Highway 198, Coalinga, CA

Highway 198 in the Central Coast Range is the road most riders never see coming. Stretching westward from the oil-rich hills of Coalinga toward the Salinas Valley, this route is a remote, high-speed adrenaline shot through the heart of the Diablo Range.

While many coastal travelers stick to the flat valley floor, riders that veer onto 198 are rewarded with a rhythmic s-curve sequences of sweepers and elevation changes. And bonus, portions of Highway 198 were resurfaced a year ago.

The journey begins with a climb into the sun-scorched hills where the pavement is wide and the visibility is excellent. As you crest the summit and begin the descent toward Highway 25, the landscape transforms. The tight, technical twisties of the canyon floor replace the open hillsides, following the natural contours of the San Lorenzo Creek. It is a relentless workout for your suspension and your tires, offering mile after mile of clean asphalt and virtually zero traffic.

By the time you reach the mid-point at the junction of Highway 25 & Peachtree-Indian Valley Rd near San Lucas, you’ll realize why we consider this a premier California connector. It’s a raw, pure riding experience that links the Central Valley to the coast with a perfect tempo. Finally reaching Highway 101, many options: King City to the north, Paso Robles to the south, Carmel Valley Rd to Monterey.

Our vote: continue out to the Pacific Coast onto Nacimiento Rd. https://www.pashnit.com/ca-nacimiento-rd