Hey guys, We are thinking of doing a cruise down part of Ortega highway and then up to PCH, but I've heard that Ortega is under construction and is really slow going. Has anyone gone through it on a weekend recently? Is the flow of traffic okay, or is it a standstill? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks. Sean
Was there on sunday. Same traffic issue for the past year, single lane traffic one way on OC side for a 1/2 mile or so. We were stuck behind a mini van from the top of Elsinore all the way. Not the greatest on a weekend in the afternoon. Woohoo post 2.
Hmmmm, that sounds terrible actually. Perhaps we'll have to find an alternate route... Thanks for the info though.
It's still bad. I would look for a different route. Though, they have constructed some new, smooth on camber corners
From where to where? I'm over in Temecula. If you're looking to come inland the next best would be 76 but there's traffic there as well and the road is pretty boring. Anything around here is a down grade unless it's going to Palomar, near Palomar, or leaving from Palomar.
I have done 3 runs this summer on Ortega in my SL55 to Temecula then over to Harrah`s in Rincon. Not bad and you can have some fun but you got to pick your spots. And yes the road is repaved and nice in some spots. But beware as you first enter the Canyon from the toll road. It has a few bumps around where they have some steel on the road. Its not that bad if you space yourself out. Pull over and wait for a nice big open space. The delay is about 10-15 minutes worse case. Just be patient and use the turnouts when you get in a big line of traffic. Suggest going a little early as well. Then its more bikes than cars. Most of the bikes are gone in the afternoon if your coming back through later. The alternates. The 76 and 15 are too boring and just as busy. Watch for the Bikes and Enjoy....
Thanks for all the good input guys. What we want to do is on the 30th have a nice medium range cruise and then end up back at the beach for a bonfire. My friend is suggesting this: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&saddr=E+La+Palma+Ave+%4033.864970,+-117.774750&daddr=33.799691,-117.828369+to:CR-S18%2FSantiago+Canyon+Rd+%4033.690610,+-117.626330+to:Trabuco+Canyon+Rd+%4033.659640,+-117.589700+to:S+Coast+Hwy+%4033.497240,+-117.739050+toacific+Coast+Hwy+%4033.635290,+-117.964110&hl=en&geocode=15936454829431188960,33.864970,-117.774750%3B12626018959610575535,33.690610,-117.626330%3B10015391586609890289,33.659640,-117.589700%3B1045148153229785906,33.497240,-117.739050%3B13247696735334691648,33.635290,-117.964110&mra=dpe&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=10&via=1,2,3,4&sll=33.707205,-117.928619&sspn=0.522081,0.884399&ie=UTF8&ll=33.698637,-117.662201&spn=0.261068,0.4422&z=11 as an alternate route. Does anyone have any opinions or input? Thanks for all the help - I appretiate it. Sean
It really isn't that bad, you just have to know when to go. Between 6-11am it is pretty clear but if you are trying to get over between 1-5pm it is pretty bad. The Ortegas are closed at after 8pm. It really is alot of fun even to commute, never waited over 10 minutes at the construction and offers some great photo-ops.
Thats taking Santiago Canyon. Far more forgiving and less of a challenge then Ortega. Personally I think Ortega is far more enjoyable but a much longer drive.
