California Coast - Route 1

[S-n-L]

Hello Fellow Travelers:

We are traveling southbound from Eureka,California down the coast in our 45' motor home.

Is it advisable to drive on route 1 along the coast? Are there any sections we should avoid?

All advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Leslie & Stuart

[wintersun]

It can be done but there will be sharp turn after sharp turn going over all the sea terraces. And where the signs caution vehicles to go 15 MPH, believe them as they are accurate and they will keep you in your lane. I would not do the route in anything longer than 28 feet but logging trucks still travel this section of road so it can be done.

Campgrounds are another possible problem as most of the campsites at the state parks along this route will not accommodate a 45' motorhome. Check on private RV places before you head out.

[S-n-L]

Thanks for all the wonderful advice. I think we'll take 101 so I can breathe!!

Thanks.
Leslie

[coolbreeze01]

Very scenic, but not so good for lousy drivers. Enjoy......

[msmith1199]

I have driven Highway 1 in my 35 DP and it's doable for an under 40 footer. But as was already pointed out, over 40' is illegal on many parts of Highway 1. I can't tell you how strictly it's enforced, but I can tell you I've never seen a 45 footer on Highway 1 when I've been there. So either everybody (or most) comply on their own, or it is strictly enforced.

[stevekk]

Watch out for the wind off the ocean.

[Campfire_Time]

I thought it was hairy driving my old '95 Suburban through there. I can't imagine a 45' motor home. That road would be a blast with a Vette though!

[jbbrick]

It is a pretty ride but pretty hairy as you get close to SF. I would head inland to 101 somewhere around Jenner where you head east on 116 over to 101, a really pretty ride. After you get through SF you can pick up 1 again and continue down the coast, which is still a beautiful (but slow) ride all the way down past Pismo Beach, Monterey, depending on how far you're going.

[othertonka]

First of all, Hwy 1 from Leggit southbound on Hwy one is a RED route which means Motorhomes over 40 Ft are prohibited so that leaves you out unless you want to break the law. Besides that it is narrow, winding, tight turns and the co pilot is next to the cliff in some parts so he/she gets a scary view of the ocean. I don't recommend this drive in your MH. Stay on 101.
Here is a link to the Cal trans site. When the site comes up, click on number 1 on ths map and look for the red rt on hwy 1 from Leggit south. then you can also click on number 4 for the rest of the state and so on.
Cal rans map

[KCFDCapt]

Here is a link to the CA laws:

http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/traffops/engineering/bus-motorhome/45-motorhomes.htm


Link to the map of restricted routes:

http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/traffops/engineering/bus-motorhome/45-bus-map.htm

http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/traffops/engineering/bus-motorhome/bus-maps/busmap-d01.pdf This map shows that a 45' Motor Home is not allowed on Hwy 1 except for a short section around Fort Bragg. But in typical CA fashion, there is no state Highway to get to Fort Bragg.

[Francesca_Knowl]

Heading south?

I can only speak for the stretch between Leggett and Fort Bragg, but as I remember:

The passenger will have a lovely view. Why, in many places it will seem as if the rig is floating in the air! This because the shoulder's so nonexistent as to render the road invisible- nothing visible but a sheer drop to the crashing surf below! 🙂

The driver on the other hand will see nothing but the road/curves ahead and (in the rear views) the cars piling up behind the rig. If anything is visible at all through the sweat that will be streaming down into his terrified eyes. :E

[the_bear_II]

Can be done but is slow and you need to watch for rocks plus idiots pulling out from side roads or roadside businesses.

South of Carmel, we were turned back during a storm due to a mudslide. Had to go back about 30 miles to get to 101. I remember another time sitting for hours while the road was cleared due to a rock slide.

[downtheroad]

It's an absolutely stunning drive..especially going south.
But, (there is always a, but)
It's narrow, curvy and very slow going. Many parts you are on the very edge of a 1000 drop to the sea and rocks below.
45 footer with a toad?....very slow going.

My wife white knuckled it in many sections...but, it was a great adventure and in my mind well worth it.

[jlabr2]

It would be a challenge. We drove from Fort Bragg, North to the 101, about 40 miles, took us about an hour and a half in our 40ft coach. Beautiful drive but boy, I had to work for it.