Community Forums

Jim A · 01-02-2010, 10:11 PM

Has anybody taken their coach south on Highway 74 from Palm Desert? I want to go from Indio to Temecula, and that route is quite a bit shorter, but I can't tell from the map if it is too steep, windy, or tight for the coach. The other option is to take the 60 freeway to the 215.

I am not interested in an E ticket ride, so if it is not suitable, I will go the long way.

Thanks for any advice.

Dave Fernandez · 01-03-2010, 12:49 AM

Hello Jim:

I have never been on Highway 74 from Indio to Temecula but you can go to 60/10 in Beaumont exit Beaumont Ave and go South on 79 which changes into Sanderson Ave to Domenigoni Parkway (Changes into Newport RD in Menifee) and go east to 215 and South to Temecula, or you can take 74 east to the 215.

Both will save some mileage and some time without the Roller coaster ride through the mountains.

Retiredfields · 01-03-2010, 05:56 AM

Jim,

I've driven that route many times, heading to Outdoor Resorts Aguanga. The first 10 miles are steep switchbacks, but plenty wide. After that, it is not bad at all. The last 4 miles are a fairly steep downhill, but no problem for the engine brake.

However, if you don't like mountain roads, then its not for you.

MKelley · 01-03-2010, 07:51 AM

I've done it once and would not do it again.

Rick Long · 01-03-2010, 08:49 AM

This is the section that is twisty and steep....

Mandys Man · 01-03-2010, 10:42 AM

If you've ever been in Zion Nat'l Park heading east out of there, this road looks as good if not better than that one. It might slow me down, but sure wouldn't make me change my route.

Jim A · 01-03-2010, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Fernandez

Hello Jim:

I have never been on Highway 74 from Indio to Temecula but you can go to 60/10 in Beaumont exit Beaumont Ave and go South on 79 which changes into Sanderson Ave to Domenigoni Parkway (Changes into Newport RD in Menifee) and go east to 215 and South to Temecula, or you can take 74 east to the 215.

Both will save some mileage and some time without the Roller coaster ride through the mountains.

Thanks for all of the advice. I'll probably take the route suggested by Dave as a "nostalga tour". I took that route dozens of times back in the mid 70's. Of course at that time Domenigoni Parkway didn't exist, and there were no stop signs or signals on two lane highway 79 from Winchester to the 395 in Temecula! Highway 395 was a 4 lane divided highway and there was just a stop sign to try and cross it. Times have changed!!!

Bogie · 01-03-2010, 10:55 PM

Hi Jim
it is definitely a mountain road, plenty of curves but if you have driven in mountains before you shouldn't have any problems. We just went thru there on our way to Julian.
Bogie
02 Alpine 38 FDDS
Yucca Vly Ca

sdcyclist · 01-04-2010, 04:35 PM

Hi Jim,

I have a lawyer friend who lives in PS. I visit frequently from San Diego. 74 is very interesting because it goes from the desert to alpine clime in Garner Valley. Just turn left at the Junction in Garner Valley and it's a quick ride to Temecula.

sdcyclist
2006 36FDDS

takepride · 01-04-2010, 11:40 PM

Yes, the Pines to Palms Highway, I remember it well. I found out how twisty it was by accident. At the time I didn't really notice it was twisty. The turns just kept adding up.

In all actuality, it was not bad at all. Wide curves mostly. Very pretty. I'd take it again, just for the memories.

Jeff_S · 01-06-2010, 07:37 PM

Also just took the Pines to Palms Highway (CA 74) for the first time back at Thanksgiving going to the Outdoor Resorts in Aguanga. It was not bad at all. We'll be taking the same route next trip to Aguanga.

Just watch for the "turn out" signs to be able to let faster cars by.

GOLDWINGER2 · 01-06-2010, 08:15 PM

Jeff_S, I like your sig, RIP Alan Kulwicki and Niel Bonnett.
J

Jim A · 01-12-2010, 05:58 PM

I went ahead and took 74 up from Palm Desert and the drive was not bad at all. I have been on many tighter and steeper roads than this road. I would definitely take it again if I needed to go to the same areas again.

Now I need to try the other direction someday!

Thanks to all of those that gave their opinions.

lundy · 01-18-2010, 04:53 PM

Been both ways. Unless there might be a snow storm, I would go from Palm Desert, everytime. It might be a bit slow but there are places to pull over to let faster movers get by. That is except for the last time when there was snow at the top and did not feel comfortable pulling over. With the 2 stage brakes, coming back was no problem. I was dragging an GMC Envoy behind.