130 miles with 9,000 feet of elevation gain*
Locate ride on interactive map.
[Interactive Course | enlarge]
[Route Profile]
Dana Point to Palm Springs - Counties Visited:
Orange County and Riverside County
Dana Point to Palm Springs - Cities/Towns Visited:
Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, Lake Elsinore, Winchester, Hemet, and Palm Desert
Dana Point to Palm Springs - Climbs:
Mile 15 (cat. 2) and 78 (cat. 1)
Dana Point to Palm Springs - Stops (Self-Supported):
Mile 28 (Lookout), 68 (Hemet), and 88
Dana Point to Palm Springs - Description:
This ride starts in Dana Point and follows the most scenic route to the Palm Springs area.
After leaving Dana Point, Highway 74 (Ortega Highway) leads from San Juan Capistrano to Lake Elsinore, presenting the first major climb of the day. The ride then follows surface roads to Hemet, including Lakeshore Drive, Railroad Canyon, Newport Road, and Domenigoni Parkway.
After Hemet, the route continues on Highway 74 all the way to Palm Desert. Keen Camp Summit, located just under 5,000 feet, marks the top of the climb up Mount San Jacinto, the second major climb of the day. The next 10 miles are at altitude, before a 20 mile descent leads down to the Palm Springs area, which is close to sea level.
Dana Point to Palm Springs - Pictures:
[Keen Camp Summit]
[Mount San Jacinto]
[Palm Desert]
Dana Point to Palm Springs - Personal Notes:
I rode this ride with Bart B. and Ryan P. from the Renegades. Thanks a lot to Ryan's family for letting us stay in one of their homes, and also to Sandra for driving out there to pick us up.
Dana Point to Palm Springs - Current Weather:
