Six Noteworthy County Roads Touring the Golden State of California:
Embark on an unforgettable adventure as we explore some of California's most striking routes, each offering a unique blend of natural beauty, historical charm, and challenging terrain.
First, let's journey through the Golden Chain Highway (Route 49) from Nevada City to Vinton. This route showcases the contrasting landscapes of the Sierra Nevada, featuring mountain passes, rivers, and semi-arid plains.
Next, we venture to Monitor Pass on California State Route 89, one of the best alpine passes in California. Situated between Topaz Lake and Markleeville in the heart of the Sierra Nevada, Monitor Pass crosses the Sierra Crest at an elevation of approximately 8,320 feet, offering a dramatic descent towards the eastern side of the mountains.
Monitor Pass is renowned for its scenic alpine route, providing spectacular views and a memorable driving or cycling experience through rugged Sierra Nevada terrain. It is a critical part of the famous Tour of the California Alps, also known as the Death Ride—a 103-mile cycling event featuring over 14,000 feet of climbing that includes Monitor Pass among other passes.
As we continue our journey, we arrive at Cuyama Valley, characterised by its semi-arid landscape. Markleeville, a tiny town on the banks of Markleeville Creek, retains a few historic buildings and a frontier trading post feel. The route takes just over three hours to complete and includes dense forests, historic mining villages, and vast high-altitude plains.
After crossing the mountain pass, the road descends into the semi-arid Cuyama Valley, where orchards, ranches, and pistachio fields thrive. From Carrizo Plain onwards, the landscape becomes almost moon-like, marked by the striations of the 1857 earthquake.
For those already familiar with California, Route 33 from Ojai to Maricopa passes through the Los Padres National Forest, offering a scenic drive through dense forests and historic mining villages. However, it is recommended for those who are already familiar with the state.
Lastly, Route 58 between Santa Margarita and Bakersfield winds through the Central Coast Range and is less travelled than Highway 46. The route offers a peaceful journey through rolling pastures and oak forests, skirting the Santa Rosa Plateau ecological reserve.
In rural Southern California, Route 79 between Temecula and Julian winds through picturesque landscapes, with views of the Santa Rosa Plateau ecological reserve and the San Andreas Fault, visible in the Carrizo Plain National Monument. The route transitions from mountainous to farmland as it progresses, offering a diverse and beautiful journey.
Each of these routes offers a unique and unforgettable experience, showcasing the natural beauty and diverse landscapes of California. Whether you're a seasoned explorer or a casual traveller, these routes are sure to leave you in awe of the Golden State's stunning vistas.
Engaging in a unique travel experience, we explore the enchanting Route 33 from Ojai to Maricopa, which envelops you in the verdant beauty of the Los Padres National Forest, providing a scenic lifestyle journey through dense forests and historic mining villages.
For those seeking an alpine adventure, cycling the renowned Tour of the California Alps, also known as the Death Ride, presents an exhilarating challenge, featuring en-vols on Monitor Pass, one of California's most spectacular travel destinations.
