This is a fabulous street ride with the option of riding up a challenging Santa Rosa Mountain Rd (FR 7S02). First, head to Banning through the I-60 Badlands and climb relentlessly up the newly paved Highway 243. See the Hemet Vista POI from 243 for an extra credit point and then head towards 74.
Otherwise, stop at the 74 lookout half-way down to Palm Desert for another great view of the Coachella Valley. Once you are this far, it is hard not to take the switchbacks all the way to the low desert floor. Turn around at the Visitors Center and re-ride this great road in the opposite direction. Turn at Mountain Center and take 74 down to Hemet, dropping out of the sky one more time. Backroads back to Riverside avoids the freeways.
On the way to the Palm Springs lookout, consider tackling the steep FR 7S02 Santa Rosa Mt Rd It can be a tough road, but a double peak and rewards of epic views of the Coachella Valley and the San Andreas Fault ripping through below.
Earn additional Contest Points for the 243 and 74 Vista Overlooks, and also another point for a picture near Santa Rosa Peak or Toro Peak.
Route Stats
| Length (miles) | 210 |
| Duration (hours) | 5.5 |
| Technical Difficulty / Terrain (1-10) | 5 – Paved 8 – Off-Rd |
| Elevation Change (feet) | 17,286 |
| Scenic / Historic (1-10) | 8 |
| Two-Up Friendly | Street segments only |
