Forum Discussion

hotjag1's avatar
hotjag1
Explorer II
Apr 13, 2022

best route from Barstow to Pismo Beach, CA

We are trying to figure out the best route from Bakersfield to Pismo Beach in a 40' motorhome pulling a 22' enclosed trailer. Power and braking aren't a huge concern unless the route is very steep. The main concern is twisty, windy roads not suitable for a 66' combination.

I welcome all suggestions, especially first hand experience. Google shows taking 58 towards Bakersfield. then taking 223 to 166 to 101 at Santa Maria.
This route looks pretty twisty on the terrain map. What do you guys think?
Thanks in advance...Don
Roads and Routes
  • Ava's avatar
    Ava
    Explorer
    Apr 13, 2022
    I believe 58 has a lot of twists and turns the last time I drove it years ago. I have a 36 ft Moho and at the time no toad and found it a bit too much for my comfort. Quite scenic though.
  • jdc1's avatar
    jdc1
    Explorer II
    Apr 13, 2022
    58 is fine. I go that way 4-5 times a year pulling my 5th wheel. There are no twist or turns..... Big rigs use it all the time. It's no steeper than the Grapevine. Less, if anything. A hill of a lot less traffic than going the LA route.....
  • MarkTwain's avatar
    MarkTwain
    Explorer
    Apr 13, 2022
    Barstow to Pismo
    1. Go west on HWY. 58 to Bakersfield. Just keep your speed down from Tehachapi down to Bakesfield. I keep my speed down to 50 mph towing my 34' 5th wheel.
    2. Go north on I-5 to Hwy 46 (Wasco) then go west straight to Hwy. 101
    3. At 101 go south to Pismo.
    4. Make your reservations as early as possible as the area is very popular.
    Be sure and go to the Splash Cafe for the best clam chowder near the Pismo pier.
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Apr 13, 2022
    I find 58 interesting and have had no issues pulling my 22 foot TT. And Splash does have good chowder. The one in the City of SLO is more calm.
  • CA_Traveler's avatar
    CA_Traveler
    Explorer III
    Apr 13, 2022
    58, 99, 46, 101 all good truck routes. Check fuel prices at Lost Hills, Arco usually lower.

    MarkTwain - Did you mean N on 99?
  • MarkTwain's avatar
    MarkTwain
    Explorer
    Apr 13, 2022
    CA Traveler wrote:
    58, 99, 46, 101 all good truck routes. Check fuel prices at Lost Hills, Arco usually lower.

    MarkTwain - Did you mean N on 99?


    Yes, north on hwy. 99 and then west on hwy 46 through Wasco to Hwy. 101, then south to Pismo.
  • hotjag1's avatar
    hotjag1
    Explorer II
    Apr 14, 2022
    Thanks everyone. It looks like 58 or 46 is the preferred route. How much further is it to go north to 46 and then backtrack to the 101?
  • Rocky2's avatar
    Rocky2
    Explorer
    Apr 15, 2022
    It is roughly 20 miles farther to take 46 through Paso Robles. Traffic is much heavier that way also and you have the Cuesta Grade to descend southbound into San Luis Obispo.
  • MarkTwain's avatar
    MarkTwain
    Explorer
    Apr 15, 2022
    hotjag1 wrote:
    Thanks everyone. It looks like 58 or 46 is the preferred route. How much further is it to go north to 46 and then backtrack to the 101?


    From 58 north on 99, it is about 15 miles.

About Bucket List Trips

13,487 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 11, 2025