Overall Route Rating
speedo-meter speedo-arrow
speedo-meter-grey
4.38 out of 5 Rider Rating 4.38
43 Reviews

The Lost Highway 58 - Bakersfield to San Luis Opisbo

Motorcycle Route Author

profile Image
By Guest (0 McR Points) on Jul 31, 2006

Rider Reviews

See All Rider Reviews
KCRacin
10 McR Points
March 3, 2018
We (4) were at our hotel in Bakersfield looking…
Read More
Thumbsup
No Image Found
Guest
May 18, 2008
Just made this run a few weeks back and it was…
Read More
Thumbsup

Written Directions

Na

Scenery

Ask the locals in Bakersfield about Hwy 58 to San Luis Obispo and they'll tell you there's no such thing and then direct you to the super-slab Hwy 46. Don't listen. Beginning about a dozen miles west of Bakersfield, Hwy 58 is a roller-coaster all the way to the coast. Giant sweepers with giddying changes in elevation run through pastoral farmland for more than an hour. Then suddenly the road tightens down into twisting loops as you dive into canyon country. Just as suddenly, it all stops and you find you've arrived at San Luis Obispo's back door.

Drive Enjoyment

The asphalt is a little coarse but unbroken. Cross streets and even driveways are few and very far between. On the western end where turns get tight, they stay predictable with no decreasing-radius turns, gravel in the corners, or other hazards. Needless to say, traffic is non-existent. If you see two cars west of Simmler, it must be rush hour

Tourism Opportunities

It's not that the amenities are bad; it's just that there are none. Gas up in Bakersfield because it's the last you'll see unless you detour into Simmler about half way across the route. In fact, except for the occasional farmhouse, you won't see much of anything. Near the western end, about 30 miles out, there is a campground in Calf Canyon. But it's so remote you may be the only one there. (Not for the faint of heart.)

Motorcycle Road Additional info

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

Top Images

View All Add Photo Add Video
Share Your Comments ( 43 )
  Earn McR Points
Write a review
No Image Found
Big Mike
October 13, 2015
2 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
This is a Top 10 ride! The mix of twisties, straightaways, and whoop-dee-do's make this a motorcyclists dream. However, this road is NOT for the novice. Some of the turns are very sharp and unbanked giving the rider the invisible push if you aren't paying attention. This route is good for all bikes, big and small! Hope to see you out there! ENJOY!
Was this road review helpful?
Thumbsup
2 riders found this road review useful
F STOP
June 12, 2015
9 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
Rode CA 58 from Barstow to San Luis Obispo today - temps in the low 90's. Long straight stretches, but then some great curves and vistas. Not for a novice. High drop-offs and tight curves, but a great ride!
Was this road review helpful?
Thumbsup
2 riders found this road review useful
No Image Found
Guest
May 27, 2010
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
I just rode this route three days ago, though I rode it from West to East, ending in Bakersfield. Nice road surfaces, coarse but well kept. I LOVE riding the twisties, though I am not one who has to constantly push for a "personal best". I went out to enjoy the ride on the recommendation of a friend and was treated to a really nice afternoon of cruising in the countryside. Enjoy!!
Was this road review helpful?
Thumbsup
2 riders found this road review useful