Route Recommendation: LA to Monterey

[50/50]

Looking for recommendations from Van Nuys to Monterey besides PCH for RR.
Any thoughts?

[911TES]

Looking for recommendations from Van Nuys to Monterey besides PCH for RR.
Any thoughts?

You can retrace James Dean’s route albeit more carefully.
Definitely want to do highway one for your Monterey arrival from some access point south of Bixby Bridge.
I always stop at Hearst castle.

[deluxeco]

Highway 1 is indicated as closed at Lucia through December 23, so you can't get through from the South to Big Sur and Monterey until reopened.

Some roads to consider between Van Nuys and Monterey, listed from South to North generally - Angles Crest Highway, Big Tujunga Canyon, Angeles Forest Highway, highway 138, Elizabeth Lake Road (indicated closed through September 28, 2023), Frazier Mountain Park Road, Cuddy Valley Road, Mil Potrero Highway, Hudson Ranch Road, Highway 33 North, Soda Lake Road (unpaved for about 20 miles through Carizzo Plain National Monument), Highway 58 West, Highway 229, Cholame Valley Road, Lunch at Parkfield Cafe in Parkfield )check to make sure they're open), Vineyard Canyon Road, Parkfield Coalinga Road (Dirt part of the way from Parkfield to Highway 198), Indian Valley Road, Peach Tree Road, Highway 25 North (to Hollister), Nacimiento Lake Drive (County G14/G18), Jolon Road (G18/G14), Nacimiento Fegusson through Ft. Hunter-Ligget to Highway 1 is indicated as closed until December 24!), Arroyo Seco Road (G16), Carmel Valley Road.

This isn't a route, just a list of interesting roads, as many of these roads are more or less parallel to one another heading generally North-West. Many are pretty remote, inadequately signed, poorly maintained and lacking gas stations and cell service. Some of them I prefer to drive in a group, as you might be waiting a long time for any assistance should the need arise.

Or, 101 North to Harris Road, to Spreckels Avenue to Highway 68 to Monterey for auto-pilot/full self-driving capability travelers.

[50/50]

Thanks Ian
Will invest in a new GPS to chart them out. Also need to dig out some old school maps .

[Chuck Miller]

I guess it's how fast do you want to get there, and what are you driving ?
And if you're in a 'Early car' can you stand the potential heat with no A/C...

Here's a route I've done a number of times:

- HWY 5 to Frazier Park, N/W on Hudson Ranch Rd.
- N/E on 166 to Maricopa
- N on 33 all the way to Coalinga (long hot ride through the desert paralleling the 5 but as fast as safe)
- W on 198 over two passes to San Lucas (GREAT Rd with big sweepers)
- N on 101 for about 20 miles to Greenfield (you'll be passing King City halfway, BIG CHP speed trap !)
- First Greenfield exit off and a left on Oak Ave.
- Oak turns into the Arroyo Seco Rd.
- Right onto G16 all the way into Carmel Valley... (G16 is one of the best driving roads in the state)

I usually stop at the Cantina in Carmel for a drink ... ya'need it after that drive...

[50/50]

I guess it's how fast do you want to get there, and what are you driving ?
And if you're in a 'Early car' can you stand the potential heat with no A/C...

Here's a route I've a number of times:

- HWY 5 to Frazier Park, N/W on Hudson Ranch Rd.
- N/E on 166 to Maricopa
- N on 33 all the way to Coalinga (long hot ride through the desert paralleling the 5 but as fast as safe)
- W on 198 over two passes to San Lucas (GREAT Rd with big sweepers)
- N on 101 for about 20 miles to Greenfield (you'll be passing King City halfway, BIG CHP speed trap !)
- First Greenfield exit off and a left on Oak Ave.
- Oak turns into the Arroyo Seco Rd.
- Right onto G16 all the way into Carmel Valley... (G16 is one of the best driving roads in the state)

I usually stop at the Cantina in Carmel for a drink ... ya'need it after that drive...

Ahh.
I was waiting for the Tour Meister/Chief Hydrocarbon Burner to chime in.

[Chuck Miller]

I was waiting for the Tour Meister/Chief Hydrocarbon Burner to chime in.

Above is just a suggestion... But not a bad one...

[doigthom]

You driving the Targa?

[TRE Cup]

You may want to reconsider G16- Carmel Valley Road. The first section coming from the south / Oak ave/ the bridge is good and challenging. After you get to the top of the hill (Cattle crossing) The pavement starts to deteriorate with lots of pot holes hidden in the shadows . Better suited for your Safari or Dakar 911 than our cars.
Here is a mod that can suit you better.
Some road notes- 33 going north will cross 46 (Blackwells Corner- great fudge/chocolate goodies- Texaco Gas station / big mural of James Dean on the west side of the property that you can pose your car for pics/ Keep going north on 33 - 41 is another intersection with a gas station, then no services on 33 till you reach Coalinga (Chevron on the corner of 198 and 33)

Good on taking 198 out of Coalinga going west. Turn right on 25 and follow that to Metz King Road (Sublime section of highway). You can only make a left onto Metz/King .This takes you into King City. If you want to grab a bite to eat, turn left over the RR tracks and right on Broadway. Lots of Latin eateries within 3 blocks.

Ok- so moving on- follow the road towards Greenfield (G 15)- You make a right before the RR tracks (in King City) and follow the road (G15) out of King City that parallels the 101 N. It edges the farm fields but worth it with the curves and whoop de doos . There is some dirt from the farm vehicles so give yourself space to deal with it- still worth it
Left on Elm over the RR tracks (Towards Greenfield) and follow thru Greenfield, turns to Oak, and you eventually go over a one lane bridge (photo op)
TURN right, go up the short ramp and follow onto G17. This eventually becomes Reservation Road and intersects Hwy 68. Its a combination of rural / farm roads that may not have the twisties of CVR, but are far more friendly to your kidneys and suspension

[Chuck Miller]

Thanks Dave !!!!