Drives California The Central Coast
San Marcos Pass: Highway 154
Chumash Highway, San Marcos Pass, CA 154 · Santa Barbara → Los Olivos
The drive
Highway 154, the Chumash Highway, is the inland way from Santa Barbara to the Santa Ynez Valley, and before US 101 went through Gaviota Pass it was the main road and the stagecoach route. From Calle Real it climbs straight up the front of the Santa Ynez Mountains, with the city and the ocean dropping away behind you, to San Marcos Pass.
Over the top it crosses the Cold Spring Canyon Arch Bridge, opened in 1964: at 400 feet above the canyon floor, it's the highest arch bridge in California, and Stagecoach Road and the old Cold Spring Tavern sit far below it. Then the highway descends through Los Padres National Forest and runs along the north shore of Lake Cachuma, a 1953 reservoir and county park where bald eagles are often seen, before rolling through ranch and vineyard country to Los Olivos.
It's driven north from Santa Barbara, where most drivers start. It's a state scenic highway, and a road of fast sweepers rather than tight bends.
Along the way
- Santa Barbara (Calle Real)
- Lake Cachuma
- Los Olivos (Grand Avenue)
Good to know
- Traffic is heavy, at times rivaling US 101, on a two-lane road with only some passing lanes: be patient and wait for one.
- Hazardous materials are prohibited over San Marcos Pass.
- Lake Cachuma is a drinking-water reservoir: no swimming or wading, though kayaks and canoes are allowed.
Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Caltrans: Highway 154 conditions.
Questions about this drive
How long does Highway 154 take from Santa Barbara to Los Olivos?
Highway 154 over San Marcos Pass from Santa Barbara to Los Olivos is 29.1 miles and takes about 35 minutes without stops.
How high is the Cold Spring Canyon Arch Bridge on Highway 154?
The Cold Spring Canyon Arch Bridge on Highway 154 stands 400 feet above the canyon floor, the highest arch bridge in California.
Is Highway 154 dangerous?
Highway 154 carries heavy traffic on a two-lane road with limited passing lanes, so patience matters; the curves themselves are mostly gentle.
Is Highway 154 faster than US 101 to the Santa Ynez Valley?
Highway 154 is the direct route from Santa Barbara to Los Olivos and the Santa Ynez Valley, over San Marcos Pass instead of around by Gaviota.
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More drives near here
Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.