Tepusquet Rd, Santa Maria, CA
- Tim Mayhew
- Apr 26
- 1 min read
Tepusquet Rd is a rare California gem that feels more like a "ribbon of chocolate" than a backroad. Connecting Foxen Canyon Rd to Highway 166, this 17-mile ranch road is the ultimate backroad experience—but with a twist: it’s mostly smooth, decent pavement repaved a few years back.
Riding northbound, the journey begins in the Santa Maria Valley, where farm fields stretch into the distance. Use Foxen Canyon from Santa Maria (west) or Solvang (southeast) to reach Tepusquet Rd. What starts as an easy cruise through the canyon quickly builds in tempo as you follow the weaving contours of Tepusquet Creek. The road steadily gains elevation, narrowing at times to barely a single lane as the canyon narrow.
The real magic happens at the 2,000-foot crest. While this used to be a bumpy, technical mess 10+ years ago, it’s now a rider’s playground. The descent down the north side toward the Los Padres National Forest serves up steep corners and several tight hairpins that demand your full concentration. You won't find center lines or traffic here—just you, squiggles on the map, and the occasional local bicyclist. It is technical, remote, and absolutely thrilling.
The north end reaches Highway 166 where you can circle back through New Cuyama to Highway 33 or ride a few miles west to reach Highway 1. If you’re looking for a Central Coast ride that offers elevation, solitude, and perfect curves, Tepusquet is calling. If you base in Solvang, make sure to stop at the motorcycle museum in town.
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