Drives California The Central Coast
Figueroa Mountain Road
Figueroa Mountain Road · Los Olivos → Cachuma Saddle
The drive
Figueroa Mountain Road starts in wine country and ends in the mountains. Where Grand Avenue crosses Highway 154 in Los Olivos, it heads north-east across open ranch land and oak savanna, then climbs into Los Padres National Forest on a steep run of tight bends up the flanks of Figueroa Mountain.
In spring this is one of the Central Coast's best-known wildflower drives. The Forest Service says the bloom usually runs from February through April, with sky lupine, California poppies and goldfields across the open grassland and later blooms on the higher slopes; at the peak, acres of golden poppies and purple lupine cover the hillsides. Near the top the road narrows, passes Ranger Peak and the turnoff to Figueroa Lookout, and ends at Cachuma Saddle.
It's driven uphill from Los Olivos, toward the views. Cachuma Saddle is the turnaround; come back down the way you came.
Along the way
- Los Olivos (Highway 154)
- Ranger Peak
- Cachuma Saddle
Good to know
- The upper road is narrow: drive slowly, and park only where all four tires are off the pavement; much of the top is signed No Parking in bloom season.
- Wildflower weekends draw big crowds, and the CHP has closed the road on some of them for crowding.
- Wildfire has closed recreation areas near the top, including Figueroa Lookout and the campground; check the forest's alerts for what is open.
- Heavy rain or snow can close the upper road; there are no services past Los Olivos.
Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Los Padres National Forest: alerts and closures.
Questions about this drive
How long does Figueroa Mountain Road take?
Figueroa Mountain Road from Highway 154 in Los Olivos to Cachuma Saddle is 19.5 miles one way and takes about 1 hour 15 minutes without stops; plan on the same to come back.
When is the best time to see wildflowers on Figueroa Mountain?
The Figueroa Mountain wildflower bloom usually runs from February through April, starting with early bloomers in late March on the lower grassland and running later on the higher slopes; timing varies from year to year.
Is Figueroa Mountain Road paved?
Yes. Figueroa Mountain Road is paved all the way from Los Olivos to Cachuma Saddle, though it's narrow near the top.
Can you park on Figueroa Mountain Road?
Only off the pavement. Much of the top of Figueroa Mountain Road is signed No Parking in bloom season, and cars must have all four tires off the asphalt.
What you get in the app
Free on iPhone and Android. CarPlay and Android Auto come with Apex.
More drives near here
Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.