THE BASICS
Distance-17 miles out to county park and back from Buellton; 26.6 miles from Solvang via Ballard Canyon; 34.7 miles for the entire loop beginning and ending in Buellton.
Difficulty– Moderate for out and back ride; strenuous for the entire loop; no one part of the loop is difficult but it is a long ride.
Elevation Gain– Moderate gains over rolling hills with a number of 200′ to 300′ climbs no major uphills.
HIGHLIGHTS
Santa Rosa Road provides an extended ride of a different type, with much of the ride following a more remote section of the Santa Ynez River Valley. The hillsides are steep and open, with walnut orchards, organic farms and wineries along the way. Santa Rosa County Park provides a great lunch stop. A stop at the Sanford Winery is a must.
THE RIDE
Santa Rosa Road provides a very pleasant short out and back ride to Santa Rosa County Park or a very good a middle distance ride for those who are training for longer distances. The loop circles the Santa Rita Hills and provides an excellent introduction to lower end of the valley, especially along the Santa Ynez River. This is very picturesque country.