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4.38 out of 5 Rider Rating 4.38
43 Reviews

The Lost Highway 58 - Bakersfield to San Luis Opisbo

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

Rider Reviews

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KCRacin
10 McR Points
March 3, 2018
We (4) were at our hotel in Bakersfield looking…
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Guest
May 18, 2008
Just made this run a few weeks back and it was…
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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 .
 

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Guest
October 7, 2008
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
made the loop from santa maria via 33 and 58, very nice country. i have to say it was very desolute on 58, was geeting concerned about gas. by far a very enjoyable ride, not much if any traffic
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KCRacin
March 3, 2018
10 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
6/11/17- We (4) were at our hotel in Bakersfield looking for a route west to the coast. We came across the lost highway by a recomendation. So we headed out the next morning and were not,disappointed. So,true about the no amenities unless dirt and asphalt is an amenity. Loved it. Not a stinking car or another vehicle either direction the entire trip.,then we came out of the hills,to,see the solar array on the north side and stopped took in tne valley we discovered. We very well may have missed this. Well worth the miles. What a blast we had.
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Guest
March 30, 2008
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport
The best side detour is Highway 229 just before the start of "13 Corners" before you get to Santa Margarita. The 229 is a great road to take to go out and back, as it's a 1 lane, seldom traveled windy road. It can be a challenge even for experienced riders, as there a few hairy turns often with some sand in them. I wouldn't recommend this road if you have any bike that doesn't have much lean angle. Of course, unless you want some parts of your bike ground down a bit!
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