"..
the most technical road in Southern California" - Michael
Whitmyre
Motorcycle
Road Scenery:
Don't
take this route for the scenery ... you'll need to keep
your eyes on the road! Take it for the challenge as it "is
the most technical road in Southern California."
The scenery is great though as you'll be climbing mountains
and have great vistas of the surrounding areas and you'll
be traveling through some lush forests. Overall it is much
more than just a technical route as it offers some of the
best scenery in Southern California! The route is perched
up high in a secluded mountain peak in the Cleveland
National Forest. In fact it passes right by the Palomar
Mountain Observatory (space telescope). And, you know
if the government selected a site in southern California
for a high powered telescope that they chose an area that
not only has exceptional elevation but also is far removed
from civilization and resulting light pollution … so you
know this area has to be pristine … and it is!.
Motorcycle
Road Quality:
Rock
solid 5 in the motorcycle road quality category. Multiple
decreasing radius turns thrown in to back to back hairpin
turns, add a few smooth snake turns and a few long sweepers
and you have yourself a darn good ride.
Motorcycle
Roadside Amenities:
Mobile
gas station @ the Interstate 15/State Road 76 interchange.
Two different casinos after you start heading east on 76.
Several snack/liquor stores. You have to stop at "Mother's
Kitchen" at the top of Mt. Palomar. When I was there
the parking lot was entirely filled with motorcycles and
everyone was hanging out, trading stories, and having a
great time.
To
get to the starting point, you'll need to find route 76
where it crosses I-15 about 15 miles north of Escondido,
CA and about 10 miles south of Temecula, CA. Exit I-15 on
to Rt. 76 heading east. The route starts about 21 miles
east of the Interstate. After you've headed east on 76 for
about 15 miles you'll see a sign for Palomar Mtn Rd at this
point you'll veer left. About 6 miles further up the road
you'll veer left again at a sign that says S-6 (San Diego
County Road 6) which is where the fun begins! This part
of the route is INCREDIBLE. Take it up the mountain until
you come to a 4 way stop sign. There you will see Mother's
Kitchen bike bar/diner to the left. You can stop there or
take a right and continue this time on E. Grade Road. This
is a great road to and will take you all the way down to
Lake Heneshaw. After passing Lake Heneshaw you'll come to
a stop sign. If you take a right you'll be back on 76 and
will end up passing where you veered off of 76 and would
have made a complete loop. That section of the road is OK
but if I were you, I would just turn around and double back
on East Grade road and head back down S-6 ... then turn
around and do it again and again and again.
Additional
Information:
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Comments page 1 of 0
Click here to add a rating and/or comment
Paul Why - 2008 Harley-Davidson
Posted 715 days ago
This is a great run. if you stay on the 76 for a few miles past the turnoff u will see the hideout kinda hidden off on the right side of the road. Great biker stop . burgers dogs n chili. only open on sat.& sunday
Took the ride on New Years Day and had the road to myself. Drive was super and I took it all the way to the Mt. Palomar observatory. They have a great tour and museum there - don't miss it. Great chili at Mother's Kitchen!
This user rated the route: 10 out of 10
Posted 344 days ago
Did this road last weekend (September 20, 09) after reading the description. From a road fun factor standpoint this road deserves a 5+ stars. I can not think of another road I've enjoyed more. I loved the fact that it was out there in a somewhat remote part of CA and the fact that the lake you see in the picture is pretty isolated to keep other traffic away. There wasn't much to do when it was time to take a break but Mother's Kitchen was a nice place to hang out and tell bike stories with the other riders. I'll be back again for sure and this time I'll bring sceptical friends who didn't make the trip this time with me....
I live in San Diego and the local Goldwing chapter rides this at least six times a year. going up the east side and comming down the west seems to be the best because you get the technical part going up and the speed comming down. Just watch out for the rice-rockets there are a lot of them up there
This user rated the route: 10 out of 10
Posted 433 days ago
Best twisty road in Southern California!!! Went out there in May 09 and was among a group of 20 sport bike riders that were all Palomar Mtn virgins. Half of us have been back there twice since then and will be adding this to our list of annual must rides.
I have seen an heard comparisons to Deal's Gap, and though this is a fun road, I have to give the nod to the Gap. The pavement is not as well maintained here and the curves not as tight. that said my biggest problem with the Palomar Road is the traffic. I would only bother on weekdays. On weekends there are too many cars and trucks going way too slow. Still a worthwile ride if you are in the area.
This user rated the route: 10 out of 10
Posted 108 days ago
Riding it the second time was as exciting as the first. Like being in love all over again. If you ride for white knuckled twisties that have you flicking your bike back and forth, you'll never leave. Top off before you pass the casino.
I rode the Tail of the Dragon in Deal's Gap and I have to say that the Palomar Mtn Road is every bit as technical if not more so than The Dragon. The change in height is also far greater making for two completely different rides going up and going down. A definite must fo those who's goal is to ride America's best motorcycle roads
I live in Southern California and saw this listing on MotorcycleRoads.com and decided to check it out. I was absolutely blown away by this road! --went up and down the west side of the mountain about 4 times, then hung out at Mother's Kitchen for a while, hooked up with some other riders and headed down the east side to the lake -- incredible ... can't believe I lived only a few hours away from this area/road and never tried it. I'll be doing this one a couple times a year!!
This user rated the route: 9 out of 10
Posted 180 days ago
Outstanding road! My brother and I did this route the middle of last summer and were blown away. The scenery was awesome but we didn't see much of it because we were so focused on the road and staying on it. It was a beautiful day and there were alot of other riders out enjoying road. The only downside is that when you are on a cruiser with floorboards, you can't lean into the corners like those on crotch rockets and duel sports. HIGHLEY RECOMENDED!!
This user rated the route: 10 out of 10
Posted 232 days ago
NEW INFO!!! They have gouged grooves in the center line all the way down the west grade. Don't go in too hot on the decreasing radius turns... ;) Anyhow, this is a great road.
I am here visiting from Tucson, AZ. I rode Palomar Mt. today and it was awesome!! I came out here just to ride that road. I was lovin it !! I'm going back tomorrow!!
I'm going back tomorrow!!