ronzorini

The weather's cooling down and it's time to take a short tour from LA to Anza Borrego.

Anyone know of a good inland route from the coast--Oceanside or thereabouts--to the Lake Henshaw area?

Last year, I took Hwy 76 from Oceanside through Pauma Valley, but the traffic was horrible and there was no shoulder much of the way. Once I got past the casinos, the traffic cleared up and it was much more enjoyable.

Or...maybe I should bypass that area altogether and use Hwy 79 to the north (Temecula > Warner Springs) or Hwy 78 to the south (Escondido > Ramona > Julian)?

Any help would be appreciated!

dddave

79 and 78 (past escondido) aren't going to be much better than 76. same thing - no bike lanes, no shoulders.

bitingduck

If you don't mind making a week of it, the San Diego AYH Christmas trip goes through there.

GP

You can use the first half of this route slip but instead of making a left onto South Grade Rd, go straight on Highway 76 for about 10 miles. Or you can take South Grade Rd to Canfield Rd, turn right and descend East Grade Rd. That will put you about 1/4 mile from the Lake Henshaw store.

ronzorini

Grumpy, thanks for the route slip! This is exactly what I was looking for. It avoids the worst area of Hwy 76 and rejoins at Lake Henshaw.

The Hostelling ride sounds like a lot of fun and it's for a good cause...not sure if I can get away during the holidays, though.