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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
November 2, 2009
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport
I rode this route from Santa Margarita toward Mckittrick and back, this is indeed the lost highway I saw maybe 5 cars in 80 miles of riding. Awesome riding in the twisties. A little bit of dirt in one area where the shoulders were leveled after recent rains. Other than that very clean, just be sure to gas up!
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GatorBob
April 29, 2019
42 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Standard
Made a video of this ride

https://vimeo.com/331138723
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Guest
February 10, 2009
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
I did the 58 / 33 loop afew times, awesome riding!! The only trouble was some cows on the shoulder that got loose. Very beautiful, miss riding in CA!!
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