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Highway 198: San Lucas to Coalinga, Diablo Range, California
Photo: Missvain · CC BY 4.0 · cropped

Drives California Santa Cruz and Monterey

Highway 198: San Lucas to Coalinga

CA 198 · San Lucas → Coalinga

Sweeping47 mi1 hr 5 min4,000 ft climbHigh point ≈ 2,800 ftOne way
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The drive

Highway 198 crosses the southern Diablo Range from the Salinas Valley to the San Joaquin Valley. The drive starts at the US 101 interchange at San Lucas and heads east through oak and ranchland on long curves.

It crosses remote Priest Valley, the only community along the way, and climbs to a high point near 2,800 feet. East of the valley the road winds down through the hills and canyons to Coalinga, passing through the Coalinga oil field on the edge of town.

The drive is 46.9 miles and takes about 1 hr 5 min. It is mostly sweeping, with one twisty stretch in the hills around Priest Valley.

Along the way

  1. San Lucas (US 101)
  2. Priest Valley
  3. Coalinga
Elevation
4,000 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 2,800 ft
San LucasCoalinga
Curves
Mostly gentle, with one twisty stretch
San LucasCoalinga
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • There are no services on Highway 198 between San Lucas and Coalinga, so start with fuel and supplies.
  • The road is two lanes through remote country; plan for few places to stop.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Caltrans: Highway 198 road conditions.

Questions about this drive

How long does Highway 198 from San Lucas to Coalinga take?

Highway 198 from San Lucas to Coalinga is 46.9 miles and takes about 1 hr 5 min.

Are there gas stations on Highway 198 between San Lucas and Coalinga?

No services are listed along Highway 198 between San Lucas and Coalinga, so fill up before you go.

How twisty is Highway 198 over the Diablo Range?

Highway 198 is mostly gentle and sweeping, with one twisty stretch in the hills around Priest Valley.

Is Highway 198 open in winter?

Highway 198 is a state highway and stays open year-round. Caltrans' road conditions page shows any current closures or traffic control.

What you get in the app

Turn by turn, on this roadSpoken directions along the exact route. Carve never reroutes you onto a faster one.
Preview it in 3DFly the whole drive over satellite and terrain before you go.
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Road conditionsAPEXWet or dry, ice, fog and wind along the road before you go.
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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Highway 198: San Lucas to Coalinga, from San Lucas to Coalinga