Drive Some of San Diego’s Most Exciting Backroads in this Epic 96-mile Loop Route

This epic loop route is a favorite among friends of Drives & Detours. The route links together some of the best sections of driving roads in San Diego County, making the trip to Palomar's South Grade Rd into an epic 96-mile loop. Try this route on our app! (Link below)

A good place to start and gather with other drivers is the Starbucks off I-15 and Via Rancho Parkway. The route takes out past Lake Hodges, past Harrah's, up Palomar via the South Grade Rd, down E Grade Rd, up a really fun section of narrow Mesa Grande Rd, around Ramona to avoid the traffic, and back to the I-15 via Highland Valley Rd.

Try the Drives & Detours app for a narrated experience including tips and points of interest!

If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can take tack on an extra section that will bring you up the back side of Julian on the Banner Grade. The route shown on this page includes this detour but to keep it under 100 miles, just turn right and head south towards Ramona when you reach the stop sign at Mesa Grande Rd and Hwy 79.