For technical riders visiting or living in San Diego, CA, a trip on the Palomar Mountain Loop motorcycle ride is a can’t-miss opportunity for some twisty turns and elevation changes.
Most of the attractions along the route are of its scenic beauty, providing several opportunities to pull over and take out your camera for photos. The real appeal is the ride itself.
The Route
From Pauma Valley, head southeast on CA-76. Turn left at Palomar Mountain Road S6. Follow the twists for seven miles, stopping only at the Palomar Mountain Viewpoint for a stunning vista, until you reach Palomar Mountain. From there, merge onto E Grade Road S7.
Take E Grade Road approximately 12 miles, stopping at the Henshaw Scenic Vista Observation Site on the way to take some pictures.
When you reach the end of E Grade Road, turn right back onto CA-76 and head back to Pauma Valley.
The roads twist and turn in some places, with elevation changes between 2,500 feet to 5,250 feet. The S6 stretch includes switchbacks and hairpin turns, offering a fun challenge for technical riders.
The Sights
You’ll find several places to pull off the road for photos and picnics. On the winding stretch on S6, don’t miss the Palomar Mountain Viewpoint just north of Purcell Road. On the section of E Grade Road between Crestline and Conifer Roads, don’t miss the Kica Mik Overlook.
Farther along the route, the Love Valley Meadow in the Cleveland National Forest offers scenic views and hiking trails. On a southbound stretch of E Grade Road is the Henshaw Scenic Vista, which many birders say provides a fantastic opportunity for seeing birds of prey over Lake Henshaw.
The Attractions
Parks and campsites line the route, with more options just off the main route. The Palomar County Park offers hiking trails and picnic areas in dense forests, with lots of opportunities to see birds of all kinds, including raptors.
If you’re looking for more metropolitan entertainment, you’ll need to add some distance to your ride and head towards a larger interstate city along I-15 or I-8. Head south from Rincon to reach Valley Center and Escondido.
The Eats
After enjoying the S6 curves, you might get a bit hungry and more than a little thirsty. The Palomar Mountain General Store offers everything from cold drinks and snacks to kitschy collectibles and home décor.
If you make a left onto CA-76 from E Grade Road, you’ll find Josie’s Hideout Saloon a few miles down the way in Santa Ysabel. Open on weekends, Josie’s is a premier biker hangout, with rows of bikes parked in front of the restaurant and wood deck patio. The menu features burgers, sandwiches, chili, fries, and more, with cold beer on tap and live music. Hideout is dog-friendly and family-friendly.
Stop by El Rey Restaurant for Mexican classics and a margarita at the end of your ride returning to Pauma Valley. The large portions and affordable pricing will fill you up after riding and sightseeing for a few hours.
Turn to Us at Law Tigers After a Motorcycle Accident
We hope you’ll plan a trip on the Palomar Mountain Loop motorcycle ride during your next visit to San Diego, CA. At Law Tigers, we’re lawyers around the country who ride and focus on motorcycle laws. If you were the victim of a motorcycle accident, bike theft, or lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, contact us at Law Tigers to find a motorcycle attorney near you.
Call our team at Law Tigers today at 1-888-863-7216, and don’t forget to sign up for your free rider benefit card.
