Santa Barbara's Refugio Ridgeline

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Goleta, CA, US

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Route Overview

cycleCalCoast

We're promoting bicycle tourism along the Central California Coast

55 mi.

6,050 ft.

Into biking and horseback riding? Try this awesome, car-free, 2-day itinerary that offers a mix of road surfaces, from highway shoulder to rough W. Camino Cielo. Begin at the Goleta AMTRAK Station, end at the Santa Barbara AMTRAK Station.

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Route Details

Looking for a robust riding weekend getaway? This adventurous 2-day route qualifies; it offers a gradual climb to a remote ridgeline route with forever views high above the Santa Barbara coast.

## A car-free itinerary
Leave the car behind and hop on the [Pacific Surfliner](http://www.pacificsurfliner.com/) in San Diego, Irvine, Anaheim, or Los Angeles – your bike rides free. This car-free itinerary starts from the [Goleta AMTRAK Station](https://www.amtrak.com/stations/gta.html).

## Hug the shoulder
You start this route by leaving Goleta to the west @slice[along Hollister Ave](d,911.74,6615.63), soon you enter the 101 Fwy northbound, where you'll hug the shoulder for @slice[7 flat miles](d,7064.22,18634.06), where headwinds aren't uncommon, to your first night's stay.

## Choice accommodations
As you approach @poi[El Capitan State Beach](6255378) you'll breathe a sigh of relief as your highway riding segment concludes. Next you'll be choosing from some very compelling lodging options.

Both @poi[El Capitan](6255378) and @poi[Refugio State Beach](6255379) offer camping along the coast. But if roughing it isn't part of your weekend fantasy then @slice[head north on Refugio Road](d,22781.48,28044.15) to the @poi[Circle Bar B Ranch](6255380), advance reservations are a must. You'll enjoy a hearty dinner in a magical setting; in the morning take time for a horseback ride.

## Refugio Pass
As Day 2 begins you'll power your way up to @photo[Refugio Pass](3447208). The @slice[climb is gradual](d,27825.2,34048.05); at the pass you'll turn onto W. Camino Cielo for more climbing, which @slice[follows the ridgeline for the next 18 miles](d,34092.53,65669.77). Pack extra water and snacks for this route finale – there are no services until Santa Barbara.

As you approach the final segment you'll enter @slice[the busy Highway 154, but you'll soon exit onto N. San Marcos Road](d,65004.23,67891.55) for a quick return to Santa Barbara.

## Winding down, amenities abound
Santa Barbara offers the complete spectrum of fine restaurants and lodging. For something classy and cool, consider the charming @poi[Upham Hotel](6255731). Something sublime? Go for the forever views from the @poi[Belmond El Encanto](6255732), or hang out at the beach at the @poi[Hotel Milo](6255733).

You'll have a big appetite, so cruise State Street for its abundant restaurant options; explore the small plates at @poi[Smithy](6255735), or the, "every night is a party night," at the @poi[Palace Grill](6255819).

Hop back on the train at the @point[Santa Barbara AMTRAK Station](d,88237.2) for your car-free, congestion-free, return trip home.

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Santa Barbara's Refugio Ridgeline

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Route Details

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