23.9
PDI
10 mi
DISTANCE
3,777 ft
GAINED
7.1 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
INTRO
Refugio Road climbs 10.0 miles (16.1 km) into the Santa Ynez Mountains west of Santa Barbara, gaining 3,777 ft (1,151 m) at a 7.1% average grade (7.5% climb only) from 408 ft (124 m) to 4,142 ft (1,262 m). It is a US Top 100 climb and one of Santa Barbara's top three bike climbs, and it is the road that once served as Ronald Reagan's driveway to Rancho del Cielo. The ranch is private, but the road to it is nearly private too: riders consistently report almost no traffic.
Our route begins 2.7 miles up the road, past avocado and lemon orchards, and the first stretch is the hardest. The first 5.2 miles (8.4 km) to Refugio Pass gain 2,194 ft (669 m) at 8.0%, with a couple of pitches above 11%, under a tunnel of trees and across creek crossings that can be wet after rain. Past the pass the road narrows to a single lane that hugs the cliffside, the second half is exposed, and a double-digit ramp waits near the end where the pavement dead-ends at a cell tower facility. The 2021 Alisal Fire burned through this country, so the upper miles are more open than they once were, though riders report the road itself was not affected.
The climb from the Santa Ynez Valley side is covered on our Refugio Road South page, where the second half is dirt and gravel up to Refugio Pass.
"Refugio Road is a stunning climb into the coast mountains west of Santa Barbara. A very narrow, twisty and variable grade road takes you up the hill, often under a tunnel of trees near the bottom. A steep switchback to the left...several miles in will get your attention as the trees begin to thin. Continuing over a variable grade, at mile 5.2 you reach a junction. From here (turn right...) the road is a true single lane and hugs the cliffside in places. Continuing over a narrow road and a variable grade, the route is exposed for the majority of the 2nd half of the ascent. The steepest climbing is at the very end as there is a double digit grade ramp just before the road dead ends at a cell tower facility." (Quote presented with the approval of John Summerson from The Complete Guide to Climbing (by Bike) in California, pg. 182.)
PLAN YOUR ROUTE
We've partnered with Sherpa-Map.com to bring you the best route planning tool. With a PRO Membership you can use this climb as a reference when creating your route. Average grade is 7.1% (7.5% climb only) over 10.0 miles (16.1 km). 54% of the climb is at 5-10% and 19% is at 10-15%. The climb is front-loaded: the first 5.2 miles (8.4 km) to Refugio Pass gain 2,194 ft (669 m) at 8.0%, and the stretches from mile 0.6 to 1.2 and from mile 1.9 to 2.5 each average more than 11%. The grade eases to 3.4% between miles 3.7 and 4.4, and the road is slightly downhill between miles 7.5 and 8.1. The last 1.3 miles (2.1 km) then average 9.4%, topped by a double-digit ramp at the very end.
The steepest 100 yards (91 m) average 15.5%, the steepest quarter-mile (0.4 km) 12.6%, the steepest half-mile (0.8 km) 11.5%, the steepest mile (1.6 km) 11.1%, the steepest 2.5 miles (4.0 km) 10.3% and the steepest 5 miles (8.0 km) 8.2%.
Roadway: Paved the entire way but narrow, twisty and rough in many sections, with a single lane in places, cattle grids, and creek crossings that can be wet after rain. Riders consistently describe the pavement as bumpy in places and the descent as slow and rough, with tight turns that keep you from building speed. Refugio Road is not a through route for cars, and the dirt continuation toward the Santa Ynez Valley is signed closed. At the bottom, Caltrans is replacing the US 101 bridges over Refugio Road, with construction currently planned through summer 2028, so expect construction traffic if you approach from the freeway, and check Caltrans QuickMap for closures and bicycle detours.
Traffic: Minimal. Riders consistently report virtually no traffic.
Parking: The road is narrow from beginning to end, but there are some spots to pull over and park your vehicle - one such spot is at the start of the climb - Map; Street View. If you would rather add the first 2.7 miles (4.3 km), Refugio State Beach is 0.3 miles from the US 101 exit; check parks.ca.gov for parking fees and hours.
Provisions: There are no provisions on this route. Refugio State Beach has a small general store and snack bar near the shoreline, and the closest full services are back toward Goleta along US 101 (map).
Gear: Santa Barbara has a mild climate, but the upper half of the road is exposed with little shade, and riders report a cold, rough descent, so bring a wind layer. Creek crossings can soak your shoes after rain, and wider, more comfortable tires help on the rough pavement.
Before heading out on any cycling adventure check out our Things to Bring on a Cycling Trip and use our interactive check list to ensure you don't forget anything.
We have enjoyed riding the climbs out of Solvang and Santa Barbara when we have travelled to this area for cycling trips. Solvang is a very cool Danish town in the area to visit. There are vacation rental options in the area.
Closer to the climb, the Circle Bar B Guest Ranch on Refugio Road offers lodging and guided horseback rides, and Refugio State Beach has a campground with 66 sites by the ocean. Rancho del Cielo is open only for Young America's Foundation conferences and private tours, but the Reagan Ranch Center in downtown Santa Barbara is open to the public.
See the “Routes in Area” button in the menu above to see what other climbs are in the area.
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bjosloff
If there has been rain, your'e feet are gonna get wet on some of the bridge crossings. This climb is fantastic and feels so remote with unique views compared to Gibraltar and Painted Cave. The descent is not fun however as the pavement quality and nature of the turns keeps you from building up speed as you can on Gibraltar for example. Also, If you continue past the observatory for just a quarter a mile on the dirt you can get a great view of Lake Cachuma. Worth doing at least once.
Ian.O
Tough climb with a great sense of adventure. Continue on to West Camino Cielo for the best views. It was recently burned by the Alisal fire so it's not as lush as it once was but the road itself was not affected and it's still amazing. The descent is very rough due to the pavement quality and cattle grids-one of those where you thank the heavens it's over rather than enjoying the thrill of the downhill
grock333
FYI, Just rode this climb again 3/24/25 and the roughest parts have been repaved. I find this to be the toughest climb in Santa Barbara area, Very tough first few miles which saps the legs. Stay away from this one on a hot day. Road is pretty bumpy in some places and fine in others, Water crossings can be tricky if raining. Views of ocean and back country are well worth it. Virtually no traffic.
joelmblatt
It was freezing on descent, but that is typical for Santa Barbara climbs. Great climb!
jsummers
A big climb, Refugio Road is a classic ascent. Don't let the usually poor pavement discourage you, I think this only adds to its charm. It contains steep grades, tight turns and little traffic along its route along with big views closer to the summit. A must do hill.
