Route 154--San Marcos Pass Road Overview

The San Marcos Pass Road, Route 154, gracefully works its way from near the dreamy Santa Barbara coastline, over the Santa Ynez Mountains, and on to Highway 101, 35 miles inland. The route takes the traveler through part of the Los Padres National Forest, past beautiful Lake Cachuma, and on to colorful, historic valley towns.

Solvang (CA) [1]

It is a gently curving two-lane highway that passes through four separate scenic environments. The first is only three miles long and features the gentle slopes, twisting canyons, grasslands and live oak trees typical of much of the state's cattle ranching areas. The second segment, seven miles in length, passes through small farms and orchards that border the Santa Ynez River in its valley setting. Views of foothills, mountains and Lake Cachuma dominate the 14-mile third section. The final eight miles of highway are downhill and from there, travelers are afforded views of the Pacific Ocean, coastal communities, and the Channel Islands.

The areas on both sides of the pass offer exceptional climates with pleasant, warm temperatures. The northern end of the byway offers unique towns and quality vineyards, while the other end offers Santa Barbara and its great surrounding beaches. The byway is also significant as one of only three routes over the Santa Ynez Mountains from the Santa Barbara County's coastline.