This classic mountain challenge loop rises nearly 4500' above the Santa Ynez Valley. Climb up the east side of Figueroa Mountain on Happy Valley and Figueroa Mountain roads with spectacular views. This grueling climb has very little relief with steep grades of 10-13% and pitches maxing out at 18-20% grades! There is a mile long packed dirt section and a couple of creek crossings. The long descent into Los Olivos is followed by a short climb up Ballard Canyon.
This classic mountain challenge loop rises nearly 4500' above the Santa Ynez Valley. Climb up the east side of Figueroa Mountain on Happy Valley and Figueroa Mountain roads with spectacular views. This grueling climb has very little relief with steep grades of 10-13% and pitches maxing out at 18-20% grades! There is a mile long packed dirt section and a couple of creek crossings. The long descent into Los Olivos is followed by a short climb up Ballard Canyon.
This classic mountain challenge loop rises nearly 4500' above the Santa Ynez Valley. Climb up the east side of Figueroa Mountain on Happy Valley and Figueroa Mountain roads with spectacular views. This grueling climb has very little relief with steep grades of 10-13% and pitches maxing out at 18-20% grades! There is a mile long packed dirt section and a couple of creek crossings. The long descent into Los Olivos is followed by a short climb up Ballard Canyon.
53 Miles with ~5304 of elevation gain Start Location > Flying Flags RV Resort at 180 Avenue of Flags, Buellton, CA Mile Turn Direction Next Turn Exit Flying Flags RV Resort 0.0 R Avenue of Flags 0.2 0.2 R CA-246 E / Mission Dr 8.5 8.7 X Hwy 154 to Armour Ranch Rd 0.1 8.8 S Armour Ranch Rd 1.5 10.3 L Happy Canyon Rd 7.3 17.6 S Begin steep climb-10-14% grades 2.2 19.8 S Begin packed dirt section 1.0 20.8 S Continue on Happy Canyon Rd 1.3 22.1 S Begin steep climb 9-11% grades 2.0 24.1 Happy Canyon summit at Cachuma Saddle 24.1 L Figueroa Mountain Rd-continue 3.4 climbing-average grade 7.5% 27.5 Figueroa Mountain summit 27.5 Descend Figueroa Mountain Rd 4.4 31.9 L Figueroa Ranger Station- EMERGENCY WATER SUPPLY Continue on Figueroa Mountain 11.9 Rd 43.8 R CA-154 W/San Marcos Pass Rd 0.5 44.3 L Foxen Canyon Rd 44.3 R Ballard Canyon Rd 0.6 44.9 S Ballard Canyon summit 4.6 49.5 R Ballard Canyon Rd 2.0 51.5 R CA-246 W 1.0 52.5 L Avenue of Flags 0.1 52.6 L Shadow St 0.1 52.7 Flying Flags RV Resort-FINISH!
This is a challenging REMOTE ride with NO SERVICES
after leaving Solvang. Plan accordingly-bring plenty of food, snacks and water.