Northern California

RetiredTom2 wrote:
Spending a couple of months in northern California. We've got a couple week long trips planned, but want to ask for suggested destinations and RV Parks. One specific question: Any problems pulling our toad on Highway 1 near Big Sur? I know this road can be somewhat curvey in places. Thanks for your suggestions.

The only caution I suggest with Highway 1 is if possible only go South on it. Yeah that puts you on the cliff side of the road, but that side of the road also has the most turnouts and parking areas. Going north there aren't a lot of places to stop (or turnout to let traffic pass) and if you do stop then you have to cross the road to look at the view.

So if you're heading down to Big Sur and beyong, if possible keep going all the way down to the Morro Bay area and then return up 101. Same for the northern section of the road, take 101 up to Legget and then come down 1 from there.

starcraft69 wrote:
This thread will answer your question. The answer is yes and listen to some of us from CA some people that will say no are from other states and dont have the experience with CA coast like some of us. Be safe take your time and enjoy it is life time of memories once you do it!!!!!

http://forums.goodsamclub.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/28780392/gotomsg/28781885.cfm#28781885

I used to not be able to understand people who were afraid to drive on highway 1. I've taken my 35' DP on with a toad and it's a fun drive. Then I started noticing things about the people that are afraid of Highway 1. Most of them are not from here. Most are from the East Coast or Great plains and aren't used to driving 10 feet from the edge of a thousand foot cliff. The OP here is from South Carolina. You ever driven in South Carolina? It's mostly flat and no cliffs.

starcraft69 wrote:
This thread will answer your question. The answer is yes and listen to some of us from CA some people that will say no are from other states and dont have the experience with CA coast like some of us. Be safe take your time and enjoy it is life time of memories once you do it!!!!!

http://forums.goodsamclub.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/28780392/gotomsg/28781885.cfm#28781885

As gently as I can . . . I am certainly a Californian. I strongly disagree with your assertion that those that discourage RV's from traveling 1 are lacking in knowledge & likely not residents. 3 parts of 1 that I actively discourage RV's from being on are the Ragged Point area near Big Sur, the area just north of the Golden Gate & the area south of Leggett. I will concur that the drive is beautiful. But I will continue to assert that, unless one is okay with holding up traffic, dodging bicyclists & paying as little attention to the road as possible, 1 is best seen in a more suitable rig than all but the smallest RV. Park the rig & be a tourist in a passenger vehicle.

X2 on JT's admonishment on the possibility of fog. We live at the south end of the Big Sur area and the spring/summer months can be very foggy. The up side when the heavy fog is in is the drop off usually cannot be entirely seen.

This thread will answer your question. The answer is yes and listen to some of us from CA some people that will say no are from other states and dont have the experience with CA coast like some of us. Be safe take your time and enjoy it is life time of memories once you do it!!!!!

http://forums.goodsamclub.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/28780392/gotomsg/28781885.cfm#28781885

Thanks for the suggestions. about RV Parks north of SF.

North of SF, after the Golden Gate, there are several places to park the RV along 101 North, at Petaluma, or Rohnert Park, Santa Rosa, Windsor RV park, Alexander RV park
Then, by car, going on 128 to Calistoga, StHelena, Napa.
And up north of Calistoga, there are several RV parks around Clearlake.
Nice roads and beautiful scenery.

Big Sur shouldn't be a problem, but don't even think about Hwy 1 in Marin County.

RetiredTom2 wrote:
The rig is a 31' Class C. I've got about 25,000 miles of experience with it. Poking around the the forum, I just learned there will be construction in the area. Maybe I'll have DW drive the car and not attempt to pull it. Your thoughts?

Hwy. 1 is an absolutely beautiful part of the Calif. coast. I have done with a regular ford van and on a Gold Wing motorcycle but never towed my 5th wheel. IMHO, RVing on hwy. 1 is great for the passengers but requires constant attention and caution with traffic. Not much fun for the driver:(. I would plan on stopping at all the pull outs for the driver to enjoy the sights.
An alternative would be to park your RV in an RV park around the Monterey area, then use your car to travel on Hwy. 1 as far as you want to go then stay in a motel and return the next day.

There's "construction" on many roads at many times of the year; difficult to avoid, and the delays are usually not a big deal. The CA DOT website is pretty good at listing road construction areas; not so good on updating actual/current traffic or weather conditions, but worth a check anyway.

Avoid weekend travel on Highway 1 between Carmel and San Simeon, and check locally for coastal "fogged in" conditions before traveling.