Highway 154 - Happy Canyon Rd.

Happy Canyon Rd. is on the north side of Hwy 154. You must exit on Armour Ranch Rd. Signage for the exit is well marked. Once on Armour, you can only turn one way into the Happy Canyon Rd Exit. 3D Contour Map Happy Canyon Rd junction on Armour Rd. There is only one way to go into it.... Got that? If you are low on gas it might be wise to go into Santa Ynez and gas-up beforehand. This sign sits at the entrance of Happy Canyon Rd.

Starting off with some pleasant twisties. Some patching on the road but it is in pretty descent shape. No potholes, at least for the first few miles.

The initial stretch offers up smooth twisties were sustainable speed is possible.

Do you dream of roads like this? I do......Vineyards to the right, ranchland to the left, perfect road right down the middle.

You will cross some cattle grates about every 3 or 4 miles. Just go over them in a straight line and you'll have no problems.....Did I tell you about the rustic scenery? Lot's of farms and ranches dot the countryside.

The road then turns to single lane. It's an older road for sure, but it's still in pretty good condition and very ride-able.

Some tree lined straightaways greet you. On a motorcycle, you take it all in. You are at peace on a bike travelling through the country. It is wonderful.

Once you start heading up in elevation the corners get tighter and the road conditions worsen a bit. Still not bad though...

Some nice twistie action up through the canyon. The landscape has now turned to typical California Chaparral, and the road has turned a bit bumpy.

Wow, what an odd corner. Looks like they just cut this into the mountain a few weeks ago. It's like a giant white wall. Watch out for dirt in the corners here...

Back up into the tree line and some terrific twistie action. The road does start to get real bumpy just beyond this point...

Some of the views as you start to gain elevation on Happy Canyon Rd.

9.6 miles up and the road turns to dirt fire-road. The entire road was at one time completely paved, you can see sections of the old road which for the most part has returned to it's original dirt/gravel state. It only lasts 0.9 miles and its not that bad if you take it slow....

Unless you have a custom show bike that needs to be hauled everywhere on a trailer, you can make this stretch. Just take it easy. Below you can see this club of riders who came whizzing by me. All types, dual-sport, cruiser, tourer, etc.

There are some fantastic views of the valley below at this point in the ride.

Ahhh - 0.9 miles later the road turns back into pavement. It's not in the best condition (and does continue to deteriorate through the ride), but it's a lot better than gravel!

Now your heading down into the canyon on some wide sweepers.

Some nice twisties on the way down...

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The first of two small river crossings. Keep in mind that these pictures were taken towards the end of summer and that during the winter and spring, river levels can be substantially higher. ALSO, the river crossings are concrete filled and have a good layer of algae and other sliminess coated on them They are VERY slick. Try to simply roll through the crossing at a steady, slow pace and in a straight line. Any acceleration while in the crossing, even at very slow speeds, will result with your rear tire losing traction and spinning out of control. Be careful and take it slow.

Now you head back up to Figueroa Mountain on this dry single lane through the chaparral.

While still paved, the road deteriorates considerable the last couple miles of the ride.

And that's it! Once you hit this sign (and 3-way fork) you are at the end of Happy Canyon Rd. You can go left up on Figueroa Mountain Rd, a ride I highly recommend. You can also continue straight, down Sunset Valley Rd. Cachuma Rd., to the right, is a dirt fire road. If your a dual-sport rider you can also enjoy that one.

The boarded up ranger station at the Happy Canyon / Figueroa Mountain Rd junction.

Highway 154