Cold Spring Canyon Arch Bridge

Cold Spring Canyon Arch Bridge is a steel arch road bridge crossing the Santa Ynez Mountains, connecting Santa Barbara with the Santa Ynez Valley via State Route 154. The structure spans the canyon at considerable height using distinctive arches that cross the entire valley width.

The bridge was completed in 1964 and combined steel construction techniques from American Bridge Company with innovative design solutions for steep mountain terrain. It later earned recognition as a Historic Civil Engineering Landmark for its engineering significance.

The location sits near Cold Spring Tavern, a former stagecoach stop from the 1800s, which reflects how transportation evolved in California's mountain regions. The bridge stands as a symbol connecting isolated communities and shows how engineering made settling these areas possible.

Visitors can view the bridge from Stagecoach Road, which has designated stopping and photography areas along the route. Planning your visit around daylight hours helps capture the structure from different angles safely.

A distinctive safety feature is the protective mesh barrier installed to prevent falls, which remains largely unnoticed by regular road users. The measure has become an integral part of the structure while maintaining the bridge's visual appearance.