The best cycling routes in the Sierra Madre Mountains
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Touring cycling in the Sierra Madre Mountains, specifically in this part of Santa Barbara County, offers a range of routes across varied terrain. The landscape features river levee trails, ranch lands, and vineyard areas, providing diverse scenery for cyclists. Routes include both relatively flat paths and those with significant elevation changes, catering to different skill levels.
Best touring cycling routes in the Sierra Madre Mountains
- The most popular touring cycling route is Riverbench Vineyard & Winery β Foxen Vineyard &β¦
Last updated: May 2, 2026
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Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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34.3km
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220m
220m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Sierra Madre Mountains
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This trail is a mixture of paved and gravel and follows the south bank of the Santa Maria River. It's perfect for a traffic free cycle with panoramic views of surrounding hills and empty countryside.
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William Benjamin Foxen was a pioneer of Santa Barbara County during the 1800s. Foxen was born in Norwich County, Norfolk, England in 1796 and passed away in Santa Barbara during 1874. Foxen and his wife later on purchased the 8,875 acre Mexican-land grant known as βRancho Tinaquaicβ, which is now known as present-day Foxen Canyon Rd, stretches from the outskirts of Santa Maria to Los Olivos. Foxen had built a home from adobe, where his family of 12 children once resided. The San Ramon Chapel, which is just down the street from the old adobe vineyard, is where Foxen has been laid to rest.
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Average wine tasting in manicured grounds. http://www.riverbench.com
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Established in 1973, Zaca Mesa is a family-owned and operated winery. As the first vineyard to plant Syrah in the area in 1978, Zaca Mesa has since helped pioneer the Santa Barbara RhΓ΄ne movement through a dedication to Syrah and Viognier. Combining traditional Old World Winemaking practices with innovative farming and vineyard techniques for California RhΓ΄ne-style wines. Live music Sundays, food trucks, winery dinners. http://www.zacamesa.com/
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Access to Rancho Sisquoc Winery is past an interesting historic cemetery with a chapel dedicated to San Ramon
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Bull Canyon is a nice short ride. Uphill downhill round trip.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of terrain can I expect when touring cycling in the Sierra Madre Mountains?
The Sierra Madre Mountains in Santa Barbara County offer a diverse cycling experience. You'll find river levee trails, open ranch lands, and scenic vineyard areas. Routes vary from mostly flat paths to those with significant elevation changes, providing a mix of challenges and views.
Are there any easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or a relaxed ride?
Yes, for an easier ride, consider the Santa Maria River Levee Trail β Santa Maria River Trail loop from Hidden Pines Way at Preisker Park. This 17.0-mile (27.4 km) path follows river levees and is mostly flat, making it accessible for all skill levels.
What are the options for more challenging touring cycling routes in the Sierra Madre Mountains?
For a more challenging experience, the Riverbench Vineyard & Winery β Foxen Vineyard & Winery loop from Santa Barbara County Fire Department Station #23 is a difficult 35.8-mile (57.7 km) route. It navigates through vineyard landscapes and includes notable elevation gains, offering a demanding ride.
Can I find touring cycling routes that pass through vineyard areas?
Absolutely. The region is known for its vineyards. A prominent route that takes you through these landscapes is the Riverbench Vineyard & Winery β Foxen Vineyard & Winery loop from Santa Barbara County Fire Department Station #23, offering picturesque views of the wine country.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes available?
Yes, several routes are designed as loops. For example, the Los Flores Ranch Park β Telephone Road loop from Miller at East Inger (Inbound) is a moderate 27.3-mile (44.0 km) trail that takes you through ranch park areas in a circular fashion.
What kind of scenery can I expect on the touring cycling routes?
The Sierra Madre Mountains in Santa Barbara County offer varied scenery, including tranquil river levee trails, expansive ranch lands, and beautiful vineyard vistas. The diverse ecosystems provide constantly changing backdrops for your ride.
How many touring cycling routes are available in the Sierra Madre Mountains on komoot?
There are 4 touring cycling routes available in the Sierra Madre Mountains on komoot, catering to various difficulty levels from easy to difficult.
Are there any routes that go through ranch lands?
Yes, you can explore ranch lands on routes like the Los Flores Ranch Park β Telephone Road loop from Miller at East Inger (Inbound). This moderate 27.3-mile (44.0 km) trail offers a great way to experience the region's ranch landscapes.
What is a moderate touring cycling route in the Sierra Madre Mountains?
A good moderate option is the Telephone Road loop from Miller at East Inger (Inbound). This 21.2-mile (34.1 km) route features a manageable elevation gain of around 219 meters, making it suitable for cyclists looking for a balanced challenge.
What is the typical duration for a touring cycling route in this area?
Route durations vary depending on distance and difficulty. For instance, the easy Santa Maria River Levee Trail β Santa Maria River Trail loop typically takes about 1 hour 35 minutes, while the more difficult Riverbench Vineyard & Winery β Foxen Vineyard & Winery loop can take around 3 hours 36 minutes.
Are there any specific features like tunnels or bridges on these touring cycling routes?
While the broader Sierra Madre region (like in Mexico) is known for impressive engineering marvels such as numerous tunnels and bridges, the touring cycling routes specifically highlighted in Santa Barbara County focus more on natural landscapes like river levees, ranch lands, and vineyards.
What makes the Sierra Madre Mountains a good destination for touring cyclists?
The Sierra Madre Mountains in Santa Barbara County offer a compelling destination due to their varied terrain, including river levee trails, ranch lands, and vineyard areas. The network of routes caters to different ability levels, from easy, mostly flat paths to more challenging loops with significant climbs, ensuring a diverse and engaging riding experience.
Most popular routes in the Sierra Madre Mountains
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