Road advice November 13, 2011, 02:39:17 pm Yahoo Message Number: 126589We are looking for driving info for two destinations on the California Coast. We will be coming from the Bakersfield area and can see that heading up I5 and then heading West is best. But, which road west from I5 we do not have experience with. We took 58 once all the way across. We will not do this again, especially now that we are towing and are about 45 feet long this way. So is it CA 41 to Morro and Ca 46 to San Simeon, or CA 46 for both destinations?Thanks, Lydia
Re: Road advice Reply #1 – November 13, 2011, 03:52:18 pm Yahoo Message Number: 126590Hwy 58 is a great road! (if you're on a motorcycle) Take I5 to 46 at lost hills and go west to Paso Robles. Turn south on 101. It's a couple of miles to the Hwy 46, San Simeon turn off. Or, if going to Morro Bay, go another 13 or so miles south and head west on 41 (Morro Road) 46 is by far the better RV road, wider and straighter than 41, but 41 is very doable (you'll have a little parade of cars behind you, but there are opportunities to pull over and let them pass) If you are going to make the loop I'd go west on 41 to Morro, then head to Cambria/San Simeon on Hwy 1, then head back to Bakes on 46. Just my $.02.Willy
Re: Road advice Reply #2 – November 13, 2011, 04:51:13 pm Yahoo Message Number: 126591wrote: Hwy 58 is a great road! (if you're on a motorcycle) --- Another problem with 58 is the "Rosedale Highway" section between Bakersfield and 5; stop and go through "trafficky" strip malls and stop lights and lots of zig and zag, all very tedious. 46 west (from 5) into Paso Robles is always my choice as the better route (between 46 and 41). 46 runs into 101 at Paso, but continues west again in about 4 miles or so down 101; the 46 west exit is clearly marked. The section of 46 to Hwy. 1 is a 20+ mile stretch of good two-lane road with a few ups and downs, but relatively scenic and "pastoral"; lots of wineries! ;-) There is a possibility of fog along some of the higher points of this west section of the road, particularly this time of year during the morning hours. 46 comes in about a mile or so south of Cambria; from that point, one can head north into Cambria and on up to San Simeon, or south on Hwy. 1 about 15-16 miles into Morro Bay.Joan
Re: Road advice Reply #3 – November 13, 2011, 06:10:40 pm Yahoo Message Number: 126593Come across from Bakersfield on 46 to Paso Robles. You will go on 101 south a couple miles and then go back on 46 West to get to the coast. When you reach hwy 1, you go north to San Simeon or south to Morro Bay.Denise in Paso Robles
Re: Road advice Reply #4 – November 14, 2011, 12:10:21 pm Yahoo Message Number: 126608We live in SLO, and always take 46. We've tried 41, and while it is scenic, it's narrower and slower and I wouldn't want to tow along it. 58 can be fun, as stated, but again, it's not for the more sedate and safety-conscious RVer with a toad. BTW, 46 is constantly being improved, with more passing lanes, wider lanes, better signage, etc. It's still called "Blood Alley" but it becomes safer and easier (and faster) every year.Sonsie
road advice Reply #5 – November 19, 2011, 07:49:44 pm Yahoo Message Number: 126749Just wondered if anyone has driven through Joshua Tree National Park (towing) right through the center from 29 Palms to I-10. Also, if you did that, did you continue the drive down the little road from I-10 that goes to Mecca? Sometimes it's hard to tell by looking at the map.Thanks!!Judy Wms. Blue '07 RB "Dog Daze" White '09 Scion "Puppy Daze" And all the fur kids
Re: road advice Reply #6 – November 20, 2011, 07:59:42 am Yahoo Message Number: 126757We've done the trip in the opposite direction. The road is a good one that you should have no problems with. There are several nice campgrounds within the park. Although we've never been to Mecca, my California Benchmark Atlas shows CA-86S as a good road. It's a divided highway for a short distance once you get off the Interstate and then again just north of its junction with CA-111 which is the road you'll take to get into Mecca.Linda Hylton http://earl-linda.blogspot.com
Re: road advice Reply #7 – November 20, 2011, 08:27:23 am Yahoo Message Number: 126758Judy, Yes I have driven both with & without a tow. I don't recommend the little road to Mecca even in a toad. On the SE side of Joshua Tree at the visitor information center there is a camp ground don't remember if they have full hook ups but then who needs them if only for a night or two. Mecca , at least in my opinion, is not a really safe area. The last time I was there the streets were narrow & unpaved or at least partially paved. If you are going on the to Salton Sea I would just take I-10 West then cut off down at Dillion Road by Spotlight 29 Casino exit. Then go over to the the 86 Express Way south toward El Centro. Joshua Tree is a beautiful area and don't miss going up to the look out where you can see the entire Coachella Valley. Betty Jean, Circus Wagon & "the girls"
Re: road advice Reply #8 – November 20, 2011, 11:03:48 am Yahoo Message Number: 126766Quote Just wondered if anyone has driven through Joshua Tree National Park. Spent a week at the end of last month at Jumbo Rocks Campground. At that time the road through the park was closed at the southern entrance due to flood damage. At that time the ranger indicated the road might be closed for some time. Judging from the photos they had at the visitor center the washouts are a major mess. You might call ahead to check the status of the roads.John '04 23.5FL
Re: road advice Reply #9 – November 20, 2011, 11:32:26 am Yahoo Message Number: 126772Hello Judy, We live in Palm Desert below Joshua Tree. Joshua Tree and 29 Palms are in what we call the high desert at about 4000 ft. elev. The road through Joshua Tree is paved, 2 lane and reasonably good condition. You can easily tow your toad on the roads which are narrow and curvey in a few places but overall, good roads. There are several dry campgrounds in Joshua Tree and the LD is perfect size for the local campgrounds. There is no water in the campgrounds so be sure and be topped off with water and propane as it gets quite chilly in the evenings. Joshua Tree has great hiking trails and outstanding if you are into rock/boulder climbing. The road from 29 Palms to I10 is also 2 lane and good shape as well as the extension to Mecca. About the only caution I would give you is to be sure and be topped off with fuel. There are gas stations in Yucca Valley, 29 Palms, and Mecca but other than that it is desert country with no facilities. Al & Dorene M.[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: road advice Reply #10 – November 20, 2011, 03:51:40 pm Yahoo Message Number: 126783According to the NPS website for Joshua Tree, http://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/camping.htm :"Water is available at the Oasis Visitor Center, Indian Cove Ranger Station, West Entrance, and Black Rock and Cottonwood campgrounds." Are you saying that water is no longer available at any of these locations?Linda Hylton http://earl-linda.blogspot.com
Re: road advice Reply #11 – November 20, 2011, 11:09:49 pm Yahoo Message Number: 126804Re: Water at Joshua Tree: Water is available at centralized spigot locations. Water is not available at the individual RV camp sites, it is a true dry camping environment with no hook-ups.[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: road advice Reply #12 – November 21, 2011, 08:07:09 am Yahoo Message Number: 126808I would not expect water at each site in a national park/monument, nor do we need it (nor would I want it since it would drive the price up). However, having water *available* to fill up once you get there is an entirely different thing from not having it available at all within the park and needing to come in with a full fresh water tank.Linda Hylton http://earl-linda.blogspot.com
Re: road advice Reply #13 – November 21, 2011, 08:41:34 am Yahoo Message Number: 126810Linda & Earl, Just read your blog about Maxx. It brought tears to my eyes. We lost our 15+ Australian Shepherd , Cody , this spring. He traveled with us to many of the places you 3 have travelled. Maybe they are together at the Rainbow Bridge. Thank you .Betty Jean
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