Calif Hwy 1

[garycq]

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

[misplaced_idaho]

I'll dissent. It's been a few years, but we drove the stretch from Half Moon Bay to Moro Bay several times in our 36 foot Class A. One of my favorite drives, although gotta admit that the navigator/wife didn't seem to enjoy it as much. She enjoyed driving it a lot more than being the passenger. Haven't driven it yet in the 5er but have seen plenty of them doing it.

[CA_Traveler]

dedmiston wrote:
My kids are adults now, but they still haven't forgiven me for the fact that the "Carmel River 100 mi" signs weren't actually guiding us to a river filled with caramel. Biggest letdown ever.

Well somehow since that time the Carmel River in Carmel, CA has magically reappeared! :B But still no caramel!

[dedmiston]

garycq wrote:
I think I will skip the lower part but I would like to try the upper part again. My son drove the lower part a few years ago and hated it but my memory of the trip was different than his but your opinions are more inline with his so I will follow yours.
Thank You
Gary

My kids are adults now, but they still haven't forgiven me for the fact that the "Carmel River 100 mi" signs weren't actually guiding us to a river filled with caramel. Biggest letdown ever.

[garycq]

I think I will skip the lower part but I would like to try the upper part again. My son drove the lower part a few years ago and hated it but my memory of the trip was different than his but your opinions are more inline with his so I will follow yours.
Thank You
Gary

[JohnG3]

The Sobrantes (may not be the proper spelling) is in the Big Sur area. May want to check the California Highway Patrol website for updates before you commit to Hwy 1.

[Dumoldles]

I drove the Moro bay to Monterrey back in the 80s in aVolvo and hated it...no places to pull over and see the views...you really just focus on the driving and not the country. My advice would be to not do it.

Dumoldles

[bpounds]

Dtank wrote:
...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....

One would hope you would be doing that, regardless of what you are driving.

[GoPackGo]

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.

[Dtank]

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.

[JohnG3]

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.

[CA_Traveler]

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.

[starcraft69]

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

[momentum_rv]

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!

[bpounds]

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.