South Grade Road in California features 21 hairpin turns
Usa, north-america
18.02 km
1,666 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for South Grade Road! This insane stretch of asphalt is hiding in northern San Diego County, California, and it's a wild ride to the top of Palomar Mountain.
Seriously, this isn't just a road; it's an experience. Picture this: you're snaking your way up, up, up, through 21 hairpin turns! Yeah, you read that right. The road eventually crests at a whopping 5,465 feet, near the iconic Palomar Observatory. Keep an eye out, though – the observatory can close unexpectedly if the weather gets dicey.
The whole route is paved, so that's a plus, and it clocks in at just over 11 miles. You’ll be cruising from CA-76 all the way to Palomar Divide Road.
Normally, South Grade Road is open year-round, but Mother Nature can throw some curveballs. Winter brings snow and ice, so chain up when required. Fog can roll in, and rocks love to tumble onto the pavement, especially after a good rain. If it's pouring, maybe skip this one – closures and landslides are a real possibility.
But let's talk about the views! South Grade Road is absolutely stunning, I mean seriously breathtaking. Just remember to keep your eyes on the road, especially on those hairpin turns. Sadly, there's a history of accidents here, so stay sharp and ride safe!
Where is it?
South Grade Road in California features 21 hairpin turns is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 38.2616, -100.5038
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 18.02 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,666 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 38.2616, -100.5038
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