Okay, so I’m pretty mystified at the fact that no one else has thought to review this highway. I mean, it literally serves as a link between Orange and Riverside Counties and can seriously save those that possess a bit more of a daredevil side and don’t mind traversing through mountains, a boatload of time provided the drive itself is done correctly and/or there’s no type of road delay due to traffic, fire, oversized vehicles, weather inclements, etc. I’ve been taking this highway for years now and just to confirm we’re all on the same page, I’ve included photos as well as the Wikipedia link simply to ensure we’re all on the same accord and that I’m by no means stepping on anyone else’s toe’s by replicating a review. From what I’ve gathered, this road actually begins(as opposed to ends) in Orange County… San Juan Capistrano to be exact. You can hop onto it by exiting from the 5 freeway from either direction and traveling east(towards the mountains and/or opposite the beach). Shortly after doing so, you’re led through a relatively nice residential area; befittingly there’s a Starbuck’s tucked within. My recommendation is that you stop for coffee because this will be your last stop for a number of miles. The highway itself consist of just 2 lanes with an occasional turnout reserved for slower vehicles and lookie-loo’s. I believe the speed«suggestion» is 55 mph for most of the road yet based upon the sharp turns and whiplash inducing corners, I’m led to conclude that perhaps 55 is even a bit too swift. This portion of the highway travels through the Cleveland National Forest and is only a jump, skip and a hop away from Lake Elsinore which is located on the mid-southern portion of Riverside County just before Temecula and/or San Diego. This highway is by no means for the faint at heart as you’re guaranteed to encounter almost every weather inclement there is(from fog, to snow, to hail, …you name it) and locals to the area take pride in showing they’ve accomplished their crafts and perfected their skills of navigating this road’s windy turns. Just before reaching the city of Lake Elsinore, there’s a «Lookout Point» that boast some INCREDIBLE views, simply astounding(see my attachments) alongside a restaurant of some sort. This is home to several bikers and can become quite noisy at times. While this portion of the highway ends in Lake Elsinore, the highway continues through both Perris and Romoland traveling up into the mountains through Hemet. This particular area is called«cattle country» and it’s best to take some Claritin or Zyrtec in advance as the smell of methane around these parts is NOJOKE!!! You’ll circle around Lake Perris and Soboba Casino and go from seemingly flat land directly back up to the mountains where you’ll traverse even more windy roads and hair pin turns testing not only your vehicle’s endurance but your own. This is truly my road of choice after purchasing a new car or on those restless nights as it truly provides a GUARANTEED adrenaline rush. There are even more phenomenal and picturesque views as you circle around this last stretch of Hwy 74 amid several more turnouts providing further 360 degree panoramic views; these of the evergreens alongside the infamous Salton Sea within the distance. The concluding stretch of this highway zip zags throughout the San Bernardino National Forest and just when you think the road is going to let up, it shows you another form of turbulence eventually dumping you out in the Coachella Valley slightly outside of Highway 111 within the city of Palm Desert. Would I recommend this highway? Hands down: HELLYES!!! All in all, each segment offers a bypass to a major freeway and is great for avoiding traffic if properly executed. I’ve actually gotten from Lake Elsinore to Irvine using this road, in all of 35 – 40 minutes(at night around 7:30 — 8:15 or so). The portion from Orange County to Lake Elsinore bypasses traffic on the 55, 91 and 15 freeways. The portion throughout Hemet and Perris throughout the mountains does the exact same, bypassing the 10(or 60 freways) as well as the 215 freeway north or south. I’m a definite adrenaline junkie, hell, I’ve even got«Need 4 Speed» on my iPad. If you’re looking for a way to put your car to the test, rev up some points for a second date or if you’re ever just in need of something to do as you bypass traffic on virtually every freeway… THISHIGHWAYWASMEANTFORYOU— #pack-your-Excedrin
