of Santa Barbara. El Capitan offers a resort camping experience like no other with our own style of cedar cabins, safari tents, and yurts that cater to the comforts of a hotel but showcase the serenity of the Gaviota Coast.

El Capitan Canyon is also a unique, exciting, and beautiful place to work! El Capitan has a variety of open positions from entry level to experienced candidates, each position offering its own set of skills, experience, challenges, and benefits.

If you love the outdoors and want to gain or grow hospitality experience, please review all of our current open positions and submit an application to join the El Cap team!