Pacific coast hwy

[Jones714]

We will be heading from SF to Monterey in a 40ft class A towing. We have not been on that stretch of the PCH. Any thoughts. Thanks.

[jsmart]

We did Hwy 1 from LA to SF with our 32' towing a jeep. They were also having a bike stage race at the time we drove up. From LA to Monterey I would not do again in a MH, but north of Monterey to SF was very nice. DW and the kids tell me the trip from LA was beautiful, but I was more concerned with staying on the road and not taking out a bike!! I think next time I'll do 101 from LA to Santa Cruz.

[atperci]

We live in the Bay Area and have driven along the coast from SF to South of Santa Cruz many times. There is only one section of Highway 1 that would be only a little challenging. From Pacifica to just after what used to be Devil's Slide. Maybe about 4 miles in all that is curvy, but is doable. Caltrans has built a tunnel that all but completely by-passes the treacherous Slide section of the 1. After that it is an absolutely gorgeous drive along the coast, mostly 55-60 mph and relatively straight. You do have to drive what is a surface street thru Santa Cruz, but stay in the left lane and you won't have any problems. From there to Monterey is all freeway, just don't go much past Carmel, that is what the other posts were warning you about. Take 101 its still a beautiful drive and much less scary. Enjoy the trip!

[Bigdog]

Pulled a Wilderness 27X TT South from Palo Alto to Hwy 1 and then down to Big Sur and south with a '98 3/4 'Burb and was able to keep traffic off my bumper.
I have also pulled a Cougar 304BHS TT with a PSD Excursion and driven my 40' Tradewinds and toad north from Monterrey up 1 to S.F. and only had a problem where they were building the new bridge over the headland.

[UsualSuspect]

There is a length restriction of 40' from Carmel to just north of San Simeon, so legally you would need to disconnect the toad and drive it. It will be tight, just drive safe and try not to draw to much attention, especially if it is during the off season.

[Fiverwheel]

From SF to Monterey is not a problem. It is the road past Monterey to Morro that is a challenge.

[FireGuard]

SF to Monterey is not bad, a couple of curvey areas but I wouldn't think twice about doing it.
Even South of Monterey is doable but more challenging.
Just remember to pull over and let the motorcycles pass. LOL

[enblethen]

OP is talking between SF and Monterrey!
Am I incorrect that this is bad? I sure don't remember this part of CA 1 being that bad.
Look at some of these camera views from Caltrans
Cameras

[Campfire_Time]

I did it in our old '95 'Burb. That's the largest vehicle I'd ever want to drive on that road.

[Terryallan]

Did it in a trailertruck. And IF I ever do it again. It will be in a sedan

[the_bear_II]

Only comment I have is watch out for vehicles entering from side roads...sometimes around a blind curve or blind intersection.

[enblethen]

I do not remember SF to Monterrey being that bad. South of Monterrey is a different story!

[Harvard]

bgum wrote:
I would not want to make that trip in your rig.

X2 We made it one time a Suburban pulling a 16 foot TT and it was an experience I would never again want. Too many twist and turns and a narrow 2 lane all the way. Totally unpleasant for the driver and equally stressful for a nervous co-pilot. IMO.

[bgum]

I would not want to make that trip in your rig.