Ortega Highway / Pines to Palms Highway
Runs from I-5 at San Juan Capistrano to SR-111 in Palm Desert

Related Links:

• Road Conditions
• Southern California Fire Resources
• Caltrans – Lower Ortega Highway “Gap Closure” Project
• Caltrans – Bridge Replacement Project (Two locations)
• Southern California Fire Resources
• Mystery Bridge east of Hemet
• Scenic Drives in Southern California

High Points:

• Divide Summit – 2665′
• Keen Camp Summit – 4917′
• Santa Rosa Summit – 4977′

The Ortega Highway, as State 74 is known between I-5 and I-15, was built in stages, mostly in the 1920’s and 1930’s. The It is mostly two lanes and is a popular route for motorcyclists and commuters between the Inland Empire and Orange County. Over San Juan Creek east of San Juan Capistrano there is a nice 1929 arch bridge.

East of I-15, State 74 takes over a portion of former US 395 until I-215 in Perris. East of Perris, State 74 passes through Hemet before climbing into the San Jacinto Mountains up a very steep and twisty grade. From Hemet to Palm Desert, it is known as the Pines to Palms Highway, which was completed in July 1932.

After Mountain Center, Hwy 74 passes through a large valley with ranching and some farming before working its way toward the Coachella Valley. The descent into the Coachella Valley is even more impressive than the ascent east of Hemet. It is known as Seven Level Hill and was completed in June 1932. Some of the original stone curbing remains on the grade today. State 74 ends at its junction with Hwy 111 in Palm Desert, though plans still call for its extension down Monterey Road to I-10.