[groupw]

Considering a run to the ocean & wondering what State Hiways 74 & 79 from Palm Desert to Temecula are like.
Would be coming west outta PHX.
Good riding ? Good Roads ?
Mountain/desert ride ?
Availability of service (gas/food/etc) ?
Maybe in March or April.

 

[ironmark]

Most of the roads in CA are in good shape and in most cases there isn't a problem getting fuel, but if you're not sure where the next fuel stop is get fuel when you can.
Don't forget CA is a helmet state so don't forget the helmet also the temps can change according to elevation so take some warm riding gear for those cool mornings and elevation changes.
There is a lot of good riding in CA one of my favorite rides is going up to Morro Bay then take the PCH 1 up to San Francisco.
How long are you going for?

 

[groupw]

...... it'd just be an out & back
.... Just wanted to make sure that i'm not getting onto a gravel road in the desert/mtns

 

[ironmark]

Just out and back is still a 2 to 4 day ride.
You can run I-8 out to the San DIego area or take I-10 up towards the LA area. If you take I-10 you can pick up CA hwy 395 and head north the Hwy 58 and run that to Morro Bay which put you on the coast and Hwy 1, Hwy 58 from Buttonwillow heading west was on the motorcyclist top 20 roads list and I have to agree it is a great road.
If you go down I-8 you can pick up Hwy S-2 and run that through the desert to Julian which is a nice ride too.

 

[Stray Mutt]

No gravel roads on either 74 or 79. 74, just out of the Palm Springs area will take you immediately be up in the mountains, up to 8,000 feet - not unlike your home area riding, but some fairly spectacular views. Some good twisties, but some crazy drivers on it sometimes though. Just take care on the hairpins. It's only 70 or so miles between major towns, so if you gas up in the Palm Desert area you'll be fine. It's really a great ride, and hopefully it'll be sunny. If you do it in March be prepared for some chilly weather, possibly even some snow. Yeah, not exactly what you expect when you think Southern California.

 

[Blackbag1]

One of my absolute favorite rides are done on the roads between Temecula, Idyllwild, Santa Ysable, Ramona, Julian, Palomar Mountain. Palomar Mountain is a slower-speed treat due to the many decreasing radius curves that you'll encounter with delight on the South Grade....it opens up on the East Grade....please use lotsa commons sense that you have when riding this mountain road The weekends can be koo-koo with all the sportbikers exploring their wannabe racer skill-sets that they may or may not possess...but the weekday ride can be absolutely wonderful with hardly any traffic. Don't forget a stop at Mother's and the ride up to the observatory (6100+ft).

The 79 from Julian/Santa Ysable past Warner Springs to the 371 then to Anza then to the 74 to Idyllwild is probably my all-time favorite stretch or roads in the area on my sled. Many places to eat up there (5400+ft), too! From there you can take the scenic 243 down to Banning and ride it back up just cuz lol...or you can continue on the 74 down and up to Hemet. There are also some cool roads in Aguanga and in and around the wine-country area of Temecula. Don't forget to stop by Old Town Temecula as well. (Temecula HD is down the south end of First Street in case you wanna stop in)

All of this can be done in a day....twice if you really wanna like I always wanna lol Ride safe!