For the best trail views of Santa Barbara and the Pacific Coast, including all eight of the Channel Islands, power 2,000 feet up Romero Canyon on this 9.7-mile figure-eight loop.
Climb steep doubletrack from the Romero Canyon trailhead to a saddle on Camino Cielo. The climb begins steep, but mellows as it winds through the canyon and crosses a couple of creeks; there are plenty of great rest-stop viewpoints as the trail rounds the hills.
At mile 6.7, turn right at a 3-way junction near the water tower on Camino Cielo Road and ride a ridgeline with 360-degree views. Drop onto singletrack in the canyon's upper half for smooth, exposed steeps. The lower half turns technical with babyhead rocks near a creekbed with occasional foot-high drops. To avoid downhill collisions with fellow riders (and hikers), grab a complimentary bike bell at the trailhead
TO TRAILHEAD: US 101 E to exit 92. Cross under US 101; dog-leg right on Jameson Ln.; left on Sheffield Dr. In 1.3 miles, turn left on Foothill Rd. and take the first right on Romero Canyon Rd. In 1.5 miles, turn right on Bella Vista Rd. for 0.3 mile to the trailhead.
Position Format:
Datum:
Tracks
Romero Canyon
Distance: 9.70 mi
Points: 728
Calories: none
Total Time: none
Speed: 0.0 mph
Pace: 0:00 / mi
Active Time: none
Speed: 0.0 mph
Pace: 0:00 / mi
Points of Interest
ROM001
Location: 34.452904, -119.590607
From the Romero Canyon Trailhead, ride northeast on doubletrack under a sycamore-tree canopy. The out-bound ride rises more than 2,000 feet, with a couple of steeps early on, but the wide, old fire road makes for an easier climb. Before you ride: Grab a complimentary cow bell at the trailhead kiosk to help alert other trail users when you're on your way down.
ROM002
Location: 34.456965, -119.592544
Reach a dry creek and bear right, heading steeply uphill through an oak grove.
ROM003
Location: 34.457964, -119.590779
Bear right to cross a small creek and stay on the fire road. On the return trip, this is where the canyon trail emerges from the trees.
ROM004
Location: 34.452820, -119.584387
After switching back several times, this overlook at mile 1.3 offers great views of Channel Islands National Park and the city of Santa Barbara.
ROM005
Location: 34.472325, -119.593394
Just past mile 4 and after about 1,000 feet of climbing, look for the singletrack canyon trail crossing the road. You'll continue uphill on the narrowing doubletrack, but you'll cross the road on the singletrack trail in another 4 miles.
ROM006
Location: 34.463223, -119.601974
The doubletrack gets rougher and narrower as the road continues climbing toward the saddle. If you need to break, hold out for these outer ridgeline corners where you'll have the best ocean views.
ROM007
Location: 34.475784, -119.596299
The saddle at mile 6.7 is 3,000 feet above sea level and is marked by a 3-way junction with Camino Cielo. After admiring the view, turn right to continue climbing the rugged dirt road along the ridge.
ROM008
Location: 34.475509, -119.589030
Just after the high point on the Santa Ynez Ridge (be sure to look left for views of Los Padres National Forest and the Santa Barbara backcountry), turn right onto singletrack that heads into the canyon. This upper stretch of technical singletrack is steep and exposed, but is relatively smooth and without major rock obstacles. You'll drop 300 feet in the next 1.5 miles.
ROM009
Location: 34.472281, -119.593394
After crossing the dirt road, there's a creek crossing with a small waterfall to the right of the trail. From this point, the technical downhill is more difficult as it cruises the rocky creek bottom headed through the oak-shaded canyon.
ROM010
Location: 34.467498, -119.590832
You'll cross the creek and drop over some foot-high rocks as you continue south toward the trailhead. Keep your speed in check; this singletrack trail is also popular for hikers headed uphill.
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