Mt Palomar?

[*13*]

Anyone Driven Mt Palomar North of San Diego? It's quite Popular with the Biker crowd & Cyclists with it's 21 (I think) Switch backs climbing up about 4000+ ft to the top.

[Jamo]

Many many times. I lived in Mission Viejo for several years and litigated a case that took a few years in El Centro, so I used to take the Ortega Highway, then the 15 to Temecula, and then east around the north side of Palomar and on through Warner Springs, then up and over through Julian, and then through the Rutherford Ranch and below Mt. Laguna on the old Butterfield Route til I caught I-8 at Ocotillo Wells. I'd turn off and do Palomar every now and then just for fun on these weekly drives.

Used a Fiat 131, then a big old straight six Datsun Maxim (damn good touring thing) and then a mid-80s Z-28 on those drives. The Fiat loved the twisties.

[*13*]

Can imagine! I know on the weekends Photographers often set up shop on the road up (You can go online & buy the pics from them later). As many bicycles that litter that climb you might be best to go early if you intend to keep a clean windshield or go during the week. I assume the traffic is lighter during the week. Seems like it would be a good run though for a club event.

[SP01715]

It's my local mountain here in north San Diego county. I used to ride the east grade alot when I rode sport bikes, and I have also driven it many times. The east grade is not as tight and twisty as the front side and IMO is more fun. Run up to the top and have lunch at the cafe there, it's a good time.

[Fordzilla]

I have a friend (John Hart) that lived there. He was a pioneer in the road racing courses in California back in the late 40s & early 50s. (He designed & layed out Willow Springs with Bill Pollack). Anyway, He often talked about the Palomar twisties at high speed with great enthusiasm!

[*13*]

It is a great road. We rode up it on bicycles a few months back then continued up to the park & to the lookout. Pretty amazing to look back down at how far you have journeyed. But yes, I imagine a highly skilled driver could really carve it up. Would be fun!! It's on my list

[SP01715]

This was taken near the top of the mountain on the east grade. Fun road...

[*13*]

Great Shot! How was it in the cobra?

For those of you who are not familiar with the road, this is the more popular west side of Palomar. It actually starts lower than this map shows but this is the main part of the climb.

[SP01715]

It's a fun road in the cobra if you have enough torque to make the climb without struggling. I still prefer the backside (east grade) over the front side. There are more sweeping turns and straights to keep your speed. The backside is the popular one with the road race crowd.