In So Cal you can find great roads around Palomar Mountain. Closer to LA there is the Ortega Highway (just too short, over-patrolled, and due for construction shutdowns) and Angeles Crest Highway (nirvana!).

ACH has almost no diminishing radius turns and is 70+ miles long (though with a middle closure for years now, landslides I think). Just seven miles up from the West end is a variation by turning onto Angeles Forest Road and from there you can head in several directions on good roads, say toward Elizabeth Lake Road (and Harley's Rock Inn) and various canyon roads (two thumbs up for Bouquet Canyon!).

The Malibu canyon roads (many to choose, some to/from the Rock Store) are fun but tight, similar to Glendora Mountain Road. You'll also see the most exotic cars per mile near Malibu.

 

In So Cal...

various canyon roads (two thumbs up for Bouquet Canyon!).

Sorry for the thread necro, but...

I found a gem (which can be quite scary) from Elizabeth Lake. It is a 1 1/2 lane 20 mile strip called "Pine Canyon Rd", which has pavement dating back to the early 1900's. There are few markers, and quite a few ranches along the way. I just discovered it yesterday, and it was incredible. From the West, take the 5 North of Los Angeles to the 138 East. In two miles, you will see a turn off for the "Old Ridge Route", which was the fastest direct way to get to Los Angeles from Bakersfield in the 1910's. You can either proceed through the 22 mile Ridge Route (which is no longer maintained) or fork to the left to take Pine Canyon. This road was also used heavily before the ridge route was completed. Initially, the road was designed for autos to drive roughly 15 MPH! This road winds up taking you through Elizabeth Lake, Leona Valley and the two other historic drives back into Los Angeles, Bouquet Canyon and San Francisquito Canyon Roads. Pine Canyon also offers some incredible views.

I hope some people give this one a go! It is interesting to see the road that people took before route 99, let alone the I-5. It used to take people 12-15 hours to get from Los Angeles to Bakersfield.

 

Down South

If you've got a convertible (or if you want to make use of the sun roof), you can take a nice drive along the Coast Highway from Carlsbad down to La Jolla in north San Diego County. There's a fair amount of stop and go along the way but plenty of shops and restaurants and parts of it are right along the water - great for you young guys with a date. :thumbup: (Would have been good for the "old" BJ, pre-family man, to strut his stuff) I would not recommend this drive as a road track or performance drive however, too many distractions.
AJ

 

North of the Golden Gate:

Hwy 175 between Hopland and Lakeport (Mendocino and Lake Counties)...15miles of narrow, twisting lanes and fairly steep inclines. Not for the faint of heart. Icy/Slippery in winter.

Hwy 128 west from Highway 101 (Sonoma/Mendocino Counties)....not quite as curvy but beautiful. Takes you out towards the NoCal coast. Wine Tasting in the area.

Hwy 29...Calistoga to Middletown (Napa/Lake Counties)...features good inclines and YES!!! Passing lanes!!! Wine tasting at both ends of this drive. Icy/Slippery in winter.

 

I am a Bay Area native now banished to the flat lands of Texas, but I do remember all my beloved roads there.

In the Bay proper, Hwy 35 (Skyline Drive) is great road, especially if you take it all the way from Hwy 92 to Hwy 9 (or vice versa). Just beware San Mateo County Sheriffs. Also in that area is Hwy 84 - take it all the way from 280 to Hwy 1. That road has no passing lanes, but locals are savvy to pull over if you are faster. In San Jose, if you want to make yourself carsick, try the road to the Mt. Hamilton observatory.

I give a second to SonomaDriver's recommendation of Hwy 29 from Calistoga to Middletown. I had many a glorious run on that road in both my 79 Scirocco and my 88 Prelude. Some decreasing radius turns keep you on your toes, and YES! passing lanes.

 

I am a Bay Area native now banished to the flat lands of Texas, but I do remember all my beloved roads there.

In the Bay proper, Hwy 35 (Skyline Drive) is great road, especially if you take it all the way from Hwy 92 to Hwy 9 (or vice versa). Just beware San Mateo County Sheriffs. Also in that area is Hwy 84 - take it all the way from 280 to Hwy 1. That road has no passing lanes, but locals are savvy to pull over if you are faster. In San Jose, if you want to make yourself carsick, try the road to the Mt. Hamilton observatory.

I give a second to SonomaDriver's recommendation of Hwy 29 from Calistoga to Middletown. I had many a glorious run on that road in both my 79 Scirocco and my 88 Prelude. Some decreasing radius turns keep you on your toes, and YES! passing lanes.

Great recommendations... I'd also add Mines Road in the East Bay starting in the Livermore area. Few cars and wonderful curves!

 

CARMEL VALLEY ROAD - FTW! Sick twisties and really great elevation changes between Carmel and greenfield. Amazing!

 

Carmel Valley Road is great. The only spot their is really cops is by midvalley (safeway) and when the road hits 35 and goes by a couple of wineries after Laurallas (SP) grade. The grade is also a great road it cuts from Carmel Valley to Laguna Seca.
If you prefer the coast scene going down Highway 1 is great. It is even better at night when there are fewer people and RVs.

 

Any of the smaller Sierra passes. 120 (crosses Yosemite), 108, 4, 88.

 

108 can make you carsick though. and also add hwy178

 

Hwy 1 from Muir Beach in Marin up through to Rockport near the north end of Mendocino County. I did it in a company car last week and could barely keep my eyes on the road due to the stunning coastal views.

Try not to attempt in the heart of summer because of the added turons and likely blanket of dense fog.

 

Hwy 1 from Muir Beach in Marin up through to Rockport near the north end of Mendocino County. I did it in a company car last week and could barely keep my eyes on the road due to the stunning coastal views.

Try not to attempt in the heart of summer because of the added turons and likely blanket of dense fog.

One of the greatest roads I've ever been on. It's rather dangerous as it's really nothing but low speed hairpin after hairpin. And as GarySL says, the views are amazing. This would be a great drive in a 3 series or on a sportbike.

Thanks, Mike.

 

where's the route 66

 

hwy 18 is awesome

I'm headed to Yosemite next month and I can't wait to hit the smooth, curvy roads leading into the West Entrance of the park.

That got me thinking. Are there any other good "driver's" roads on the way up to Yosemite? And what are your favorite driving roads in California?

I love Skyline in the Bay Area (I think it's called Skyline ridge or something). There's some incredible driving roads in Big Bear/Arrowhead area.

Any others?

I agree that in so cal, hwy 18 from san bernardino to lake arrowhead, running springs and on to big bear is awesome - but like any great road is littered with complete idiots that do not understand how to drive and make it very dangerous to have fun on.

the lower part is a four lane with super high speed sweepers of every variety with a great sticky surface. there are some nice triple digit mph areas. the variety of pulling up the hill verses flying and "coasting" down it add variety.

the upper part is much more tight, 2 lane and much more dangerous but a total blast to drive - when empty.

I have been driving HWY 18 since 1976 and know it like the back of my hand. back then, no cops and little traffic. today - opposite.

I live at the bottom of Angeles Crest Hwy (La Canada side) and have grown to be un-moved by the constant sound of rescue vehicles and helicopters that run up there daily to scrape up the remains of inexperienced racers. The cops are totally hard core up there. It is a haven for street bike racers and auto mfr's with blacked out new cars in development testing etc.

 

I agree that in so cal, hwy 18 from san bernardino to lake arrowhead, running springs and on to big bear is awesome - but like any great road is littered with complete idiots that do not understand how to drive and make it very dangerous to have fun on.

the lower part is a four lane with super high speed sweepers of every variety with a great sticky surface. there are some nice triple digit mph areas. the variety of pulling up the hill verses flying and "coasting" down it add variety.

the upper part is much more tight, 2 lane and much more dangerous but a total blast to drive - when empty.

I have been driving HWY 18 since 1976 and know it like the back of my hand. back then, no cops and little traffic. today - opposite.

Agreed, especially the lower part with the four lane sweeper. If you have a good set of tires, it can really put them to good test. On some long stretcher, I can hit over 125 mph easily with my E36 M3 and even my humble SLK (with the top down) years ago. Not anymore since the CHP is quite active in recent years. Be very careful and don't get too carried away and you should still have a lot of fun.

I'm not too crazy on the upper part because it's narrow and tight and no matter how clear it is, you always catch up with some slow traffic that's crawling at 30 mph. You end up getting stuck behind them for 15 min before it opens up again for maybe 2 min. It can be quite frustrating.

 

Certainly not SoCal, but I've maintained for a long time that California Highway 1 between San Simeon and Carmel is The Greatest Two Hours in a Sportscar Driver's Life. And I've yet to see another stretch or road, short or long, to make me re-think that title.

 

Certainly not SoCal, but I've maintained for a long time that California Highway 1 between San Simeon and Carmel is The Greatest Two Hours in a Sportscar Driver's Life.

We're dying to take our E93 on the PCH. Colorado has some awesome scenic drives, but obviously nothing with the Pacific as a backdrop.

Speaking of which, here's what convinced us to get our E93... I can't imagine any cabrio owner (E93 or not) who would watch this and not want to drive the PCH.

EDIT: I wasn't the one who resurrected this thread.

 

Any others?

Well, here are a few in my back yard
Carmel Valley Road (G16), Carmel Valley to Greenfield
Mission Rd & Nacmiento Furgusson Rd, Jolon Rd to Hwy 1
Hwy 1, Morro Bay to Carmel
Hwy 1, Santa Cruz to Pacifica

And here are some more I have driven and loved:
Hwy 1, San Francisco to Leggett
Hwy 198, San Lucas to Coalinga
Hwy 58, Santa Margarita to McKittrick
Mt Hamilton Rd/San Antonio Valley Rd/Del Puerto Cyn Rd, San Jose to Hwy 5
Badwater Road (Death Valley), Indian Village to Park Boundary
Hwy 120 (Tioga Pass Road - Yosemite), after summer opening
Hwy 49, Mariposa to Yosemite Junction
Hwy 33 & Lockwood Valley Road, Ojai to Frazier Park
Cerro Noroeste, Hwy 33 to Mil Potrero Road
Hwy 2 (Angeles Crest Hwy), La Canada to Wrightwood
Latigo Cyn Rd, Malibu
Tuna Cyn Rd, Malibu
Piuma Rd/Schueren Rd/Stunt Rd, Santa Monica Mtns
Mulholland Hwy, Santa Monica Mtns
Hwy 243, Banning to Mountain Center
Hwy 36, Hwy 1 to Red Bluff
Hwy 89, Hwy 44 to Truckee

I have to stop now and go for a drive.

 

Well, here are a few in my back yard
Carmel Valley Road (G16), Carmel Valley to Greenfield
Mission Rd & Nacmiento Furgusson Rd, Jolon Rd to Hwy 1
Hwy 1, Morro Bay to Carmel
Hwy 1, Santa Cruz to Pacifica

And here are some more I have driven and loved:
Hwy 1, San Francisco to Leggett
Hwy 198, San Lucas to Coalinga
Hwy 58, Santa Margarita to McKittrick
Mt Hamilton Rd/San Antonio Valley Rd/Del Puerto Cyn Rd, San Jose to Hwy 5
Badwater Road (Death Valley), Indian Village to Park Boundary
Hwy 120 (Tioga Pass Road - Yosemite), after summer opening
Hwy 49, Mariposa to Yosemite Junction
Hwy 33 & Lockwood Valley Road, Ojai to Frazier Park
Cerro Noroeste, Hwy 33 to Mil Potrero Road
Hwy 2 (Angeles Crest Hwy), La Canada to Wrightwood
Latigo Cyn Rd, Malibu
Tuna Cyn Rd, Malibu
Piuma Rd/Schueren Rd/Stunt Rd, Santa Monica Mtns
Mulholland Hwy, Santa Monica Mtns
Hwy 243, Banning to Mountain Center
Hwy 36, Hwy 1 to Red Bluff
Hwy 89, Hwy 44 to Truckee

I have to stop now and go for a drive.

You must have come across Hwy 17 between Los Gatos and Scott Valley.

 

:yikes:

I'm headed to Yosemite next month and I can't wait to hit the smooth, curvy roads leading into the West Entrance of the park.

That got me thinking. Are there any other good "driver's" roads on the way up to Yosemite? And what are your favorite driving roads in California?

I love Skyline in the Bay Area (I think it's called Skyline ridge or something). There's some incredible driving roads in Big Bear/Arrowhead area.

Any others?

I drove that road at night in a rental minivan-scared the crap out of me!

 

:yikes:

I drove that road at night in a rental minivan-scared the crap out of me!

Oh man, minivan + twisties = no good

 

Route 23... from 101 in Thousand Oaks, head south on 23 to the PCF. Talk about twists and turns for 12 miles!

If you live in the north part of LA County, you may want to take that road at some point just for a joy ride! Make sure any passangers in the car dont get motion sickness before you leave...

 

I lived in Thousand Oaks between 1973 and 2004. Decker Cyn Rd is no fun. Been through there many times. The road dips down for 2nd gear turns. It's work and no fun at all. In that area, the section of Malibu Cyn between Mulholland and ocean has nice twisties. Hwy 23 between Moorpark and Fillmore has twisties in Grimes Cyn.

 

Wow, you guys are awesome.

I love Highway 1 - especially around Big Sur, thanks for reminding of that treacherous but amazing piece of road.

Those canyons around Malibu and Santa Monica are incredibly challenging as well, especially when you're always looking out for the random patch of dirt dusting the apex of a hairpin. But, Mullholland is ridiculously torn up these days. You can't get any appreciable speed on that road for fear of hitting a new pothole (or one of the numerous old ones) and denting a wheel.

It really is a shame that once great driving roads like those around San Bernadino are clogged with traffic and cops.

I'll make sure to have my fun on the 120 into Yosemite. How's the cop situation in them there parts?

 

Im going to have to try some of these roads. Everytime I go to Big Bear or arrowhead, there are too many cars in front of me to have a "spirited" drive.

 

Highland Valley Road in San Diego that runs from West Bernardo Drive to Highway 67 in Ramona is a bunch of fun. Lots of seriously tight twisty road in a short (I would guess around 15 miles) trip. Just don't go on weekends, it's packed with bicycles and motorcycles.

 

Bodfish Caliente Road between Hwy 58 (between Tehachapi and Bakersfield) and Lake Isabella.

 

Now there's one I haven't done! I've heard about it, though. Time for a road trip.

Thanks for the tip!

 

Kinda surprised no one's mentioned Skaggs Springs Road from Healdsburg to the coast. The coastal portion of the road probably wouldn't be that much fun in a car (I've only done it on a bike), since it's one-lane and the pavement's not in the greatest condition, but the inland section is a perfect car road.

The section of Highway 1 from the coast north of Fort Bragg inland to Leggett is also an outstanding bit of road.

 

Yea Skagg Springs out near the coast is very narrow and folks on bikes plague that road :rofl:

Highway 1 is an amazing ride.

 

This is totally different from the "twisty-theme", but I drove I-10 east from LA to Arizona a few years ago. Road is pretty smooth too and the truckers are well-behaved. Once you get past Palm Springs other than tumbleweed and that prison in the middle of the desert, there is absolutely nothing to hit...

... if you get my drift :angel:

 

Did that stretch of road 5 years back. Thought I was the speedster at 100 mph in my rental until someone in a BMW (no less) passed me :neener:and disappeared into the dark night. My passenger swore that the blinking lights in the night sky were UFOs:yikes:

 

Death Valley is still a great loop! :thumbup:

- Mike

 

not calif but calif roads are listed

http://www.forbes.com/2006/08/30/cx_dl_0831featslide.html?thisSpeed=20000

 

All these in the same area:
Hwy 1, San Francisco to Leggett
Hwy 128, Cloverdale to Albion
If a little more adventurous:
Try Mountain View Road from Hwy 1 (just south of Manchester) to Boonville, then Hwy 253 from Boonville to Ukiah.
Also, Stewart's Point Road from the Coast to Geyserville or just take any road at random in this area.

 

I saw some great stretches listed here! Brings back a few memories.....

Living in Oceanside I often would take my 325 convertible up through Palomar Mtn and out past the Lake and finally loop back through Ramona and head up the 15 back home. Construction and the casino traffic means you now have to time it just right to get in a good swift drive.... personally I like later evening for that jaunt. That or early spring when it is still chilly at the top of Palomar.

Ortega has lost its flare for the time being, at least until the construction at the peak is completed since you'll more or less get stuck in 30 minutes of just sitting.

Mulholland I've only done once but it was great when I did do it... I can't wait to do it again after the new child comes in.

The 1 from SLO up to Monterey has always been my favorite....

My weakness in LA is the 110 from LA to Pasadena.... I know I know... it's LA but I'll tell you, its my one little weakness when heading out of LA.

 

I personally can't stand the concrete slabbed freeways in LA. I like to feel the road, but the feel of the concrete seams on the 405 and 101 is just plain annoying. They're the reason that I have to search out nice driving roads in SoCal

 

Try Hwy 50 east of Sacramento

Went to a conference in So Lake Tahoe a couple weeks ago and took by 335 (or it took me). I drove from Shingle Springs to Tahoe on a Thursday morning. It was fantastic! Little traffic, sunny and warm and lotsa great curves on a good road.

Also try Hwy 46 from Paso Robles to Cambria on the central coast.

Be safe!