Cold Spring Arch Bridge (and Tavern)

The Cold Spring Canyon Arch Bridge in the Santa Ynez Mountains links Santa Barbara, CA with Santa Ynez, CA. The bridge is signed as part of State Route 154.

It is currently the highest arch bridge in CA and among the highest bridges in the United States. At its highest point, the bridge deck is 400 ft above the canyon floor.  The bridge is also the largest steel arch bridge in the state.

Cold Spring Tavern, originally a stagecoach stop, is approximately 600m south of the bridge's west base in the canyon below, on a stub of Old San Marcos Pass Road (now named Stagecoach Rd.) connecting with SR 154 at Camino Cielo and Paradise Roads.

Cold Spring Tavern was established as a stagecoach stop in 1865.  Originally known as the "Cold Spring Relay Station", it was a horse changeover and meals break station. The tavern is located 20 minutes north of Santa Barbara, California, in Cold Spring Canyon.

I called Cold Spring Tavern home for about 5 years during my time living in Santa Barbara. It’s a magical place.