Overall Route Rating
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3.95 out of 5 Rider Rating 3.95
23 Reviews

Ortega Highway (AKA "The Awesome 74 to Lake Elsinor")

Motorcycle Route Author

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By Guest (0 McR Points) on Jun 30, 2005

Rider Reviews

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mooseariss
July 26, 2011
This is a hell of a ride to do during the summer…
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Guest
June 22, 2010
Beautiful ride in Southern California. Great…
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Written Directions

The directions to this route are incredibly simple. Just get your self to San Juan Capistrano, CA and head east on route 74 or get your self to Lake Elsinore, CA and head west on 74.

Scenery

This road takes you through the Cleveland National Forest between San Juan Capistrano, CA and to Lake Elsinore, CA. You'll pass through some great mountain/valley scenery as you descend and climb through the national forest. In addition to mountains you'll see some lush plant nurseries and pass through some alpine forest areas. When you finally reach the end (near Lake Elsinore) you will truly be amazed at the breathtaking view of Mt. Elsinore as route 74 sits thousands of feet above the lake and its valley. 74 then quickly descends down to the lake and town.

Drive Enjoyment

The roads have a great combination of sweeping turns and twisties. It has a nice section that puts together a series of 180 degree turns as you quickly climb up a mountain. The part of the road near the end and dumps you down into the Lake Elsinoreis full of great turns as well. When I was out there, there were more bikes than cars as this truly is a favorite ride in southern California for bikes.

Tourism Opportunities

There is not too much to do in the way off "Roadside Amenities" however there are two bar/diner places along the route that cater specifically to the bike crowd. One of them is called Hell's kitchen and it caters to the cruiser/Harley crowd and the other is the "Lookout Roadhouse" which seems to attract more of the sport bike guys/girls. Other than that the town of Lake Elsinore has plenty of places to grab a bite and get your tank filled up.

Motorcycle Road Additional info

- View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo weather .
 

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Big.Mike
October 22, 2020
5 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport
Great ride, twisty and scenic. But novice riders be careful, lots of bikes as well as cars speed through here and some cross the center line. I would caution to stay in the middle or to the right side of your lane. I am local and have ridden it many times, and almost been hit a half dozen+ times. It has a few compound curves that will throw you into oncoming traffic if you're not paying attention.
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Ernie
February 23, 2021
41 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport
This is the highway that first got me into canyon carving back in 2016. Some great corners! great little bbq spot at the top and a nice scenic view over lake elsinore
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pmortuary
April 21, 2021
4 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Other
Definitely overrated. Yes there are a couple cool turns and some enjoyable sections but since 2001 this road has been way to busy and just another highway.
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