Los Alamos is an unincorporated community of 1,839 people (2020) in the Los Alamos Valley. It is considered part of the Santa Ynez Valley community, though the Purisima Hills sit between the two valleys. If your vehicle is stuck or won't run here, call (805) 693-7957 and you will be connected with licensed and insured local towing professionals.
Santa Ynez Towing is not a tow operator. We connect callers with local contractors who do the work, and the dispatcher on the phone can talk through your situation.
Getting from Santa Ynez to Los Alamos
Los Alamos is about 16.2 miles from Santa Ynez, which is roughly a 27-minute drive. That is only a measure of distance. Actual timing depends on the provider, the road and the job, and the dispatcher will go over details with you on the call.
The area is part of the same service region as Solvang, Los Olivos and Buellton, and help is available across the county.
Breakdowns along U.S. Route 101
U.S. Route 101 is the main highway named in our local facts for Los Alamos. If your car stops on or near it, get fully off the roadway if you can, turn on your hazard lights and stay away from traffic. If you cannot get safely clear of the car on a freeway shoulder, stay inside with your seat belt on.
Call 911 for any injury or emergency. After a collision on a state highway, the California Highway Patrol handles the scene, and officers may call a tow for vehicles that must be cleared.
What to have ready when you call
A few details help the dispatcher find you and send the right truck:
- Your exact location, including highway direction, cross streets or a nearby landmark
- Your vehicle's year, make and model
- Whether the vehicle rolls and steers
- Where you want it taken
The valley has a warm-summer Mediterranean climate, with dry summers and no average monthly temperature above about 72 degrees. Even so, a vehicle that stops in the open between the Purisima Hills and the valley floor can leave you waiting outside, so it helps to know your location before you call.
The right truck for the vehicle
Flatbed towing is generally recommended for all-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive vehicles, low-clearance and classic cars, most electric vehicles, motorcycles, and vehicles that cannot roll. Your owner's manual often says how your vehicle should be towed.
RVs, box trucks and trailers need equipment matched to their weight and length, so expect questions about those details first.
Price and payment
Price depends on the vehicle, the distance, the type of truck or hookup, the road location and the time of day. The dispatcher quotes the price on the phone before a truck is sent. Payment methods and hours vary by provider, so confirm them on the call. Many insurance policies, credit cards and motor clubs include towing coverage, so check yours and ask for an itemized receipt if you plan to submit for reimbursement.
When you are ready, call (805) 693-7957 to talk with a dispatcher about a tow in Los Alamos.