Calif Hwy 1

In '78 I drove up Highway 1 from Morro Bay to Fort Bragg in a 1976 Buick. I have wondered if I could do it again towing my 30' 5'ver. That part of the Highway is in two parts. From Morro Bay to the Golden Gate and then over the Bridge to one of the roads back down Highway 1 up to and past Fort Bragg to Highway 101. I remember it was a winding road and I do remember some truck campers on that road. I would like to take that trip again but I don't remember if my truck and 5'ver could do it.
Thanks
Gary

Logging trucks much bigger/longer than your RV travel the roads north of San Francisco in the Fort Bragg area several times a day. South of San Francisco there are a few places south of Big Sur where the road alignment and geometrics require paying attention. It is all doable.

Be sure and check the fire conditions around the Big Sur area on Hwy. 1 before you set your travel plans up. There are parts of hwy. 1 in the northern section that I would not choose to tow a 5th. trailer. Is it possible? probably! but it will be a "White Knuckle" experience with zero time for the driver to enjoy the views. Going through S.F. over the Golden Gate would not be my choice and yes I did it once:(:( Never again. Just my opinion.

Agree with djgarcia, we drove right through SF pulling our 38' 5'r many years ago and wouldn't do it again. We also turned onto Hwy 1, at that time the warning sign, "no vehicles over 35'" was AFTER we were on Hwy 1. We got many 1 finger salutes, horns, etc. We would never do it again in any size rv.

missourijan wrote:
...We got many 1 finger salutes, horns, etc...

That's the state bird. Folks were just being friendly. Lotsa nice folks in CA.

I've not seen a CA state highway that I wouldn't pull my fiver. Your comfort level may vary, but fivers travel that stretch every day.

bpounds wrote:

missourijan wrote:
...We got many 1 finger salutes, horns, etc...

That's the state bird. Folks were just being friendly. Lotsa nice folks in CA.

They are really friendly in the LA area, they show you the state bird with both hands!

SEARCH many threads on this topic and you will find more then not say no!!!!!

While there is no good route through SF 19th Ave is much better than 101. Stay in the middle lane when available and avoid rush hour traffic. North bound is the free bridge direction. I've taken this route in both directions many times but it's city driving.

You can also take Skyline Blvd and then Geary. You cannot turn left on US 1 so loop to the right.

Check the weather before you start the southern leg. Last few mornings it was very foggy from Morro Bay north. Didn't burn off until very late morning. Overcast now but I can see Pt. Estero to Pt. Buschon.

garycq wrote:
In '78 I drove up Highway 1 from Morro Bay to Fort Bragg in a 1976 Buick. I have wondered if I could do it again towing my 30' 5'ver. That part of the Highway is in two parts. From Morro Bay to the Golden Gate and then over the Bridge to one of the roads back down Highway 1 up to and past Fort Bragg to Highway 101. I remember it was a winding road and I do remember some truck campers on that road. I would like to take that trip again but I don't remember if my truck and 5'ver could do it.
Thanks
Gary

I'll just comment on the Morro Bay to Monterey section of Hwy 1.

DON'T do it !! - Unless you find another Buick for the trip.

Why?

Narrow, one lane each direction. Once you are committed....North from San Simeon (Hearst Castle) - or South once you leave Monterey...
you will *NOT* have an opportunity to change your mind.

NO place to turn around no matter how bad you regret your decision, and guaranteed you will..:(

White knuckle - no matter how accomplished a driver you think you are!
You won't have time to enjoy the scenery - as you will be glued to watching the road - and the traffic in front of you, for frequent slowing and stops.

During summer - frequent, lengthy delays due to road work.
(The road work can't be done in winter)
One lane gets to go while the opposite direction waits, and waits, and waits - until it's your turn.

I've done it twice, once with a 24' TT, 2nd time with a 20' TT.
The second time I kicked myself for going past 'the point of no return' - when I knew better (from my previous experience).

Sooooo for that section - want to see Hearst Castle, or Point Sur?
Do each from either end of hwy 1.
Want to "experience" that section of hwy 1 - do it with your tow vehicle, without your 5th.
For folks with MHs - drive it with your toad.

You will not have fun, you will be looking only at the road, you will use part of the oncoming lane on sharp bends, traffic will jam up behind you, and last - you will not have any fun.