Overall Route Rating
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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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ImpromptuAdventures
March 2, 2020
47 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Adventure Touring
This is a great road. It connects the East/West portions of the state so it’s very useful on top of being in great condition, with few cars and fun corners and scenery. Of all the ways to get from pacific coast highway to the more inland portions of California, this is the best one in the area. Be sure to gas up before hopping on. There are NO services.
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Bottomfeeder
November 30, 2021
27 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
6k into what turned out to be a 12k-mile trip we stopped in Bakersfield for an oil change. When I told the guy at the shop we were heading for the PCH, he turned us onto this road. What a great surprise! Minimal traffic, great views and some fun twisties
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totowrench
April 5, 2020
110 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
California valley! Love this route from slopping straight away hills to switchbacks. This route has best of both worlds!
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