Hwy 166 From I5 to Hwy 101

[Glenn and Kathy]

We are planning a trip to Pismo beach in April. On previous trips to that area we have taken Hwy 46 from Bakersfield. We are looking at trying Hwy 166 which hits the 101 at Santa Maria. Has someone who has taken that route in a motorhome let me know how it is? mainly interest in grades, switchbacks, etc.

Thanks in advance

Glenn

[Glenn and Kathy]

We are planning a trip to Pismo beach in April. On previous trips to that area we have taken Hwy 46 from Bakersfield. We are looking at trying Hwy 166 which hits the 101 at Santa Maria. Has someone who has taken that route in a motorhome let me know how it is? mainly interest in grades, switchbacks, etc.

Thanks in advance

Glenn

[bkphotog]

Hi Glenn:

I live in Santa Barbara County, down here in Santa Ynez. I have not driven Hwy 166 in a MH but I have in a car. There are some average size to good size grades that you will have to climb. I suspect that your rig should be able to handle them. The problem with that route is that it takes for ever to complete. It is so long because of the way the route is configured to go around some of the hills. There is also alot of stretches where it is only two lanes. Also you will have some truck traffic and farm equipment traffic on that route. There are some sections that are two lane divided roadway. It just is so long I would not even drive it in a car anymore. Just my opinion. I do not like Hwy 46 either but I would take that route instead of Hwy 166. Good luck and drive safely.

[JRNOLL]

I use 166 and the only real hard pull is just leaving Maricopa heading west bound. Go the speed limit, the CHP monitors 166 well. You should have no problems.

[JRP]

Glenn,

I drive my MH from Bak to Pismo regularly and just for variety try every possible route.

166 is certainly useable with no major issues, but its not going to save you any time or miles. 166 is good if you like to sing along while playing "The Long and Winding Road" CD. 166 also has almost as many head on collisions as 46, due to too many folks in a hurry to get around slow moving RV's and trucks. It also gets heavy use by the oil field workers at start/quit times, around Maricopa.

Jim

[Glenn and Kathy]

Thanks for the quick responses. In checking further the mileage seems to be almost the same and we've always made good time on th 46, so I guess we will stick with it.

Hey Bill & Arlene, love the Santa Ynez, Solvang area. When I lived in CA, my ski club used to bicycle to all the winerys. This was awhile ago, but we used to stop in a bar there that had dollar bills stuck all over the ceiling. Don't remeber the namr of it.

Glenn