I saw these as I purused the regional map in my new Thomas Guide. Anyone know much about them? They look awesome. The scale doesn't show in the map below, but I would guess that 243 is about 30 miles long.

Here they are in Google maps:

 

74 is the Ortega Highway (I believe) running inland from San Juan Capistrano on the coast, through the Cleveland National Forest, up above and down past Lake Elsinor, and on up and down towards Palm Springs. A GREAT road, but watch out for bullet bikes on weekends.

 

I've taken 74 to 243...nice road that puts you west of Palm Springs. There are some great twisties and wonderful views of the local area.

A nice run is to then take 243 to I-10, go through Palm Springs, to Palm Desert, and back up 74 and back. Very nice day trip.

 

74 has lots of cops.

 

Actually, the 243 is the road that takes you through Mountain Center and Iduyllwild and then down the hill to Banning. It isn't as twisty as it looks and on weekends it can be quite full of cars.

Highway 74 is the highway that goes over the Ortegas and into Elsinore then on to Hemet and up to the 243 turnoff. When you stay on the 74 it will take you to the road to Anza, then to Julian, or if you stay on it to Monterey Ave in Palm Desert. You can turn around and go back the way you came or head down Monterey and catch the 10 freeway back to civilization.

Both roads are twisty, full of cars on the weekend and not as full of cops as stated. I live in Hemet. Been there done that. I recommend the 79 if you want a thrill ride. It goes through Sage and it is an incredible two lane highway. It goes from Hemet to Temecula the back way. It hooks up with Anza, Lake Mathews and Julian along the long road.

 

Mid week the 74 is a fantastic drive. On the weekends unless you get an early start it can be quite crowded.

 

243 is a blast on two wheels...too crowded for the four wheel crowd (hard to pass Ma and Pa Kettle in their SUV). Ortega Hwy is just part of 74 from Lake Elsinore to San Juan Capistrano....again a bitchin' RIDE....tough on four wheels!! And yes, the black and white are plentifull!

 

That's a bummer, but better I hear it from you hear than drive 125 miles from San Diego to find out for myself! Unless, of course, you're just trying to keep it to yourself.

I've taken 79 up to Temecula after starting around Julian, it's a nice road with nicer, less crowded roads (Palomar Mountain, Mesa Grande) that shoot off of it.

Thanks for the tips everybody. I may take a day off sometime in the fall and try them out for myself.

 

I tried keeping it to myself, but someone else told!!!!!