California Hwy 166

Thanks everyone looks like 166 is it....

Driven it many, many times, starting in my college days. Your rig will be fine. As stated, watch the weather. Wind can occasionally be an issue thru parts of it. Seems like I remember parts of it being washed out in wet years. And we are praying for a wet year. Might want to avoid traveling on a Friday or Sunday afternoon. The Pismo area is crazy with Central Valley people at times. January shouldn't be as bad I wouldn't think. Gas shouldn't be an issue. Plenty around Santa Maria. Plenty on 5.

We like 166 -- a very enjoyable road because it is so empty -- unlike most Calif. roads.

I had a 2 week construction job midway between Santa Maria and the I-5. I traveled Hwy 166 in both directions many times during those two weeks.

It seems a lot longer drive than it should. There is a town mid way New Cuyama it's mostly dead but there is a diner and store. I can't remember if there was a gas station. I do remember stopping at a station just before the turn towards Maricopa.

Like others have said typical two lane country road with many blind intersections so keep your eyes open. As you get to Maricopa you need to pay attention to the signs for HWY 166 as you travel towards I-5. It becomes a main city street.

KCFDCapt wrote:
The only place that might pose an issue is descending into Maricopa. It is a long steep grade, Grocer Grade, that is famous for brake failures. You will be looking down into the San Joaquin valley when you get there. Use lower gears and slow down.

Thanks for the heads up!

The only place that might pose an issue is descending into Maricopa. It is a long steep grade, Grocer Grade, that is famous for brake failures. You will be looking down into the San Joaquin valley when you get there. Use lower gears and slow down.

djgarcia wrote:

Not a Clue wrote:
I am looking to take the 166 from Santa Maria to the I5 middle of January. I have the rig in my sig. Anything I should look out for?

166 out of Santa Maria is a county 2 lane road with a few sections that have some small curves but nothing to be concerned about when RVing. It is a nice slow leisurely trip. Go north to Hwy. 46 if you need to make a faster trip. I don't remember any fuel stations along 166. Check the weather before you start.

Thanks, I see a gas station right before I get on the I5.

Not a Clue wrote:
I am looking to take the 166 from Santa Maria to the I5 middle of January. I have the rig in my sig. Anything I should look out for?

166 out of Santa Maria is a county 2 lane road with a few sections that have some small curves but nothing to be concerned about when RVing. It is a nice slow leisurely trip. Go north to Hwy. 46 if you need to make a faster trip. I don't remember any fuel stations along 166. Check the weather before you start.