Mission Canyon, California

Mission Canyon is a census-designated place and an unincorporated suburb of Santa Barbara, California, in Santa Barbara County, United States. The population was 2,381 at the 2010 census, down from 2,610 at the 2000 census.Mission Canyon is directly north — on the mountain side — of the city of Santa Barbara, and derives its name from the Mission Santa Barbara which is built between Mission Canyon and the center of the city. The canyon itself is one of the most dramatic in the Santa Ynez Mountains, with the locally highest peak (La Cumbre Peak, 3985') at the top of the watershed, and rugged sandstone formations, partially covered with chaparral, on both sides of the creek.State Route 192 (Foothill Road) bisects the southern portion of the area, running from east to west, and Mission Canyon Road passes through the area from north to south. Another major north-south artery is Tunnel Road, which leads to the trailhead for several popular hiking trails that start at the northern extremity of the urbanized area; these trails lead up into the mountains.The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is located in Mission Canyon.GeographyThe approximate center of Mission Canyon is located at .According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 1.5sqmi, of which 1.5sqmi are land and 0.03sqmi is water.