East Cuesta Grade
(East Cuesta Grade viewed from the top)
This is a fun out and back on fire road. On a clear day you can see the Oceano Dunes and Pismo Beach to the south west, the Seven Sisters, and Morro Rock to the north west.
Pick this ride up at the top off the grade on highway 101. If you are familiar with the area, it is straight across from the West Cuesta Grade parking lot. Take 101 north towards Atascadero, just past San Luis Obispo. Drive to the top of the grade and look for a fairly large turnout on the right hand side. If you miss it, there is no turning back. Continue to the Santa Margaraita / 58 exit, turn around, and try again. Be careful with the traffic.
From the turn out you’ll see a fire road that climbs to the left. Just climb the road. It is a gradual climb and never really gets very steep. The road takes you up approximately 5 miles until your reach private property.
There is a trail that drops down to Lopez Lake near the top, you’ll see a large parking lot on the left, but is closed to bikes, but open to hikers. Take in the views and ride back down. Be careful of the water bars.
