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

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.

I think I would take 5N to 46W to 101S.

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.....

Barstow to Pismo1. 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. 1013. 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.

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.

best route from Barstow to Pismo Beach, CA | Good Sam Community

hotjag1
Explorer II
Apr 17, 2022
Thanks for all the replies. I am leaning towards taking 58 since it is a shorter route and also because of the comment stating that 46 has quite a bit more traffic.
older_fossil
Explorer
Apr 17, 2022
Have you checked 58 on Google? From Barstow west to McKittrick is good road. West of McKittrick it is mostly two lane road with sections that are more curvy and some up and down. I certainly would drive it with our 40' bus towing if I wasn't in a hurry. I doubt you would really save that much time over using 46. On a good spring 58 is a great wildflower route.
hotjag1
Explorer II
Apr 17, 2022
I have looked at Google and it does look like a fair amount of twisty curves on 58. We head to Pismo Monday morning and I'm still undecided. I'm now liking the looks of the long straights on 46. I do appreciate all the suggestions and recommendations. Monday after my coffee I'm going to have to make a decision!
MarkTwain
Explorer
Apr 17, 2022
hotjag1 wrote:
I have looked at Google and it does look like a fair amount of twisty curves on 58. We head to Pismo Monday morning and I'm still undecided. I'm now liking the looks of the long straights on 46. I do appreciate all the suggestions and recommendations. Monday after my coffee I'm going to have to make a decision!

Go hwy. 46. Easy route for RV's. There is a McDonalds on the edge of town for breakfast with parking on the right side of the hwy 46 with room for a big RV parking.

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best route from Barstow to Pismo Beach, CA

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