San Juan Capistrano (I-5)
The west end of the highway, home to Mission San Juan Capistrano. Gas at the west end: a Chevron at 27101 Ortega Highway.
Caspers Wilderness Park
An OC Parks wilderness park on the highway with camping, picnic areas and trails. Hours, fees and reservations: OC Parks.
San Juan Loop Trailhead & The 74 Candy Store
The San Juan Loop Trailhead at 34950 Ortega Highway has a vault toilet but no drinking water, and needs an Adventure Pass to park (trail details). Across the highway, the long-time candy store is now John's Rice Bowls & Sandwiches @ The 74 Candy Store, a restaurant and general store that still carries candy, plus snacks and some camping and hiking supplies.
Hafey Farms Mountain Market
The former country store at 32692 Ortega Highway, now run by Hafey Farms, with jerky, deli sandwiches, pizza and groceries. Its website lists hours of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, with the kitchen closing at 7 p.m. (Hafey Farms).
El Cariso Visitor Center
Next to the El Cariso fire station at 32353 Ortega Highway. The Forest Service lists it as open Saturdays except the third Saturday of the month, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., for campground, trail and forest-restriction information and wilderness permits; it doesn't sell Adventure Passes (Forest Service). El Cariso Campground is nearby (camping).
Hell's Kitchen (former location)
For years the Hell's Kitchen Motorsports Bar & Grill near El Cariso was a favorite rider hangout. Travel site DayTrippen reports it closed on the mountain after a fire and moved to 530 Crane St. in Lake Elsinore (DayTrippen).
The Lookout Roadhouse
At 32107 Ortega Highway above Lake Elsinore, serving breakfast, BBQ and American food with patio views over the lake. The owners note on their website that the roadhouse is currently for sale (Lookout Roadhouse).
Turnouts on the descent toward Lake Elsinore are popular for lake views; use only paved turnouts and watch for traffic when pulling back on.
Lake Elsinore (Grand Ave.)
The east end of Ortega Highway. For food, lodging and lake activities see Visit Lake Elsinore.
Seen a closure, crash or something new along the highway? Send us a tip or photo. For emergencies, call 911.