California - Hwy 1 - RV-Dreams Community Forum

NWescapee · RV-Dreams Family Member

California - Hwy 1

RickandJanice · RV-Dreams Family Member

Have driven this area in a car a few years back. At that time we owned a 25' 5th wheel and commented several times we would never even take it on this road in several places. Not towing was a great drive and we both enjoyed it. Towing a rig of any size on Highway 1 between San Francisco and San Luis Obispo CA would be a nightmare in my opinion, let alone 38' in length.

bjoyce · RV-Dreams Family Member

My memories are Half Moon Bay to Watsonville is decent road, but somewhere around that point you want to switch to US101 to go south and take CA1 on day trips without the 5th wheel. I think CA1 from the north is better to get to Half Moon Bay than to take CA92 from the east.

NWescapee · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks Bill! Will look at that. Last year we did drive CA92 without much of an issue and since we'll be in San Carlos the weekend before, it's the most logical route for us, but good to know CA1 from the north is a good route for the next time.

MarkS · RV-Dreams Family Member

I haven't driven the coast hiway south of Carmel but into Carmel it is a local hiway. Looking at the satellite pictures it appears to be pretty straight from Half Moon to Monteray/Carmel. I have driven the coast hiway north of San Fran. That section can be navigated by an experienced big vehicle operator but if you have an ounce of nervous nelly in your blood I don't suggest it. So, from where you will be to at least Monterey, you will be fine. South of Carmel I'm not sure of but it appears straighter than the north road. Down in the Watsonville area you are well south of the metropolis. That is all farm country down there and all the roads will handle big trucks without concern. From there you can decide what direction you want to go. That is the garlic capital so pick some up at a roadside stand. If you have time, explore a few miles south of Carmel while you are in the area. That will help you make a decision. It isn't a speedway. Figure on averaging 25mph or less. Figure on stopping where you can to take pictures. All in all, you won't get stuck but whether you want to take the road or not is completely up to you. DW will not do that road in a big truck. She isn't comfortable on the side of a cliff.

WestWardHo · RV-Dreams Family Member

I've driven it several times in just a car and it was nerve wracking! However, it's some of the most beautiful scenery in the country if you drive down to Hearst Castle which is great to tour. Big Sur is so stunning! Pfeiffer State Park there has wonderful cabins for rent. If you can park the rig someplace safe and take a day or two trip, it will be one of a lifetime, if not now later on.

Sherry

Millie · RV-Dreams Family Member

I can imagine that hwy wouldn't be a too comfortable ride for your length. - The single lane road is very windy!

I went along there in a 23ft motorhome, and it was no problem.

There's also a lot of moderately steep inclines ...but great views of the ocean!

It's a take-it-easy road.

If it's too much for you, there's always exits to get off of it.

Trabuco · RV-Dreams Family Member

Hwy 1 between Hearst Castle and say Big Sur is a good drive for a motorcycle but not for pulling your 5th wheel. Been on this road many times and it is not made for big rigs. By all means take the road on a clear sunny day without the rig and you'll really enjoy it.

Loretta · RV-Dreams Family Member

NWescapee wrote:
Thanks Bill! Will look at that. Last year we did drive CA92 without much of an issue and since we'll be in San Carlos the weekend before, it's the most logical route for us, but good to know CA1 from the north is a good route for the next time.

Where will you be staying in San Carlos? My sister lives there and we will be going that way in October as well. We will be coming south from just north of Sacramento.

NWescapee · RV-Dreams Family Member

Loretta - looking for RV parks in the area, not a lot of options. We'll probably end up in Redwood City, but San Carlos will be a working weekend for us, Art and Wine festival.

Loretta · RV-Dreams Family Member

NWescapee wrote:
Loretta - looking for RV parks in the area, not a lot of options. We'll probably end up in Redwood City, but San Carlos will be a working weekend for us, Art and Wine festival.

We just may see you there. We were planning on staying in Marin or Vacaville after we leave Auburn. There are not alot of parks near there, unless you go to Pacifica or San Jose. Redwood city is nice.

bjoyce · RV-Dreams Family Member

The southern SF Bay is a good area to be an Elks member since there are multiple Elks lodges with campsites.