La Honda-Pescadero Loop

Porsche cars are not meant to be driven in bumper-to-bumper traffic on 101, or to follow 18-wheelers on Interstate 5. Sure they can do it, but what is the point? There are better stretches of highway that can best be described as "Porsche roads". They have the right combination of good pavement, scenery and curves that make the drive enjoyable, especially in a car that handles well, accelerates well, and brakes well. The La Honda-Pescadero loop is one such road, right in the GGR neighborhood, that provides fun and relaxation for any Porsche owner.

Start at Alice's Restaurant at the intersection of Skyline (Highway 35) and La Honda Road (Highway 84) in Woodside. While this Alice's Restaurant is not the original Arlo Guthrie sang about, it features a full-fledged Group W Bench under the redwood trees. Check it out. Alice also has breakfast and lunch for the hungry ones. Don't forget to fill up your tank.    

From Alice's turn west on La Honda Road towards Pescadero. The fun begins right away with long esses in the redwood forest, followed by a series of turns with the proper camber, all the way to La Honda, 6 miles down the road. On the way you may want to stop near the Red Barn for a photo opportunity and, weather permitting, a view of the Pacific Ocean .  

A few miles past La Honda, the redwoods disappear as the valley opens up. The curves increase radius and spacing, and some dotted yellow lines appear. A welcome relief if you have been following a slow poke all this time. In San Gregorio, the General Store at the intersection of La Honda Road and Stage Road is a fun stop. On a cold day, the hot buttered rum is perfect for all but the designated driver. On weekends, there is a live band. You can also stock up on western gear and politically engaged T-shirts.  

Whether you stop at the General Store or not, when you get to San Gregorio, turn left on Stage Road. This 1 ½ lane road dates back to the Spanish era of California 's history and parallels Highway 1. No high speeds here as the pavement is not in the best of shapes, but the unfamiliar scenery is worth the detour. There is room for a 911 and a Hummer to cross paths (I tested that), but be careful.   

At the stop sign, turn left on Pescadero Creek Road . As the name implies, you are now following the valley of Pescadero Creek back up the mountain. Soon after the road leaves town, it goes back into the redwood forest. It gets dark in there even during sunny days. Memorial Park, at mile 30, and Sam McDonald Park , at mile 33, are both full of interesting walking trails through the forest. At mile 35 you are back to Highway 84, a mile or so south of La Honda.  

Going up the hill, the road would be suitable for a European-style course de côte, were it closed to traffic. The constabulary is generally out in force on week-ends trying to keep the squids (irresponsible members of the motorcycle community) from hitting the pavement skin first. At mile 43, you are back at Alice 's. The complete loop will take a little over an hour if all you want to do is drive. You can also make a day outing out of it and enjoy the sights and smells at a leisurely pace.