Bakersfield, Ca to Pinnacles Campground to Monterey, Ca route suggestions

[SMR]

Looking for route suggestions from the Buena Vista Aquatic Recreation Area to Pinnacles Campground in Paicines, CA and then to Monterey, CA

Buena Vista Aquatic
13601 Ironbark Road
Bakersfield, CA 93311-9478

Pinnacles Campground
2400 Hwy 146 Pinnacles Area
Paicines, Ca

Thanks

 

[No cats]

I've done both ways. Via Hollister and via Coalinga. Via Coalinga is up and down and winding narrow road but very scenic.

From Paicines, Hollister is a short easy drive. From Hollister to Marina then to Monterey is a nice easy drive.

 

[dave541]

I have only done the Hollister route. It was no problem. The road felt 'narrow' in a few places with no shoulder, but otherwise an easy drive.
There are no services close to the Campground (a camper store in the campground with limited selection and tourist prices), You can't just make a quick store run from the campground. So fuel and grocery up before you get there. Also, the drive from the campground to the west side trailheads is well over an hour. We hiked over to west side. Longer hike, but saved the long drive.

 

[SMR]

Thanks for the replies, soon as I get better internet I'll check out the routes.

 

[Kirk]

Google Maps shows both routes mentioned. I have been over both routes and while the Coalinga route is a bit easier, I much prefer the route through Paso Robles, as it is far more entertaining and has numerous stops worth some time.

 

[SMR]

From Paso Robles take the 101 to 198 to 25.
From Coalinga 198 to 25.
I would prefer the road that is easier to navigate, so thinking the route through Paso Robles? Thanks

 

[SMR]

We took the route from Paso Robles, it wasn't to bad, narrow road with fortunately not a lot of traffic.
We had a great time at Pinnacles, did the cave hike on Friday and hiked from the Nature Center to the campground on Saturday, even saw condors.
Arrived in Monterey Sunday, today we will go for a bike ride.
Thank you for the route suggestions.

 

[Jackiemac]

@SMR recommend the drive through Pebble Beach. You need to pay but I don't think it was too expensive. The aquarium is great. Pop into Carmel too, it's a beautiful town.

Look for the sea otters floating in the water. Very cute.

 

[SMR]

Thanks, we are definitely going to the aquarium.