Romero Canyon Road

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If you don't mind the longer approach, this old road is a much gentler alternative to reach the top of the Santa Ynez Mountain Ridge compared to the Romero Canyon Trail. The gradient is very low throughout most of the way which also makes it popular with cyclists. The first 2.4 miles are a wide doubletrack, but afterwards this old road is mostly singletrack until it reaches East Camino Cielo Road.

The first few hundred yards are actually the steepest section on the entire road. Cross Romero Creek and reach the junction with the Buena Vista Catway after a third of a mile. Continue right following the road and reach the Romero Canyon Trail at 0.5 miles. Instead of following this steep trail, stay right on the gentle ascent. As you make your way up, the views start to get better. Cross a few usually dry side creeks of Romero Creek and reach another junction with Romero Canyon Trail at 4.1 miles. Continue straight ahead to follow the contour line of the mountains. Views of the entire coastal area are particularly impressive around 5.5 miles. The trail then bends north again for the last mile. Reach East Camino Cielo Road at 7 miles.