Foxen Canyon & Drum Canyon Road loop

The loop typically starts and ends in Solvang, a charming Danish-themed town. Parking is generally available within Solvang, allowing for convenient access to the route.

The route features a mix of rolling hills and varying terrain. While Foxen Canyon Road is generally well-paved, Drum Canyon Road is known for its consistently bumpy, broken, and cracked surface with potholes, requiring caution, especially on descents. Expect significant climbs and descents throughout.

The route includes notable climbs and descents. Drum Canyon Road features a substantial 15 km climb and descent, with gradients averaging around 5.5% and occasionally reaching up to 9-11%. Foxen Canyon Road, when ridden north to south, starts with a short, steep climb (around 9-10%) before a long descent.

You'll experience diverse and beautiful scenery, including expansive vineyards, open grassy fields, horse ranches, and ancient oak trees. Distant mountains provide a constant backdrop, and the ride offers views of gorges and forests, especially through the Santa Ynez Valley's wine region.

Yes, the route winds through the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley's wine region, with views of numerous wineries like Fess Parker Winery. You'll also pass through or near charming towns such as Solvang, Los Olivos, and Los Alamos, which are great for coffee or a meal. Bob's Well Bread in Los Alamos is a particularly worthwhile stop.

This loop is generally rated as moderate and requires good fitness due to its length (~73 km) and significant elevation gain (~873m). The challenging climbs and descents, combined with the rougher sections of Drum Canyon Road, make it less suitable for absolute beginners.

The Santa Ynez Valley is considered an excellent location for cycling year-round due to generally good weather. However, spring and fall often offer the most pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery.

This is a road cycling route primarily on public roads. While dogs are not typically 'allowed' or 'disallowed' on the roads themselves, it's generally not suitable for cycling with dogs due to traffic and the nature of the ride. If you plan to stop in towns, check individual business policies for dog-friendliness.

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to cycle the public roads that make up the Foxen Canyon & Drum Canyon Road loop.

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the California Mission Trail - stage 08 - Mission Santa Inés to Mission La Purisma Conception.

Given the length and varied terrain, it's advisable to pack essentials like plenty of water, nutrition, a repair kit (including spare tubes for potential punctures from rough roads), appropriate cycling attire for changing weather, and sun protection. A bike computer or GPS device is also helpful for navigation.