California Highway 74 Photographs
Left - Facing east along Hwy 111 approaching the Hwy 74 Junction in Palm Desert. At this intersection, Hwy 74 begins its 112-mile route across the San Jacinto and Santa Ana Mountains to San Juan Capistrano. Interestingly, Hwy 74 has a rather unassuming eastern terminus and does not connect directly with nearby Interstate 10.
(Photograph taken on February 23, 2009 - © Cameron Bevers)
Centre - Facing west along Hwy 74 from the Hwy 111 Junction in Palm Desert, showing the first Hwy 74 route marker. The entire route of Hwy 74 has been designated as a California Scenic Highway by CalTrans. This designation is certainly appropriate for this spectacular mountain highway.
(Photograph taken on February 23, 2009 - © Cameron Bevers)
Right - Warning sign on Hwy 74 leaving Palm Desert, indicating that the road has sharp curves and steep grades for the next 44 miles. Trucks with trailers over 30 feet in length are strongly discouraged from using Hwy 74, due to the sharp hairpin curves encountered while ascending the San Jacinto Mountains.
(Photograph taken on February 23, 2009 - © Cameron Bevers)
Left - Facing east along Hwy 74 towards Palm Desert. For the first four miles, Hwy 74 climbs up a long steady grade into the San Jacinto Mountains.
(Photograph taken on February 23, 2009 - © Cameron Bevers)
Centre - An unusual warning sign on Hwy 74 leaving Palm Desert, advising motorists of the bighorn sheep which inhabit the area.
(Photograph taken on February 23, 2009 - © Cameron Bevers)
Right - The serpentine route of Hwy 74 quickly climbs up Seven Level Hill from the desert floor. Within eight miles of Palm Desert, Hwy 74 climbs to over 2,000 feet above sea level. By comparison, the Hwy 74 and Hwy 111 Junction in nearby Palm Desert is about 250 feet above sea level.
(Photograph taken on February 23, 2009 - © Cameron Bevers)
Left - This spectacular curve on Hwy 74 is a dizzying height above the aptly-named Deep Canyon. Although it isn't particularly apparent in this photo, it is nearly a 1,000-foot drop from the edge of the highway down to the bottom of the canyon.
(Photograph taken on February 23, 2009 - © Cameron Bevers)
Centre - An overview of Hwy 74's ascent into the San Jacinto Mountains. The Hwy 74 and Hwy 111 Junction is in Palm Desert, which is the large green patch way down on the most distant valley floor. Note the truck climbing lane that has been added along the uphill grade, to allow faster cars to overtake slow trucks more safely.
(Photograph taken on February 23, 2009 - © Cameron Bevers)
Right - Between Palm Desert and the Hwy 371 Junction, Hwy 74 is narrow and winding, with no shoulders and very few turnouts. For drivers who are experienced in negotiating California's mountain highways, Hwy 74 is both exhilarating and challenging. However, drivers who are easily intimidated by narrow, winding, "cliffhanging" mountain highways should definitely avoid this route.
(Photograph taken on February 23, 2009 - © Cameron Bevers)
Left - Most of Hwy 74 hangs on the edge of a cliff. This rock cut is one of the few places near Palm Desert that the highway actually moves away from the precipice.
(Photograph taken on February 23, 2009 - © Cameron Bevers)
Centre - Emergency call box on Hwy 74 west of Palm Desert. These call boxes are placed at periodic intervals along most of California's highways.
(Photograph taken on February 23, 2009 - © Cameron Bevers)
Right - Approaching the Coachella Valley Scenic Lookout on Hwy 74. This magnificent overlook offers a panoramic view of Palm Desert and the Coachella Valley.
(Photograph taken on February 23, 2009 - © Cameron Bevers)
Left - The spectacular view from the Coachella Valley Scenic Lookout on Hwy 74. The Little San Bernardino Mountains form the backdrop for this wonderful scene, on the opposite site of this desert valley. At this point, the valley is approximately 20 miles wide.
(Photograph taken on February 23, 2009 - © Cameron Bevers)
Centre - Facing west along Hwy 74 from the Coachella Valley Scenic Lookout.
(Photograph taken on February 23, 2009 - © Cameron Bevers)
Right - Facing east along Hwy 74 from the Cahuilla Tewanet Vista Point.
(Photograph taken on February 23, 2009 - © Cameron Bevers)
Left - Hwy 74 passes through the San Bernardino National Forest as it crosses the mountains between Palm Desert and Hemet.
(Photograph taken on February 23, 2009 - © Cameron Bevers)
Centre - The highway passes through some particularly craggy rock formations as it continues to climb into the San Jacinto Mountains.
(Photograph taken on February 23, 2009 - © Cameron Bevers)
Right - Facing west along Hwy 74, about 14 miles west of Palm Desert. Snow-capped Toro Peak can be seen on the horizon.
(Photograph taken on February 23, 2009 - © Cameron Bevers)
Left - Hwy 74 is also known as the "Pines to Palms Highway". The lush palm trees and tropical vegetation on the leeward side of the San Jacinto Mountains quickly gives way to the coniferous forests of the mountains as the highway climbs towards Santa Rosa Summit.
(Photograph taken on February 23, 2009 - © Cameron Bevers)
Centre - Facing west along a tree-lined section of Hwy 74 near the small community of Thomas Mountain, between Palm Desert and Hemet.
(Photograph taken on February 23, 2009 - © Cameron Bevers)
Right - This beautiful alpine meadow on Hwy 74 seems to be a world away from the congested suburbs of Los Angeles, which lie a mere 50 miles to the west.
(Photograph taken on February 23, 2009 - © Cameron Bevers)
Left - For several miles, Hwy 74 crosses a virtually deserted high-altitude plain, dotted only with pine trees and a small alpine lake.
(Photograph taken on February 23, 2009 - © Cameron Bevers)
Centre - This breathtaking view of snow-capped Taquitz Peak is a real treat for westbound motorists on Hwy 74 near Lake Hemet.
(Photograph taken on February 23, 2009 - © Cameron Bevers)
Right - Sign on Hwy 74 marking Keen Camp Summit near Lake Hemet. From here, the highway drops rapidly into the San Jacinto Valley towards Hemet.
(Photograph taken on February 23, 2009 - © Cameron Bevers)
Left - Facing east along Hwy 74 from Keen Camp Summit.
(Photograph taken on February 23, 2009 - © Cameron Bevers)
Centre - Facing west along Hwy 74 towards Keen Camp Summit.
(Photograph taken on February 23, 2009 - © Cameron Bevers)
Right - Hwy 74 emerges from the San Jacinto Mountains and then plunges into the San Jacinto Valley.
(Photograph taken on February 23, 2009 - © Cameron Bevers)
Left - The tight reverse curves on Hwy 74 have been superelevated to allow vehicles to negotiate the road at somewhat higher speeds. Be assured that this is a very exciting road to drive upon! This section of Hwy 74 is definitely a must-see for road enthusiasts who are exploring the backroads of Southern California.
(Photograph taken on February 23, 2009 - © Cameron Bevers)
Centre - For the next few miles, Hwy 74 wiggles its way down the side of a deep canyon towards Hemet, by the means of several successive superelevated reverse curves. The City of Hemet can be seen at the bottom of the San Jacinto Valley in the background.
(Photograph taken on February 23, 2009 - © Cameron Bevers)
Right - Approaching the Interstate 215 Interchange on Hwy 74 near Romoland. Between Romoland and Perris, Hwy 74 runs concurrently with Interstate 215 as an unposted multiplex for approximately 3 miles.
(Photograph taken on February 23, 2009 - © Cameron Bevers)
Left - Facing north along Interstate 215 & Hwy 74 between Romoland and Perris. Note the guide-rail barrier, the narrow median and the narrow right-hand shoulder. Historically, this section of Interstate 215 was once a part of U.S. Route 395, which might explain why the road exhibits so many unusual design characteristics.
(Photograph taken on February 23, 2009 - © Cameron Bevers)
Centre - Crossing the San Jacinto River on Interstate 215 & Hwy 74 near Perris. The exit for Hwy 74 West is only a short distance beyond the bridge.
(Photograph taken on February 23, 2009 - © Cameron Bevers)
Right - Approaching the Hwy 74 West exit on Interstate 215. From here, Hwy 74 continues west through Perris towards Lake Elsinore and San Juan Capistrano.
(Photograph taken on February 23, 2009 - © Cameron Bevers)
Left - Safety corridor sign on Hwy 74 telling drivers to "Take time to be safe". One can only speculate on how effective these signs actually are.
(Photograph taken on February 23, 2009 - © Cameron Bevers)
Centre - Hwy 74 Underpass at Interstate 15 in Lake Elsinore. Note the rather extreme steps that CalTrans often takes to protect its freeway guide signs from would-be graffiti artists. The overhead sign is barricaded off from the overpass by a chain-link fence and the sign itself is surrounded by razor wire.
(Photograph taken on February 23, 2009 - © Cameron Bevers)
Right - This panoramic view of Hwy 74 shows the highway ascending the mountains west of Lake Elsinore.
(Photograph taken on February 23, 2009 - © Cameron Bevers)
Left - Hwy 74 encircles the north end of Lake Elsinore. It then begins its ascent up the mountainside from the "T" junction at the housing development in the foreground.
(Photograph taken on February 23, 2009 - © Cameron Bevers)
Centre - Facing east along Hwy 74 near Lake Elsinore. The highway climbs quickly into the Santa Ana Mountains.
(Photograph taken on February 23, 2009 - © Cameron Bevers)
Right - Clinging precariously to the side of the mountain, Hwy 74 continues its westerly trek from Lake Elsinore towards San Juan Capistrano.
(Photograph taken on February 23, 2009 - © Cameron Bevers)
Left - Once over the summit, Hwy 74 descends into a lush coastal valley. This section of Hwy 74 is also known as the "Ortega Highway".
(Photograph taken on February 23, 2009 - © Cameron Bevers)
Centre - This recently-reconstructed section of Hwy 74 features a rumble strip between the two yellow centerlines.
(Photograph taken on February 23, 2009 - © Cameron Bevers)
Right - Facing east along Hwy 74 in the San Juan Canyon. This photo exemplifies the constricted right-of-way available for the highway.
(Photograph taken on February 23, 2009 - © Cameron Bevers)
Above - The above three photos show the recent reconstruction and safety upgrades to Hwy 74 east of San Juan Capistrano.
(Photograph taken on February 23, 2009 - © Cameron Bevers)
Above - Facing west along Hwy 74 entering San Juan Capistrano. Hwy 74 ends at the Interstate 5 Interchange a few miles to the west.
(Photograph taken on February 23, 2009 - © Cameron Bevers)
