SEVENTEEN MILE DRIVE:
PACIFIC GROVE, CALIFORNIA
-BIKE IT OR HIKE IT-
Last updated: August 10, 2004
Length: Bike route of the seventeen mile drive; less then 10 miles
Difficulty: Moderate. On-road route with some steep hills. Not recommended for kids.
Directions:
There are many gate entrances for the 17 Mile Drive. I parked along Sunset Drive and biked down 17 Mile Drive past the Pacific Grove Gate to avoid the entrance fee. I would strongly recommend biking or driving the 17 Mile Drive as it is an absolutely scenic drive. From Route 1, take Route 68 towards Pacific Grove, not Route 68 towards Salinas. In Pacific Grove Route 68 is also Sunset Drive. At the intersection of Seventeen Mile Drive continue straight for on-street parking. The Pacific Grove Gate is just down the road. For fee and other information visit; 17 MILE DRIVE .
NOTE; THERE IS A FEE TO ENTER THE 17 MILE DRIVE.
17-Mile Drive is widely recognized as one of the most scenic drives in the world. The famous coastal landmark runs through Pacific Grove to Pebble Beach, from the dramatic Pacific coastline to the majestic Del Monte Forest.
Starting from Sunset Drive; Head down 17 Mile Drive to the Pacific Grove Gate. A bike trail takes you around the gate. Note; you can pick up a map of the 17 Mile Drive from the booth. We biked the 17 Mile Drive from here completing a loop. I don't know the actual mileage, as we rented bikes. I guess it to be less then 10 miles, as we didn't follow the entire 17 Mile Drive route which would contain some tough hills and traffic. This is all on-road with some bike lanes. However, the traffic is light and slow. There are a lot of scenic spots along the route which are highlighted on the tour map you can get at the gate entrance. The views are spectacular and a bike lets you see much more then a car. I'll trace the route and a few highlights. Take a right down Spanish Bay Drive towards the ocean. There is a bike lane along this section. The numbered scenic points along the route are detailed in the route map. I couldn't believe all the Black Tailed Deer we saw just hanging around the golf course. The Drive pass through the golf courses of Pebble Beach. You ride along the Pacific Ocean with windswept open views. A highlight is a stop at Seal Rock, where you can view and hear Sea lions and Harbor Seals. They even have spyglasses for viewing. There are also bathrooms here. There are some picnic tables just past here with ocean views. You briefly turn away from the ocean as you head through Cypress Point. There is a detour to view Cypress Point on your right. Another highlight along the route is the Lone Cypress Tree. The houses along the route are magnificent and varied in architecture. After rounding Pescadero Point the route heads inland and up to Pebble Beach Lodge and a shopping area. You climb a steep hill with the Peter Hay Golf Course to your left. Take the road all the way to the top of the hill and don't continue right along 17 Mile Drive. Turn left along the Peter Hay course and at the intersection continue straight onto Stevenson Drive towards Spyglass Hill. There is another steep hill to climb which brings you up to the Spyglass Hill Golf Course. Left down Spyglass Hill Rd brings you back to the ocean route, we kept right on Stevenson Rd. This is all downhill. When you finally come to a T, turn right on Old 17 Mile Drive and then a left on 17 Mile Drive/Sloat Rd. Take another left on 17 Mile Drive which takes you back to the Pacific Grove Gate, completing your loop.
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BIKE IT OR HIKE IT