SF Bay Area - Best driving roads for a Sunday morning blast?

wjk_glynn · 08-13-2017, 05:44 PM

Hi folks,

Following is a compilation of driving roads for an early Sunday morning blast (and a few to possibly avoid) in the SF Bay Area. Recommendations are from either:
.

My personal experience
Or from various members on either Rennlist, E9x M3 Post, F8x M3/M4 Post or 1addicts

To enjoy many of these roads, you often need to be out there at the crack-of-dawn so as to find them mostly empty. If you leave it to later in the day, you'll frequently be inundated with cyclists/traffic/etc. That's just a fact of life when living in the SF Bay Area...

As regards my personal preferences, I'm partial to roads with:
.

Minimal residential (don't want to attract attention)
Reasonably good road surface (most of our cars, and certainly mine, don't have long suspension travel)
High work rate (i.e. plenty of corners-per-mile to keep you busy)
Decent sightlines (not overly tight or too many blind corners, has space for oncoming traffic)
You can make and enjoy a decent pace without going crazy/dangerous/go-to-jail fast...

They're grouped by region as follows:
.

North Bay - Marin, Sonoma, Napa and Solano Counties
East Bay - Contra Costa and Alameda Counties
South Bay - Santa Clara County
Santa Cruz Mountains & County - Technically not the Bay Area, but close enough...
Peninsula - San Mateo and San Francisco Counties
Points further away - Beyond the SF Bay Area (North, Sierra Nevada Mountains, East and South)

If you've any recommendations of your own that should be added to this list, please post in this thread with sufficient detail so that people know the exact route (e.g. providing a Google Maps link works great).

And for reference, the following was last updated as of: November 25th, 2022

North Bay

From Bolinas to Mt. Tamalpais via Ridgecrest Blvd. - https://goo.gl/maps/spfWExeSKqS2 (~10 miles)
- Recommended by david, with some qualifying comments
- See also comments from visitador
- In 2015, Motor Trend used this ~4 mile stretch of Ridgecrest Blvd. when reviewing a Hellcat vs. ZL1 - https://goo.gl/maps/M1ayEGAmoT22
  - The review (including video) can be found here: https://www.motortrend.com/news/chev...n-head-2-head/
From Stinson Beach up to Ridgecrest Blvd. via Panoramic Hwy. - https://goo.gl/maps/aTYt9p8nVT7KgrE57 (~9 miles)
- Recommended by visitador
- Though Kbasa notes "Panoramic is patchy and bumpy down near Stinson"
Lucas Valley Rd. from 101 over to Nicasio Valley Rd. - https://goo.gl/maps/v1zXytn8DUS2 (~10 miles)
- Recommended by david
- He had specific notes and recommendations, so best to read his post for more details
To the above (LVR), add the loop of Nicasio Valley Rd / Pt. Reyes Petaluma Rd / Hicks Valley Rd / Willson Hill Rd / Chileno Valley Rd / Tomales Petaluma Rd / Hwy-1 / Sir Francis Drake Blvd... and back to Nicasio Valley Rd - https://goo.gl/maps/gQCdz86pbJkRYJ1t8 (~61 miles)
- Recommended by Kbasa
PCA GGR fun run to The Racers Group in May, 2019 - https://goo.gl/maps/qWAkSpSe2wS2 (~67 miles)
- First leg was west along Lucas Valley Rd. to Nicasio Valley Rd., up to Pt. Reyes - Petaluma Rd., west again to Shoreline / Hwy-1, up to the community of Marshall
- Second leg went inland on Marshall-Petaluma Rd. over to Chileno Valley Rd., then up to Tomales Rd., which took us over to Petaluma where The Racers Group is located
- See this post for more details
Roads leading out to Point Reyes Lighthouse in Marin - https://goo.gl/maps/QBwcx4kcnV62
- Two options were recommended by Reborn996:
  - Option #1 - Hwy-1 from Mill Valley, then Sir Francis Drake Blvd. to the lighthouse - https://goo.gl/maps/N4A3pNgiJFQ2 (~44 miles)
  - Option #2 - From the outskirts of Lagunitas, take Sir Francis Drake Blvd. to the lighthouse - https://goo.gl/maps/y1q4VjgB7dr (~29 miles)
- mrjonger notes there's a nice spot for photos at the Cypress Tree Tunnel: https://goo.gl/maps/AY3mjUjsi7B2
  - Though Sensr215 notes the road out to the Cyprus Tree Tunnel is very rough - just a heads up...
From Point Reyes Station out to Limantour Beach - https://goo.gl/maps/YtHLWei8Evn (~9 miles)
- Recommended by TheBruce
From Point Reyes Station to Sea Ranch (via Hwy-1), and then east to Geyserville - https://goo.gl/maps/yJvGwZtwdHR2 (~122 miles!)
- Recommended by david
- mrjonger also recommends the Tomales to Stinson Beach part of this route
- However niacin has noted (and confirmed by mrjonger as of late-September 2018) that the stretch from south of Valley Ford Road and north of Fallon is down to a single lane with a timed stoplight and is slow to get through: https://goo.gl/maps/jgr7iaxbdtH2
Lake Sonoma to the coast using Skaggs Springs Rd. - https://goo.gl/maps/TigZHm2J7wR4oZa5A (~35 miles)
- Recommended by propchef
- ///M3-=FiN=- also recommended a section of this road (and he included some video) - https://goo.gl/maps/eS4rLk9T3ZD2 (~6 miles)
Loop from Cloverdale to Calistoga, west to Jenner via Guerneville, north to Stewarts Point, and back to Cloverdale - https://goo.gl/maps/X8QvAfXWgJyi9sUp8 (~148 miles)
- The country store in Stewarts Point is a recommended stopping point - https://twofishbaking.com
- Recommended by sgt1372
Bodega Bay to Goat Rock - https://goo.gl/maps/sChe7GoXkC12 (~10 miles)
- Recommended by geemman
Need for Speed movie sequence from Ukiah to the Point Arena Lighthouse - https://goo.gl/maps/NYT7XCLQGeH2 (~48 miles)
- Recommended by phuonger
From Suisun Valley Rd. up to Napa Valley:
- keytohwy recommends two options:
  - Option #1 - https://goo.gl/maps/PTv3fp9ttjQ2 (~13 miles)
  - Option #2 - https://goo.gl/maps/uXh56E2jJdH2 (~30 miles)
- sgt1372 has three recommended variations (with followup comments here):
  - Shorter - https://goo.gl/maps/V8GY9hvsKUuYYMXH6 (~34 miles) - essentially the same as keytohyw's "Option #2" above
  - Medium - https://goo.gl/maps/tpok7fNyF1Je1ArRA (~48 miles)
  - Longer - https://goo.gl/maps/F5JLmKtwmP99NuwK6 (~74 miles)
Lake Berryessa (east of Napa Valley) - https://goo.gl/maps/kHvxLbkEymt (~49 miles)
- Recommended by 1mang
Winters, up around Lake Berryessa to Hwy-29, back down to Angwin - https://goo.gl/maps/AicGhLze7gD2 (~110 miles!)
- Recommended by DesmoSD and david
Calistoga to Clear Lake via Hwy-29 - https://goo.gl/maps/13JRMjQYF5m (~36 miles)
- Recommended by archizzzz
Roads to perhaps avoid...
- Marshall Petaluma Rd between Marshall and Hicks Valley Rd - https://goo.gl/maps/Qrdxkxf8r492 (~11 miles)
  - mrjonger noted "I would avoid Marshall Petaluma Rd between Marshall and Hicks Valley Rd. It's really rough."
  - visitador said it's "...more suited for Cayennes and not for sport cars"
  - ducktails added "...better taken in a Macan or a Safari build - if you take it in a low/stiff e.g. GT car, you're gonna have a bad time."
  - I drove parts of it in May 2019:
    - It's definitely bumpy, but I didn't think it was horrific (in a stock 997.2 C2S)
    - But I'd definitely follow the advice of the folks who know it best
- Fairfax-Bolinas Rd to Fairfax - https://goo.gl/maps/i8Ss9aPmUrD2 (~10 miles)
  - david says the road is in bad shape

East Bay

sgt1372 recommends a variety of options heading east out of Antioch...
- First take Antioch to Isleton, then to the Georgiana Slough Bridge in Walnut Grove - https://goo.gl/maps/YD68tKRUudKfFJ7e9 (~29 miles), with stop-offs at:
  - Mei Was Beer Room in Isleton - https://meiwahbeerroom.com
  - Walnut Grove Iron Works - http://wgironworks.com
- Then take one of these options...
  1. Turn left and take River Rd., then Freeport Blvd. into Sacramento - https://goo.gl/maps/4Jn5i7VkvuWhWEPq6 (~30 miles), with stop-offs at:
    - Al the Wop's - http://www.locketown.com/als.htm
    - California Automobile Museum - https://www.calautomuseum.org
  2. Or turn right, and head to one of these...
    - Lockeford Meat & Sausage Services in Lockeford - https://goo.gl/maps/wvuhf6Y59v8pWahz8 (~24 miles)
    - Wines & Roses Hotel in Lodi - https://goo.gl/maps/5ee5goqvyopdj6tj7 (~17 miles)
    - Or route back to Antioch via Stockton and Discovery Bay - https://goo.gl/maps/sL8SMnficKencQLM8 (~65 miles)
      - With a stop off at Boardwalk Grill - https://www.boardwalkgrill.net
Niles Canyon Rd between Fremont and Sunol - https://goo.gl/maps/dsULGvAFQXqp4Srr5 (~7 miles)
- Recommended by smceo
Mines Rd. to Lick Observatory (from Livermore) - https://goo.gl/maps/C1jbWjsEi1n (~43 miles)
- Many people rave about this road
- Recommended by keytohwy and ltcjmramos
- Also refer to the Mt Hamilton Road to Lick Observatory in the South Bay section below...
Mines Rd, then Del Puerto Canyon Rd out to I-5 - https://goo.gl/maps/BKVVNxYPvAS2 (~52 miles)
- Recommended by 1mang and CheetoNYC
- However, TrickTizzle drove this road in July 2019 and noted the DPCR leg "is pretty deteriorated 10/15 miles from Mines Rd. Rock slide area with lots of pot holes and buckled pavement. Would not recommend."
Skyline Blvd (Oakland), from Golf Links Rd to Redwood Rd - https://goo.gl/maps/7PitaMKwXRnaL5vA6 (~5 miles)
- Recommended by Two718s noting "it's a fun, albeit short, run, from Golf Links Road to Redwood Road. Maybe 3.5 miles but lots of smooth curves and great views. The only issue are the many driveways leading to the road. But early on a weekend morning, or mid-day on a weekday, it's usually deserted."
Redwood Rd - https://goo.gl/maps/F8sEXuf7bYs (~11 miles)
- Recommended by derbo
- Two718s notes "A word of caution, even at oh-dark-thirty on weekends it is absolutely jammed with bicycles."
- But wail junkie said "...at around 7 AM and saw just one cyclist the whole time, after doing the full length in both directions"
- YMMV
Pinehurst Rd - https://goo.gl/maps/Qb16dsU6KWs (~7 miles)
- Recommended by derbo
- Two718s notes it "...is very narrow, rough in spots and the curves are so tight that it's usually hard to go more than 30 mph at best."
Calaveras Rd - https://goo.gl/maps/VFv7CafxD1p (~16 miles)
- Recommended by derbo, with additional comments here
Palomares Rd - https://goo.gl/maps/oLnnD4MwbHS2 (~10 miles)
- Recommended by iturbo_bmw
The Bear Creek / San Pablo Dam loop near Berkeley / Orinda - https://goo.gl/maps/dNfc7GhHS8A2 (~19 miles)
- Recommended by wyatth
Alhambra Valley Rd in Martinez - https://goo.gl/maps/aXRgUorUubde4z5g9 (~9 miles)
- Recommended by FireM3
- He notes it can be bumpy and narrow, but he likes it
- It connects to Bear Creek above
Altamont Pass Rd - https://goo.gl/maps/u8oVjC7oeYk (~8 miles)
- Recommended by ylk1
Patterson Pass Rd - https://goo.gl/maps/6si4Hpijfov (~9 miles)
- Recommended by ylk1
Through Livermore / San Ramon Valley - https://goo.gl/maps/xrNMybJJ3f45RdkK6 (~19 miles)
- Recommended by sgt1372
- Sometimes the link above doesn't work in Google Apps (through it works in a browser)
- Here's the same route but with a different link as a fallback - https://goo.gl/maps/WeegUa5XMNgm2Re27 (~19 miles)
Tesla Rd / Corral Hollow Rd - https://goo.gl/maps/wfuJeXuA7d22 (~16 miles)
- Recommended by ylk1
- In April 2020, sgt1372 noted that "humps" (speed bumps w/flat spots on top) have been installed east of Greenville Rd, but once past them it's still enjoyable. Just an FYI...
Marsh Creek Rd - https://goo.gl/maps/kQAHsHz7uGDcSnHj8 (~15 miles)
- Located east of Mount Diablo
- Recommended by RugbyBro with a few caveats
- sgt1372 also confirms this can be a fun drive
Roads to perhaps avoid...
- Morgan Territory Rd - https://goo.gl/maps/2a8zYoiCaCz73yVU8 (~15 miles)
  - Connects to Marsh Creek Rd above, and goes through Morgan Territory Regional Preserve
  - Both RugbyBro and sgt1372 thinks it's simply too tight and narrow

South Bay / Santa Clara County

Mt Hamilton Rd to Lick Observatory (starting at Clayton Rd.) - https://goo.gl/maps/5SZtntEdyYy (~16 miles)
- Great hill climb up to the telescopes at Lick Observatory, and has even been referenced in professional articles/features:
  - EVO Magazine drove this road when reviewing the Mustang (S550) GT350 in the May 2016 issue #221 (front cover) - Henry Catchpole spoke very highly of the road
  - Total911 listed in their Great Road series - https://www.total911.com/route-130-california-usa/
  - When Rory Reid (AutoTrader UK) reviewed a C8 Corvette, the canyon-carving bits seemed to have been shot on this road - YouTube
- Others think the back-side of Mines Rd. to Lick Observatory (from Livermore) is even better
  - See East Bay section above...
Metcalf Rd. / San Felipe Rd. to Silvercreek - https://goo.gl/maps/yY8MZwY74sR2 (~9 miles)
- Initially it's tight and bumpy as you climb up to the Motorcycle County Park
- But it opens up once you get past that park, especially when you reach San Felipe Rd.
- The only downside is that it's relatively short
- There's a 2-mile detour down where San Felipe Rd. branches to Las Animas Rd., and then down to the old Pratt & Whitney (United Technologies) rocket-motor test site. That short detour dead-ends at: https://goo.gl/maps/jCA1oMcj8jK2
Drive around Almaden Quicksilver County Park - https://goo.gl/maps/mGvFPLT7g7H2 (~13 miles)
- The north-west section of Hicks Rd. down to the junction at Almaden Quicksilver County Park & Mt. Umunhum Rd is more bumpy that I like, but the road surface improves as you go down around and back up around to New Almaden
- Recommended by loliea
Almaden Rd. / Alamitos Rd. / Hicks Rd. / Mt. Umunhum Rd. up to Mt. Umunhum - https://goo.gl/maps/zmhgLrDQ8gq (~11 miles)
- Recommended by CheetoNYC
Various roads leading to/from Uvas Reservoir - https://goo.gl/maps/DKapg9P7a4w (~67 miles)
- Recommended by 1mang
Bailey / McKean / Uvas / Watsonville Rd. to Hwy-152 - https://goo.gl/maps/EfJSBsi9ksL2 (~17 miles)
- Starts near the IBM Research Lab in Almaden, and continues down to the Hecker Pass Hwy (152)
- Road surface is more bumpy than expected (though not terrible), and the work rate (i.e. number of corners) is low
- Upside is that once you get down to Hwy-152, you're near the start of the quite excellent Hecker Pass in Santa Cruz County
- So it's a decent, but not great back road...
South on Watsonville Rd. out of Morgan Hill, then east on CA-129 (with Carlton Rd. as a connector between the two) - https://goo.gl/maps/y9nUHzuyAua7DCUc9 (~28 miles)
- Recommended by vasmir
Roads to perhaps avoid...
- Sierra Rd. to Old Calaveras Rd. - https://goo.gl/maps/4yyMpgfxKWs (~12 miles)
  - Crazy tight (some parts single lane) and quite bumpy in places
  - Can't recommend this...

Santa Cruz Mountains & County

Hwy-9 from Saratoga to Boulder Creek (begins as you cross Sanborn Creek) - https://goo.gl/maps/vSH183Lrfxq (~18 miles)
- Beautiful sweeping run down through the Redwoods, doesn't get much better than this
- Matt Farah reviewed an Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio as part of his signature 'One Take' series on this road - YouTube
Hwy-236 / Big Basin / Boulder Creek - https://goo.gl/maps/N68nmyEFcnN2 (~17 miles)
- Northern-half runs though Big Basin Redwoods State Park
  - It's very beautiful/scenic
  - And has a great road surface after being recently resurfaced
  - However, that northern-half is very narrow
    - It's effectively single lane on many stretches
    - Thus there's no room for (and you're often blind to) oncoming traffic
    - You need to keep your pace way down for reasons of basic safety
  - But for a slow paced drive, this section is very pretty
- Southern-half below the park opens up and is similar to Hwy-9 (also close by)
  - You can more easily stretch your legs in this section...
- Recommended by SLVRon
Bear Creek Rd. - https://goo.gl/maps/6sGMphDydcS2 (~13 miles)
- From Hwy-17 to Boulder Creek
- Reasonably okay route
- But I find it overly tight and bumpy in places to really enjoy
Empire Grade (Lockheed Martin to/from Santa Cruz) - https://goo.gl/maps/gq3metdHYks (~17 miles)
- Either up to, or down from the Lockheed Martin Space Systems facility to the outskirts of Santa Cruz
- Nice road with good surface conditions
- Reminds me of Skyline Blvd. (Hwy-35)
Bonny Doon Rd - https://goo.gl/maps/uzWYL5o2qBu (~7 miles)
- Recommended by Chris(MA)
Soquel San Jose Rd - https://goo.gl/maps/NAPo78oLx6B2 (~10 miles)
- The road itself is quite nice (good surface, nice flowing corners in good few places)
- Downside is that there's more residential along it than I like
Hecker Pass through Mt. Madonna County Park - https://goo.gl/maps/nmg3VuTR3Vo (~8 miles)
- Short, but a very nice run
Felton Empire Rd - https://goo.gl/maps/fHcAcU1Wo4y (~3 miles)
- Recommended by ylk1
Run up from Hwy-1 to Bonny Doon, over to Felton, up Hwy-9 to Saratoga - https://goo.gl/maps/7RMCUFudtYT2 (~41 miles)
- Recommended by ylk1

Peninsula / San Mateo County

Roads orientated around Alice's Restaurant (well known weekend hangout for bikers across the area):
- Skyline Blvd. (Hwy-35) from Hwy-92 down to Black Rd: https://goo.gl/maps/M6XXQkjDHf12 (~32 miles)
  - You get a nice down from Hwy-92, past Alice's, and down to Black Rd
  - But south of Black Rd, it gets too tight and bumpy for my liking
- Saratoga to Alice's Restaurant (begins as you cross Sanborn Creek) - https://goo.gl/maps/151F12wL1uA2 (~18 miles)
  - Great run up from the South Bay
- Woodside to Alice's Restaurant - https://goo.gl/maps/utQnubCn3NJ2 (~4 miles)
  - From once you get past Woodside, you climb up to Alice's Restaurant
  - That section is great, the only downside is that it's very short
- Alice's Restaurant out to the San Gregorio General Store - https://goo.gl/maps/3VgGrSxpTdF2 (~14 miles)
  - From Alice's, take Hwy-84 out to the coast
  - Stopping off at the San Gregorio General Store
  - Also recommended by V2Rocket
- Pescadero Creek Rd (at the coast) back up to Alice's Restaurant - https://goo.gl/maps/DUcTuAKrZXt (~22 miles)
  - From the coast (Hwy-1), take Pescadero Creek east and rejoin Hwy-84, and then east to Alice's Restaurant
  - Pescadero Creek itself is nice, though there's more residents along it than some of the other routes
  - Could be part of a loop that includes hitting the San Gregorio General Store on Hwy-84 (see above)
  - Recommended by r6elmo
- Loop from Woodside up to Skyline, and back down via Kings Mountain Rd. - https://goo.gl/maps/W1c8QnnneW5qRTT78 (~16 miles)
  - Recommended by Kelly
Tunitas Creek Rd. - https://goo.gl/maps/hx2mdUe6DiA2 (~9 miles)
- From Hwy-1 on the coast, back up to Skyline Blvd. (Hwy-35)
- It's very bumpy and tight in some places, suspension needs plenty of travel
- Would be fun in a Rally Car...
Swett Rd / Star Hill Rd to Tunitas Creek - https://goo.gl/maps/axeXoGfqTFL2 (~1 miles)
- Recommended by jnolan
Alpine Rd. (from Page Mill side through to Hwy-84) - https://goo.gl/maps/eCPr4CncWpn (~14 miles)
- Recommended by spxxx
- I found it similar in character to Bear Creek Rd. in Santa Cruz County
Stage Rd / Cloverdale Rd past Butano State Park - https://goo.gl/maps/hhhkczAw8dU2 (~17 miles)
- Recommended by jnolan
Lobitos Creek Rd - https://goo.gl/maps/S75AiszFx2p (~4 miles)
- Recommended by jnolan
From the Dam bisecting Crystal Springs Reservoir down to Saratoga avoiding the highway - https://goo.gl/maps/GXEHddo64522 (~34 miles)
- Cañada Rd / Mountain Home Rd / Portola Rd / Alpine Rd / Arastradero / Page Mill / Arastradero (again) / Purrisima
- And then surface streets to Foothill Expressway, and then down to Saratoga
- Recommended by jnolan
Kings Mountain Rd. - https://goo.gl/maps/FWTjvL1qCDs (~4 miles)
- Recommended by TridenTBoy

Points further away from the SF Bay Area

North

Final race from the 2014 movie Need for Speed - https://goo.gl/maps/9hnTh1N5gJEux9se6 (~72 miles)
- Originally recommended by phuonger
- ducktails drove it in August 2022, and confirmed it's a good one
Longvale to Dos Rios - https://goo.gl/maps/XJY5FK5xSNL2 (~16 miles)
- Recommended by ylk1
- South end of this route is ~85 miles north of Santa Rosa (as the crow flies)
Piercy to Rockport (north of Fort Bragg) - https://goo.gl/maps/zwkrWDTMk1P2 (~29 miles)
- Recommended by ylk1
- South end of this route is ~110 miles north of Santa Rosa (as the crow flies)
CA-36 & CA-3, west of Platina - https://goo.gl/maps/sQ1jGtbEFEG2 (~52 miles)
- Recommended by ylk1
- South end of this route is ~135 miles north of Santa Rosa (as the crow flies)

Sierra Nevada Mountains (and foothills)

Hwy-70 up and over to Bucks Lake, back up and over to La Porte, and then up Hwy-49 to Truckee and Donner Pass - https://goo.gl/maps/uLSy87xZ11h4t5g77 (~282 miles)
- Road & Track drove this road for their 2020 Performance Car of the Year, and spoke highly of the Hwy-70 section: https://www.roadandtrack.com/new-car...r-of-the-year/
Pleasant Valley Rd and Marysville Rd, east of Yuba City - https://goo.gl/maps/99FxB3u13EwDB6Yp6 (~69 miles)
- Recommended by Jartin
Various parts of the CA-49 Golden Chain Highway
- Sierraville to Nevada City - https://goo.gl/maps/1aQTYgJLo9xJJ8sD8 (~77 miles)
  - Recommended by Sprintrider
- Coulterville to Bagby - https://goo.gl/maps/cJCD5aZn8TNsmxP78 (~10 miles)
  - Recommended by ylk1
- Downieville to Sattley - https://goo.gl/maps/Uq2GUDiUHyP6sqRt6 (~31 miles)
  - Recommended by ylk1
Sonora Pass (Hwy-108), from Hwy-395 to Sonora - https://goo.gl/maps/C2h3M1T6acBHBecJ6 (~81 miles)
- Recommended by Sprintrider
CA-89, including Monitor Pass - https://goo.gl/maps/Aa2CXF57uGPiH3ER6 (~29 miles)
- Recommended by ylk1 and Sprintrider
Pine Creek Rd - https://goo.gl/maps/XFEWs3ZSaWeH278G7 (~7 miles)
- Recommended by ylk1, and used to be shown in Motor Trend's Ferrari GTC4 Lusso video (YouTube), but MT has since made that video 'private'
Through Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park https://goo.gl/maps/4YwEn6BDL4S2XdWXA (~79 miles)
- Kanawyers to Big Stump Entrance via Hwy-180, then down to Citro via Hwy-245
- Originally recommended by 1mang

East

Diablo Grande Pkwy back out to I-5 - https://goo.gl/maps/5vLJSed6rc32 (~7 miles)
- Recommended by iphilips
- West side of this route is ~36 miles east of San Jose (as the crow flies)
Zurich to Deep Springs on CA-168 - https://goo.gl/maps/fdwieXPsdZM2 (~25 miles)
- Recommended by ylk1
- West side of this route is ~200 miles east of San Jose (as the crow flies)

South

Airline Highway (CA25) out of Hollister
- iphilips recommends Hollister to San Lucas, with a diversion into Pinnacles National Park - https://goo.gl/maps/DGnW7Qc39Jm (~86 miles)
- 1mang recommends Hollister to Coalinga (via Hwy-25 & Hwy-198) - https://goo.gl/maps/XtkjW93fJ2H2 (~91 miles)
- Hollister is ~40 miles south of San Jose (as the crow flies)
Motor Trend's test route for their annual Best Driver's Car competition - https://goo.gl/maps/wWNWqRG5j672 (~4.2 miles)
- Motor Trend runs an annual Best Driver's Car competition: https://www.motortrend.com/awards/best-drivers-car/
- Since 2015, the test includes running the cars on a closed portion of Hwy-198 with the help of the CHP
- This test route is part of 1mang's recommendation of Hollister to Coalinga (see above)
- Here's where they stage the cars for the uphill run: Street View
- This route is ~100 miles south-east of San Jose (as the crow flies)
Naciemiento-Fergusson Rd. - https://goo.gl/maps/X9LUPQJVcDx (~24 miles)
- Recommended by snub-nose 28, calling it the "...the 275 GTB four-cam long-nose 'barn find' among rare Engineered-Just-for-The-Drive ribbons..."
- This route is ~45 miles south of Monterey (as the crow flies)
Ventucopa to Ojai on CA-33 - https://goo.gl/maps/aAJisLRkW1K2 (~46 miles)
- Recommended by ylk1, noting that it's "Probably the single best road in California"
- Also featured on Jalopnik's "This Is Americaís Greatest Secret Road" - YouTube
- Ojai is ~25 miles east of Santa Barbara (as the crow flies)
Horseshoe meadow Rd - https://goo.gl/maps/aXFcwoxMKF32 (~8 miles)
- Recommended by ylk1
- Can be seen at the ~9 minute mark in Everyday Driver's midship shootout video - YouTube
- This route is ~165 miles north of Los Angeles (as the crow flies)
9 Mile canyon Rd - https://goo.gl/maps/UrecnyPzKNJ2 (~9 miles)
- Recommended by ylk1
- This route is ~120 miles north of Los Angeles (as the crow flies)
SR58 from McKittrick to Santa Margarita - https://goo.gl/maps/mgGUZR7VThK2 (~70 miles)
- Recommended by Archimedes
- Road & Track drove this road when reviewing a Maserati MC20: https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-cul...many-meanings/
- This route ends about 5 miles north east of San Luis Obispo
Hwy-39 from Azusa to the San Gabriel Canyon Road Lookout - https://goo.gl/maps/Hp9HFMG9tLPwuX1e9 (~23 miles)
- Car and Driver drove this road when reviewing a GT4 RS: https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...y-the-numbers/
- Azusa is on the northern edge of the LA Metropolitan area

Karl.

PS: Other sites with similar information/recommendations...
.

SFbaytripper
UnitOneStudios
Mayank's Favorites
Pashnit
- Recommended by Archimedes
Road Adventures
- Recommended by 1mang
Roadtripper - Roads & Rides
- Referenced by iphilips
Bay Area Group Drives on Facebook
- See leov's post: https://rennlist.com/forums/west-us-...l#post18394523

K_style · 08-13-2017, 07:56 PM

Nice....

Thanks for the info!!!

spxxx · 08-14-2017, 08:56 PM

Love Alpine Road Skyline to Hwy1

BayE30 · 08-14-2017, 09:00 PM

All the good roads are full of bicyclists on Sunday morning... That's why Saturday nite is better.

wjk_glynn · 08-14-2017, 11:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spxxx

Love Alpine Road Skyline to Hwy1

What's the exact route you recommend?

spxxx · 08-15-2017, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wjk_glynn

Quote:

Originally Posted by spxxx

Love Alpine Road Skyline to Hwy1

What's the exact route you recommend?

Well that depends on where you're coming from... I personally come from the Los Gatos/Saratoga area so I hop on Hwy 9 through Saratoga and turn right at the parking lot (Stop sign & hot dog stand are good POIs) onto Skyline and Alpine Rd. is about 10ish(?) miles down the road. Turn left on Alpine to 84.

Alternatively, from the peninsula you can take 280 to Page Mill which then turns into Alpine. Regardless you end up at San Gregorio Beach. The main issue with this route is the cyclists on the blind turns especially Sundays.

This is a big reason why I'm usually at Laguna/T-Hill/Buttonwillow on weekends and will pop on this road if I have work in the city & time to kill during the week.

wjk_glynn · 08-15-2017, 12:58 PM

Thanks.

I just added Alpine Road to the top post...

wjk_glynn · 08-19-2017, 03:15 PM

Just added Bodega Bay to Goat Rock - https://goo.gl/maps/sChe7GoXkC12

Any other recommendations?

Thanks.

Karl.

wjk_glynn · 08-26-2017, 06:57 PM

Added a few more in the top post...

KwlAznKid · 08-26-2017, 09:04 PM

Any driving groups in NorCal? Would love to get together with some fellow BMW enthusiasts to check out these roads

Slick Rick · 08-27-2017, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KwlAznKid

Any driving groups in NorCal? Would love to get together with some fellow BMW enthusiasts to check out these roads

+1

dagolfpro · 08-27-2017, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KwlAznKid

Any driving groups in NorCal? Would love to get together with some fellow BMW enthusiasts to check out these roads

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slick Rick

+1

You guys on FB? We have a FB group that does drives on a regular basis.

KwlAznKid · 08-27-2017, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dagolfpro

You guys on FB? We have a FB group that does drives on a regular basis.

Yep! Jon ting on Facebook , mind sending me an invite or posting the link here ?

dagolfpro · 08-28-2017, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KwlAznKid

Yep! Jon ting on Facebook , mind sending me an invite or posting the link here ?

FB Friends invite sent. Once you accept, I'll add you to the group. I see we have some mutual friends.

KwlAznKid · 08-28-2017, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dagolfpro

FB Friends invite sent. Once you accept, I'll add you to the group. I see we have some mutual friends.

Received! Lol and I was just going to say the same thing haha

wjk_glynn · 09-03-2017, 06:21 PM

Added...

Hecker Pass through Mt. Madonna County Park - https://goo.gl/maps/nmg3VuTR3Vo
Bailey / McKean / Uvas / Watsonville Rd. to Hwy-152 - https://goo.gl/maps/EfJSBsi9ksL2
1mang's recommendations:
- Various roads leading to/from Uvas Reservoir - https://goo.gl/maps/tap8mUMrKck
- Lake Berryessa (east of Napa Valley) - https://goo.gl/maps/kHvxLbkEymt
- Hollister to Coalinga (via Hwy-25 & Hwy-198) - https://goo.gl/maps/XtkjW93fJ2H2
Other websites:

Karl.

HomoPirate · 09-04-2017, 07:29 AM

I used to enjoy the road from Mt Hamilton Road to Lick Observatory. My house is nearby so I don't need long drive to be there.

Sadly, I moved to San Diego one year ago for school.

Hopefully I will be back to Bay area soon.

wjk_glynn · 09-04-2017, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HomoPirate

I used to enjoy the road from Mt Hamilton Road to Lick Observatory...

I just got back from a run up there this morning, it's simply outstanding.

Better than 3x shots of espresso in the morning any day!

wjk_glynn · 09-24-2017, 08:43 PM

Drove this road today:

Hicks Road to New Almaden (passing Guadalupe & Almaden Reservoirs) - https://goo.gl/maps/wzBpUny7Lhm
- It's more bumpy that I like down to Almaden Quicksilver County Park / Mt. Umunhum Rd.
- But the road surface improves after that
- On the short side at 8.5 miles...

Based on this Rennlist member's recommentation:

loliea's recommendation:
- Quick drive around Almaden Park - https://goo.gl/maps/mGvFPLT7g7H2

Karl.

///M3-=FiN=- · 10-02-2017, 03:12 PM

Skaggs Spring Road https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Skag...d38.678376!1m0

One of the best roads I've driven on in the bay area (probably the best). although it's quite a drive for you, it's definitely worth it.

wjk_glynn · 10-11-2017, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ///M3-=FiN=-

Skaggs Spring Road https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Skag...d38.678376!1m0

...
One of the best roads I've driven on in the bay area (probably the best). although it's quite a drive for you, it's definitely worth it.

Thanks. I'll update the top post at the weekend...

wjk_glynn · 10-15-2017, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wjk_glynn

...I'll update the top post at the weekend...

Done.

08-13-2017, 05:44 PM	#1
wjk_glynn Lieutenant 167 Rep 403 Posts Drives: 997.2 C2S Coupé Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: San Jose, CA iTrader: (0)	SF Bay Area - Best driving roads for a Sunday morning blast? Hi folks, Following is a compilation of driving roads for an early Sunday morning blast (and a few to possibly avoid) in the SF Bay Area. Recommendations are from either: . My personal experience Or from various members on either Rennlist, E9x M3 Post, F8x M3/M4 Post or 1addicts To enjoy many of these roads, you often need to be out there at the crack-of-dawn so as to find them mostly empty. If you leave it to later in the day, you'll frequently be inundated with cyclists/traffic/etc. That's just a fact of life when living in the SF Bay Area... As regards my personal preferences, I'm partial to roads with: . Minimal residential (don't want to attract attention) Reasonably good road surface (most of our cars, and certainly mine, don't have long suspension travel) High work rate (i.e. plenty of corners-per-mile to keep you busy) Decent sightlines (not overly tight or too many blind corners, has space for oncoming traffic) You can make and enjoy a decent pace without going crazy/dangerous/go-to-jail fast... They're grouped by region as follows: . North Bay - Marin, Sonoma, Napa and Solano Counties East Bay - Contra Costa and Alameda Counties South Bay - Santa Clara County Santa Cruz Mountains & County - Technically not the Bay Area, but close enough... Peninsula - San Mateo and San Francisco Counties Points further away - Beyond the SF Bay Area (North, Sierra Nevada Mountains, East and South) If you've any recommendations of your own that should be added to this list, please post in this thread with sufficient detail so that people know the exact route (e.g. providing a Google Maps link works great). And for reference, the following was last updated as of: November 25th, 2022 North Bay From Bolinas to Mt. Tamalpais via Ridgecrest Blvd. - https://goo.gl/maps/spfWExeSKqS2 (~10 miles) Recommended by david, with some qualifying comments See also comments from visitador In 2015, Motor Trend used this ~4 mile stretch of Ridgecrest Blvd. when reviewing a Hellcat vs. ZL1 - https://goo.gl/maps/M1ayEGAmoT22 The review (including video) can be found here: https://www.motortrend.com/news/chev...n-head-2-head/ From Stinson Beach up to Ridgecrest Blvd. via Panoramic Hwy. - https://goo.gl/maps/aTYt9p8nVT7KgrE57 (~9 miles) Recommended by visitador Though Kbasa notes "Panoramic is patchy and bumpy down near Stinson" Lucas Valley Rd. from 101 over to Nicasio Valley Rd. - https://goo.gl/maps/v1zXytn8DUS2 (~10 miles) Recommended by david He had specific notes and recommendations, so best to read his post for more details To the above (LVR), add the loop of Nicasio Valley Rd / Pt. Reyes Petaluma Rd / Hicks Valley Rd / Willson Hill Rd / Chileno Valley Rd / Tomales Petaluma Rd / Hwy-1 / Sir Francis Drake Blvd... and back to Nicasio Valley Rd - https://goo.gl/maps/gQCdz86pbJkRYJ1t8 (~61 miles) Recommended by Kbasa PCA GGR fun run to The Racers Group in May, 2019 - https://goo.gl/maps/qWAkSpSe2wS2 (~67 miles) First leg was west along Lucas Valley Rd. to Nicasio Valley Rd., up to Pt. Reyes - Petaluma Rd., west again to Shoreline / Hwy-1, up to the community of Marshall Second leg went inland on Marshall-Petaluma Rd. over to Chileno Valley Rd., then up to Tomales Rd., which took us over to Petaluma where The Racers Group is located See this post for more details Roads leading out to Point Reyes Lighthouse in Marin - https://goo.gl/maps/QBwcx4kcnV62 Two options were recommended by Reborn996: Option #1 - Hwy-1 from Mill Valley, then Sir Francis Drake Blvd. to the lighthouse - https://goo.gl/maps/N4A3pNgiJFQ2 (~44 miles) Option #2 - From the outskirts of Lagunitas, take Sir Francis Drake Blvd. to the lighthouse - https://goo.gl/maps/y1q4VjgB7dr (~29 miles) mrjonger notes there's a nice spot for photos at the Cypress Tree Tunnel: https://goo.gl/maps/AY3mjUjsi7B2 Though Sensr215 notes the road out to the Cyprus Tree Tunnel is very rough - just a heads up... From Point Reyes Station out to Limantour Beach - https://goo.gl/maps/YtHLWei8Evn (~9 miles) Recommended by TheBruce From Point Reyes Station to Sea Ranch (via Hwy-1), and then east to Geyserville - https://goo.gl/maps/yJvGwZtwdHR2 (~122 miles!) Recommended by david mrjonger also recommends the Tomales to Stinson Beach part of this route However niacin has noted (and confirmed by mrjonger as of late-September 2018) that the stretch from south of Valley Ford Road and north of Fallon is down to a single lane with a timed stoplight and is slow to get through: https://goo.gl/maps/jgr7iaxbdtH2 Lake Sonoma to the coast using Skaggs Springs Rd. - https://goo.gl/maps/TigZHm2J7wR4oZa5A (~35 miles) Recommended by propchef ///M3-=FiN=- also recommended a section of this road (and he included some video) - https://goo.gl/maps/eS4rLk9T3ZD2 (~6 miles) Loop from Cloverdale to Calistoga, west to Jenner via Guerneville, north to Stewarts Point, and back to Cloverdale - https://goo.gl/maps/X8QvAfXWgJyi9sUp8 (~148 miles) The country store in Stewarts Point is a recommended stopping point - https://twofishbaking.com Recommended by sgt1372 Bodega Bay to Goat Rock - https://goo.gl/maps/sChe7GoXkC12 (~10 miles) Recommended by geemman Need for Speed movie sequence from Ukiah to the Point Arena Lighthouse - https://goo.gl/maps/NYT7XCLQGeH2 (~48 miles) Recommended by phuonger From Suisun Valley Rd. up to Napa Valley: keytohwy recommends two options: Option #1 - https://goo.gl/maps/PTv3fp9ttjQ2 (~13 miles) Option #2 - https://goo.gl/maps/uXh56E2jJdH2 (~30 miles) sgt1372 has three recommended variations (with followup comments here): Shorter - https://goo.gl/maps/V8GY9hvsKUuYYMXH6 (~34 miles) - essentially the same as keytohyw's "Option #2" above Medium - https://goo.gl/maps/tpok7fNyF1Je1ArRA (~48 miles) Longer - https://goo.gl/maps/F5JLmKtwmP99NuwK6 (~74 miles) Lake Berryessa (east of Napa Valley) - https://goo.gl/maps/kHvxLbkEymt (~49 miles) Recommended by 1mang Winters, up around Lake Berryessa to Hwy-29, back down to Angwin - https://goo.gl/maps/AicGhLze7gD2 (~110 miles!) Recommended by DesmoSD and david Calistoga to Clear Lake via Hwy-29 - https://goo.gl/maps/13JRMjQYF5m (~36 miles) Recommended by archizzzz Roads to perhaps avoid... Marshall Petaluma Rd between Marshall and Hicks Valley Rd - https://goo.gl/maps/Qrdxkxf8r492 (~11 miles) mrjonger noted "I would avoid Marshall Petaluma Rd between Marshall and Hicks Valley Rd. It's really rough." visitador said it's "...more suited for Cayennes and not for sport cars" ducktails added "...better taken in a Macan or a Safari build - if you take it in a low/stiff e.g. GT car, you're gonna have a bad time." I drove parts of it in May 2019: It's definitely bumpy, but I didn't think it was horrific (in a stock 997.2 C2S) But I'd definitely follow the advice of the folks who know it best Fairfax-Bolinas Rd to Fairfax - https://goo.gl/maps/i8Ss9aPmUrD2 (~10 miles) david says the road is in bad shape East Bay sgt1372 recommends a variety of options heading east out of Antioch... First take Antioch to Isleton, then to the Georgiana Slough Bridge in Walnut Grove - https://goo.gl/maps/YD68tKRUudKfFJ7e9 (~29 miles), with stop-offs at: Mei Was Beer Room in Isleton - https://meiwahbeerroom.com Walnut Grove Iron Works - http://wgironworks.com Then take one of these options... Turn left and take River Rd., then Freeport Blvd. into Sacramento - https://goo.gl/maps/4Jn5i7VkvuWhWEPq6 (~30 miles), with stop-offs at: Al the Wop's - http://www.locketown.com/als.htm California Automobile Museum - https://www.calautomuseum.org Or turn right, and head to one of these... Lockeford Meat & Sausage Services in Lockeford - https://goo.gl/maps/wvuhf6Y59v8pWahz8 (~24 miles) Wines & Roses Hotel in Lodi - https://goo.gl/maps/5ee5goqvyopdj6tj7 (~17 miles) Or route back to Antioch via Stockton and Discovery Bay - https://goo.gl/maps/sL8SMnficKencQLM8 (~65 miles) With a stop off at Boardwalk Grill - https://www.boardwalkgrill.net Niles Canyon Rd between Fremont and Sunol - https://goo.gl/maps/dsULGvAFQXqp4Srr5 (~7 miles) Recommended by smceo Mines Rd. to Lick Observatory (from Livermore) - https://goo.gl/maps/C1jbWjsEi1n (~43 miles) Many people *rave* about this road Recommended by keytohwy and ltcjmramos Also refer to the Mt Hamilton Road to Lick Observatory in the South Bay section below... Mines Rd, then Del Puerto Canyon Rd out to I-5 - https://goo.gl/maps/BKVVNxYPvAS2 (~52 miles) Recommended by 1mang and CheetoNYC However, TrickTizzle drove this road in July 2019 and noted the DPCR leg "is pretty deteriorated 10/15 miles from Mines Rd. Rock slide area with lots of pot holes and buckled pavement. Would not recommend." Skyline Blvd (Oakland), from Golf Links Rd to Redwood Rd - https://goo.gl/maps/7PitaMKwXRnaL5vA6 (~5 miles) Recommended by Two718s noting "it's a fun, albeit short, run, from Golf Links Road to Redwood Road. Maybe 3.5 miles but lots of smooth curves and great views. The only issue are the many driveways leading to the road. But early on a weekend morning, or mid-day on a weekday, it's usually deserted." Redwood Rd - https://goo.gl/maps/F8sEXuf7bYs (~11 miles) Recommended by derbo Two718s notes "A word of caution, even at oh-dark-thirty on weekends it is absolutely jammed with bicycles." But wail junkie said "...at around 7 AM and saw just one cyclist the whole time, after doing the full length in both directions" YMMV Pinehurst Rd - https://goo.gl/maps/Qb16dsU6KWs (~7 miles) Recommended by derbo Two718s notes it "...is very narrow, rough in spots and the curves are so tight that it's usually hard to go more than 30 mph at best." Calaveras Rd - https://goo.gl/maps/VFv7CafxD1p (~16 miles) Recommended by derbo, with additional comments here Palomares Rd - https://goo.gl/maps/oLnnD4MwbHS2 (~10 miles) Recommended by iturbo_bmw The Bear Creek / San Pablo Dam loop near Berkeley / Orinda - https://goo.gl/maps/dNfc7GhHS8A2 (~19 miles) Recommended by wyatth Alhambra Valley Rd in Martinez - https://goo.gl/maps/aXRgUorUubde4z5g9 (~9 miles) Recommended by FireM3 He notes it can be bumpy and narrow, but he likes it It connects to Bear Creek above Altamont Pass Rd - https://goo.gl/maps/u8oVjC7oeYk (~8 miles) Recommended by ylk1 Patterson Pass Rd - https://goo.gl/maps/6si4Hpijfov (~9 miles) Recommended by ylk1 Through Livermore / San Ramon Valley - https://goo.gl/maps/xrNMybJJ3f45RdkK6 (~19 miles) Recommended by sgt1372 Sometimes the link above doesn't work in Google Apps (through it works in a browser) Here's the same route but with a different link as a fallback - https://goo.gl/maps/WeegUa5XMNgm2Re27 (~19 miles) Tesla Rd / Corral Hollow Rd - https://goo.gl/maps/wfuJeXuA7d22 (~16 miles) Recommended by ylk1 In April 2020, sgt1372 noted that "humps" (speed bumps w/flat spots on top) have been installed east of Greenville Rd, but once past them it's still enjoyable. Just an FYI... Marsh Creek Rd - https://goo.gl/maps/kQAHsHz7uGDcSnHj8 (~15 miles) Located east of Mount Diablo Recommended by RugbyBro with a few caveats sgt1372 also confirms this can be a fun drive Roads to perhaps avoid... Morgan Territory Rd - https://goo.gl/maps/2a8zYoiCaCz73yVU8 (~15 miles) Connects to Marsh Creek Rd above, and goes through Morgan Territory Regional Preserve Both RugbyBro and sgt1372 thinks it's simply too tight and narrow South Bay / Santa Clara County Mt Hamilton Rd to Lick Observatory (starting at Clayton Rd.) - https://goo.gl/maps/5SZtntEdyYy (~16 miles) Great hill climb up to the telescopes at Lick Observatory, and has even been referenced in professional articles/features: EVO Magazine drove this road when reviewing the Mustang (S550) GT350 in the May 2016 issue #221 (front cover) - Henry Catchpole spoke very highly of the road Total911 listed in their Great Road series - https://www.total911.com/route-130-california-usa/ When Rory Reid (AutoTrader UK) reviewed a C8 Corvette, the canyon-carving bits seemed to have been shot on this road - YouTube Others think the back-side of Mines Rd. to Lick Observatory (from Livermore) is even better See East Bay section above... Metcalf Rd. / San Felipe Rd. to Silvercreek - https://goo.gl/maps/yY8MZwY74sR2 (~9 miles) Initially it's tight and bumpy as you climb up to the Motorcycle County Park But it opens up once you get past that park, especially when you reach San Felipe Rd. The only downside is that it's relatively short There's a 2-mile detour down where San Felipe Rd. branches to Las Animas Rd., and then down to the old Pratt & Whitney (United Technologies) rocket-motor test site. That short detour dead-ends at: https://goo.gl/maps/jCA1oMcj8jK2 Drive around Almaden Quicksilver County Park - https://goo.gl/maps/mGvFPLT7g7H2 (~13 miles) The north-west section of Hicks Rd. down to the junction at Almaden Quicksilver County Park & Mt. Umunhum Rd is more bumpy that I like, but the road surface improves as you go down around and back up around to New Almaden Recommended by loliea Almaden Rd. / Alamitos Rd. / Hicks Rd. / Mt. Umunhum Rd. up to Mt. Umunhum - https://goo.gl/maps/zmhgLrDQ8gq (~11 miles) Recommended by CheetoNYC Various roads leading to/from Uvas Reservoir - https://goo.gl/maps/DKapg9P7a4w (~67 miles) Recommended by 1mang Bailey / McKean / Uvas / Watsonville Rd. to Hwy-152 - https://goo.gl/maps/EfJSBsi9ksL2 (~17 miles) Starts near the IBM Research Lab in Almaden, and continues down to the Hecker Pass Hwy (152) Road surface is more bumpy than expected (though not terrible), and the work rate (i.e. number of corners) is low Upside is that once you get down to Hwy-152, you're near the start of the quite excellent Hecker Pass in Santa Cruz County So it's a decent, but not great back road... South on Watsonville Rd. out of Morgan Hill, then east on CA-129 (with Carlton Rd. as a connector between the two) - https://goo.gl/maps/y9nUHzuyAua7DCUc9 (~28 miles) Recommended by vasmir Roads to perhaps avoid... Sierra Rd. to Old Calaveras Rd. - https://goo.gl/maps/4yyMpgfxKWs (~12 miles) Crazy tight (some parts single lane) and quite bumpy in places Can't recommend this... Santa Cruz Mountains & County Hwy-9 from Saratoga to Boulder Creek (begins as you cross Sanborn Creek) - https://goo.gl/maps/vSH183Lrfxq (~18 miles) Beautiful sweeping run down through the Redwoods, doesn't get much better than this Matt Farah reviewed an Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio as part of his signature 'One Take' series on this road - YouTube Hwy-236 / Big Basin / Boulder Creek - https://goo.gl/maps/N68nmyEFcnN2 (~17 miles) Northern-half runs though Big Basin Redwoods State Park It's very beautiful/scenic And has a great road surface after being recently resurfaced However, that northern-half is very narrow It's effectively single lane on many stretches Thus there's no room for (and you're often blind to) oncoming traffic You need to keep your pace way down for reasons of basic safety But for a slow paced drive, this section is very pretty Southern-half below the park opens up and is similar to Hwy-9 (also close by) You can more easily stretch your legs in this section... Recommended by SLVRon Bear Creek Rd. - https://goo.gl/maps/6sGMphDydcS2 (~13 miles) From Hwy-17 to Boulder Creek Reasonably okay route But I find it overly tight and bumpy in places to really enjoy Empire Grade (Lockheed Martin to/from Santa Cruz) - https://goo.gl/maps/gq3metdHYks (~17 miles) Either up to, or down from the Lockheed Martin Space Systems facility to the outskirts of Santa Cruz Nice road with good surface conditions Reminds me of Skyline Blvd. (Hwy-35) Bonny Doon Rd - https://goo.gl/maps/uzWYL5o2qBu (~7 miles) Recommended by Chris(MA) Soquel San Jose Rd - https://goo.gl/maps/NAPo78oLx6B2 (~10 miles) The road itself is quite nice (good surface, nice flowing corners in good few places) Downside is that there's more residential along it than I like Hecker Pass through Mt. Madonna County Park - https://goo.gl/maps/nmg3VuTR3Vo (~8 miles) Short, but a very nice run Felton Empire Rd - https://goo.gl/maps/fHcAcU1Wo4y (~3 miles) Recommended by ylk1 Run up from Hwy-1 to Bonny Doon, over to Felton, up Hwy-9 to Saratoga - https://goo.gl/maps/7RMCUFudtYT2 (~41 miles) Recommended by ylk1 Peninsula / San Mateo County Roads orientated around Alice's Restaurant (well known weekend hangout for bikers across the area): Skyline Blvd. (Hwy-35) from Hwy-92 down to Black Rd: https://goo.gl/maps/M6XXQkjDHf12 (~32 miles) You get a nice down from Hwy-92, past Alice's, and down to Black Rd But south of Black Rd, it gets too tight and bumpy for my liking Saratoga to Alice's Restaurant (begins as you cross Sanborn Creek) - https://goo.gl/maps/151F12wL1uA2 (~18 miles) Great run up from the South Bay Woodside to Alice's Restaurant - https://goo.gl/maps/utQnubCn3NJ2 (~4 miles) From once you get past Woodside, you climb up to Alice's Restaurant That section is great, the only downside is that it's very short Alice's Restaurant out to the San Gregorio General Store - https://goo.gl/maps/3VgGrSxpTdF2 (~14 miles) From Alice's, take Hwy-84 out to the coast Stopping off at the San Gregorio General Store Also recommended by V2Rocket Pescadero Creek Rd (at the coast) back up to Alice's Restaurant - https://goo.gl/maps/DUcTuAKrZXt (~22 miles) From the coast (Hwy-1), take Pescadero Creek east and rejoin Hwy-84, and then east to Alice's Restaurant Pescadero Creek itself is nice, though there's more residents along it than some of the other routes Could be part of a loop that includes hitting the San Gregorio General Store on Hwy-84 (see above) Recommended by r6elmo Loop from Woodside up to Skyline, and back down via Kings Mountain Rd. - https://goo.gl/maps/W1c8QnnneW5qRTT78 (~16 miles) Recommended by Kelly Tunitas Creek Rd. - https://goo.gl/maps/hx2mdUe6DiA2 (~9 miles) From Hwy-1 on the coast, back up to Skyline Blvd. (Hwy-35) It's very bumpy and tight in some places, suspension needs plenty of travel Would be fun in a Rally Car... Swett Rd / Star Hill Rd to Tunitas Creek - https://goo.gl/maps/axeXoGfqTFL2 (~1 miles) Recommended by jnolan Alpine Rd. (from Page Mill side through to Hwy-84) - https://goo.gl/maps/eCPr4CncWpn (~14 miles) Recommended by spxxx I found it similar in character to Bear Creek Rd. in Santa Cruz County Stage Rd / Cloverdale Rd past Butano State Park - https://goo.gl/maps/hhhkczAw8dU2 (~17 miles) Recommended by jnolan Lobitos Creek Rd - https://goo.gl/maps/S75AiszFx2p (~4 miles) Recommended by jnolan From the Dam bisecting Crystal Springs Reservoir down to Saratoga avoiding the highway - https://goo.gl/maps/GXEHddo64522 (~34 miles) Cañada Rd / Mountain Home Rd / Portola Rd / Alpine Rd / Arastradero / Page Mill / Arastradero (again) / Purrisima And then surface streets to Foothill Expressway, and then down to Saratoga Recommended by jnolan Kings Mountain Rd. - https://goo.gl/maps/FWTjvL1qCDs (~4 miles) Recommended by TridenTBoy Points further away from the SF Bay Area North Final race from the 2014 movie Need for Speed - https://goo.gl/maps/9hnTh1N5gJEux9se6 (~72 miles) Originally recommended by phuonger ducktails drove it in August 2022, and confirmed it's a good one Longvale to Dos Rios - https://goo.gl/maps/XJY5FK5xSNL2 (~16 miles) Recommended by ylk1 South end of this route is ~85 miles north of Santa Rosa (as the crow flies) Piercy to Rockport (north of Fort Bragg) - https://goo.gl/maps/zwkrWDTMk1P2 (~29 miles) Recommended by ylk1 South end of this route is ~110 miles north of Santa Rosa (as the crow flies) CA-36 & CA-3, west of Platina - https://goo.gl/maps/sQ1jGtbEFEG2 (~52 miles) Recommended by ylk1 South end of this route is ~135 miles north of Santa Rosa (as the crow flies) Sierra Nevada Mountains (and foothills) Hwy-70 up and over to Bucks Lake, back up and over to La Porte, and then up Hwy-49 to Truckee and Donner Pass - https://goo.gl/maps/uLSy87xZ11h4t5g77 (~282 miles) Road & Track drove this road for their 2020 Performance Car of the Year, and spoke highly of the Hwy-70 section: https://www.roadandtrack.com/new-car...r-of-the-year/ Pleasant Valley Rd and Marysville Rd, east of Yuba City - https://goo.gl/maps/99FxB3u13EwDB6Yp6 (~69 miles) Recommended by Jartin Various parts of the CA-49 Golden Chain Highway Sierraville to Nevada City - https://goo.gl/maps/1aQTYgJLo9xJJ8sD8 (~77 miles) Recommended by Sprintrider Coulterville to Bagby - https://goo.gl/maps/cJCD5aZn8TNsmxP78 (~10 miles) Recommended by ylk1 Downieville to Sattley - https://goo.gl/maps/Uq2GUDiUHyP6sqRt6 (~31 miles) Recommended by ylk1 Sonora Pass (Hwy-108), from Hwy-395 to Sonora - https://goo.gl/maps/C2h3M1T6acBHBecJ6 (~81 miles) Recommended by Sprintrider CA-89, including Monitor Pass - https://goo.gl/maps/Aa2CXF57uGPiH3ER6 (~29 miles) Recommended by ylk1 and Sprintrider Pine Creek Rd - https://goo.gl/maps/XFEWs3ZSaWeH278G7 (~7 miles) Recommended by ylk1, and used to be shown in Motor Trend's Ferrari GTC4 Lusso video (YouTube), but MT has since made that video 'private' Through Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park https://goo.gl/maps/4YwEn6BDL4S2XdWXA (~79 miles) Kanawyers to Big Stump Entrance via Hwy-180, then down to Citro via Hwy-245 Originally recommended by 1mang East Diablo Grande Pkwy back out to I-5 - https://goo.gl/maps/5vLJSed6rc32 (~7 miles) Recommended by iphilips West side of this route is ~36 miles east of San Jose (as the crow flies) Zurich to Deep Springs on CA-168 - https://goo.gl/maps/fdwieXPsdZM2 (~25 miles) Recommended by ylk1 West side of this route is ~200 miles east of San Jose (as the crow flies) South Airline Highway (CA25) out of Hollister iphilips recommends Hollister to San Lucas, with a diversion into Pinnacles National Park - https://goo.gl/maps/DGnW7Qc39Jm (~86 miles) 1mang recommends Hollister to Coalinga (via Hwy-25 & Hwy-198) - https://goo.gl/maps/XtkjW93fJ2H2 (~91 miles) Hollister is ~40 miles south of San Jose (as the crow flies) Motor Trend's test route for their annual Best Driver's Car competition - https://goo.gl/maps/wWNWqRG5j672 (~4.2 miles) Motor Trend runs an annual Best Driver's Car competition: https://www.motortrend.com/awards/best-drivers-car/ Since 2015, the test includes running the cars on a closed portion of Hwy-198 with the help of the CHP This test route is part of 1mang's recommendation of Hollister to Coalinga (see above) Here's where they stage the cars for the uphill run: Street View This route is ~100 miles south-east of San Jose (as the crow flies) Naciemiento-Fergusson Rd. - https://goo.gl/maps/X9LUPQJVcDx (~24 miles) Recommended by snub-nose 28, calling it the "...the 275 GTB four-cam long-nose 'barn find' among rare Engineered-Just-for-The-Drive ribbons..." This route is ~45 miles south of Monterey (as the crow flies) Ventucopa to Ojai on CA-33 - https://goo.gl/maps/aAJisLRkW1K2 (~46 miles) Recommended by ylk1, noting that it's "Probably the single best road in California" Also featured on Jalopnik's "This Is Americaís Greatest Secret Road" - YouTube Ojai is ~25 miles east of Santa Barbara (as the crow flies) Horseshoe meadow Rd - https://goo.gl/maps/aXFcwoxMKF32 (~8 miles) Recommended by ylk1 Can be seen at the ~9 minute mark in Everyday Driver's midship shootout video - YouTube This route is ~165 miles north of Los Angeles (as the crow flies) 9 Mile canyon Rd - https://goo.gl/maps/UrecnyPzKNJ2 (~9 miles) Recommended by ylk1 This route is ~120 miles north of Los Angeles (as the crow flies) SR58 from McKittrick to Santa Margarita - https://goo.gl/maps/mgGUZR7VThK2 (~70 miles) Recommended by Archimedes Road & Track drove this road when reviewing a Maserati MC20: https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-cul...many-meanings/ This route ends about 5 miles north east of San Luis Obispo Hwy-39 from Azusa to the San Gabriel Canyon Road Lookout - https://goo.gl/maps/Hp9HFMG9tLPwuX1e9 (~23 miles) Car and Driver drove this road when reviewing a GT4 RS: https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...y-the-numbers/ Azusa is on the northern edge of the LA Metropolitan area Karl. PS: Other sites with similar information/recommendations... . SFbaytripper UnitOneStudios Mayank's Favorites Pashnit Recommended by Archimedes Road Adventures Recommended by 1mang Roadtripper - Roads & Rides Referenced by iphilips Bay Area Group Drives on Facebook See leov's post: https://rennlist.com/forums/west-us-...l#post18394523 __________________ Stock – 997.2 C2S Coupé • Carrara White / Cocoa • Adaptive Sports Seats • PDK w/SC • PSE Mods – Front 996-GT2 and Rear 997-Turbo Brake Ducts • 3rd (center) Coolant Radiator • 10mm/15mm Spacers Last edited by wjk_glynn; 11-25-2022 at 04:51 PM..
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08-13-2017, 07:56 PM	#2
K_style Captain 58 Rep 705 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: May 2015 Location: Henderson, NV iTrader: (8)	Nice.... Thanks for the info!!! __________________
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08-14-2017, 08:56 PM	#3
spxxx Boost 1354 Rep 3,691 Posts Drives: 135i M-Sport Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Valley of Silicon, CA - United States iTrader: (9)	Love Alpine Road Skyline to Hwy1 __________________ F80 M3 TrackBoi, Z4MC GarageBoi, 1M Clone StreetBoi
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08-14-2017, 09:00 PM	#4
BayE30 Lieutenant Colonel 1341 Rep 1,881 Posts Drives: 2011.75 E90 M3 ZCP Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: San Francisco iTrader: (5)	All the good roads are full of bicyclists on Sunday morning... That's why Saturday nite is better.
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08-15-2017, 12:58 PM	#7
wjk_glynn Lieutenant 167 Rep 403 Posts Drives: 997.2 C2S Coupé Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: San Jose, CA iTrader: (0)	Thanks. I just added Alpine Road to the top post... __________________ Stock – 997.2 C2S Coupé • Carrara White / Cocoa • Adaptive Sports Seats • PDK w/SC • PSE Mods – Front 996-GT2 and Rear 997-Turbo Brake Ducts • 3rd (center) Coolant Radiator • 10mm/15mm Spacers
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08-19-2017, 03:15 PM	#8
wjk_glynn Lieutenant 167 Rep 403 Posts Drives: 997.2 C2S Coupé Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: San Jose, CA iTrader: (0)	Just added Bodega Bay to Goat Rock - https://goo.gl/maps/sChe7GoXkC12 Any other recommendations? Thanks. Karl. __________________ Stock – 997.2 C2S Coupé • Carrara White / Cocoa • Adaptive Sports Seats • PDK w/SC • PSE Mods – Front 996-GT2 and Rear 997-Turbo Brake Ducts • 3rd (center) Coolant Radiator • 10mm/15mm Spacers
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08-26-2017, 06:57 PM	#9
wjk_glynn Lieutenant 167 Rep 403 Posts Drives: 997.2 C2S Coupé Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: San Jose, CA iTrader: (0)	Added a few more in the top post... __________________ Stock – 997.2 C2S Coupé • Carrara White / Cocoa • Adaptive Sports Seats • PDK w/SC • PSE Mods – Front 996-GT2 and Rear 997-Turbo Brake Ducts • 3rd (center) Coolant Radiator • 10mm/15mm Spacers
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08-26-2017, 09:04 PM	#10
KwlAznKid Brigadier General 354 Rep 3,036 Posts Drives: BMW/MERCEDES/PORSCHE Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Los Angeles/Fremont USC/UCSD Alum iTrader: (6)	Any driving groups in NorCal? Would love to get together with some fellow BMW enthusiasts to check out these roads __________________ BMW E93 M3 / Mercedes Benz W209 CLK500 BMW E64 650I(sold) / BMW E92 328I(sold) / BMW E46 M3(sold) / BMW E92 335I(sold) Porsche 996 911 C2(sold) / BMW E46 325CI(totaled)
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09-03-2017, 06:21 PM	#16
wjk_glynn Lieutenant 167 Rep 403 Posts Drives: 997.2 C2S Coupé Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: San Jose, CA iTrader: (0)	Added... Hecker Pass through Mt. Madonna County Park - https://goo.gl/maps/nmg3VuTR3Vo Bailey / McKean / Uvas / Watsonville Rd. to Hwy-152 - https://goo.gl/maps/EfJSBsi9ksL2 1mang's recommendations: Various roads leading to/from Uvas Reservoir - https://goo.gl/maps/tap8mUMrKck Lake Berryessa (east of Napa Valley) - https://goo.gl/maps/kHvxLbkEymt Hollister to Coalinga (via Hwy-25 & Hwy-198) - https://goo.gl/maps/XtkjW93fJ2H2 Other websites: SFbaytripper UnitOneStudios Mayank's Favorites Karl. __________________ Stock – 997.2 C2S Coupé • Carrara White / Cocoa • Adaptive Sports Seats • PDK w/SC • PSE Mods – Front 996-GT2 and Rear 997-Turbo Brake Ducts • 3rd (center) Coolant Radiator • 10mm/15mm Spacers
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09-04-2017, 07:29 AM	#17
HomoPirate First Lieutenant 84 Rep 331 Posts Drives: Always BMW Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: San Diego iTrader: (3)	I used to enjoy the road from Mt Hamilton Road to Lick Observatory. My house is nearby so I don't need long drive to be there. Sadly, I moved to San Diego one year ago for school. Hopefully I will be back to Bay area soon. __________________ Past: E82 135i Crimson Red \| MPE \| MHD Stage1+ \| Dinan Camber Plate \| LCI Blackline \| Bavsound stage 1 \| KW Coilover V2 \| Past: E93 M3 Vert Alpine White \| Remus Sport Exhaust \| Past: F82 Yas Marina Blue Civic M4\| MPE V2 \| DP \| BM3 \| Apex FL-5 \| MP Part(s) \| Current: F87 M2 Competition Long Beach Blue \| Completely Stock \|
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09-24-2017, 08:43 PM	#19
wjk_glynn Lieutenant 167 Rep 403 Posts Drives: 997.2 C2S Coupé Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: San Jose, CA iTrader: (0)	Drove this road today: Hicks Road to New Almaden (passing Guadalupe & Almaden Reservoirs) - https://goo.gl/maps/wzBpUny7Lhm It's more bumpy that I like down to Almaden Quicksilver County Park / Mt. Umunhum Rd. But the road surface improves after that On the short side at 8.5 miles... Based on this Rennlist member's recommentation: loliea's recommendation: Quick drive around Almaden Park - https://goo.gl/maps/mGvFPLT7g7H2 Karl. __________________ Stock – 997.2 C2S Coupé • Carrara White / Cocoa • Adaptive Sports Seats • PDK w/SC • PSE Mods – Front 996-GT2 and Rear 997-Turbo Brake Ducts • 3rd (center) Coolant Radiator • 10mm/15mm Spacers
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10-02-2017, 03:12 PM	#20
///M3-=FiN=- Private 48 Rep 63 Posts Drives: 2009 E90 M3 Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: SF Bay Area iTrader: (0)	Skaggs Spring Road https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Skag...d38.678376!1m0 One of the best roads I've driven on in the bay area (probably the best). although it's quite a drive for you, it's definitely worth it. Last edited by ///M3-=FiN=-; 10-02-2017 at 03:29 PM..
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