Routes
Palms to Pines Highway
Palm Desert, CA
62-mile climb from desert floor to pine forest with sweeping curves.
State Route 74, the Palms to Pines Scenic Byway, runs 62 miles from desert floor near Palm Desert into the San Jacinto Mountains. The ride climbs progressively through elevation zones, transitioning from scrub desert to chaparral, then into ponderosa pine forest.
The road delivers sweeping curves and smooth turns rather than aggressive switchbacks. Elevation changes exceed 5,000 feet with 15 miles of documented curves threading between canyon walls.
The eastern half provides the most rewarding riding with accessible small towns including Mountain Center and San Juan Capistrano for refueling. Scenic pullouts occur frequently along the route with views of the Santa Rosa Mountains and desert valleys.
The Route
Open in Google Maps →- Palm Desert, CAStart
- Mountain Center
- San Juan Capistrano
- Palm Desert
The Ride
Sweeping curves and smooth turns; 15 miles of documented twisties
Rider Stops Near This Route
Dealers, bars and campgrounds from our atlas near this route's home base — real distances, not ads.
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