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Highway 76: Pala to Lake Henshaw, Palomar Mountain foothills, California
Photo: Rschen7754 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · cropped

Drives California San Diego

Highway 76: Pala to Lake Henshaw

CA 76, Pala Road · Pala → Highway 79 junction

Sweeping24 mi30 min3,400 ft climbHigh point ≈ 2,800 ftOne way
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The drive

Highway 76 east of Pala is a quiet rural road up the San Luis Rey valley. This drive starts in Pala and heads east past farms and orchards to Pauma Valley, then continues past the turnoff for Palomar Mountain toward Lake Henshaw. It ends at the Highway 79 junction after 23.6 miles.

The road climbs about 3,400 feet in total to a high point of nearly 2,800 feet, with rock outcrops and long curves. The eastern section is quieter and more rural than Highway 76 near the coast and Interstate 15.

Staying on Highway 76 at the Palomar turnoff keeps you on the Lake Henshaw route. The Palomar Mountain South Grade is a separate drive and this one does not repeat it.

Along the way

  1. Pala
  2. Highway 79 junction
Elevation
3,400 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 2,800 ft
PalaHighway 79 junction
Curves
Mostly gentle, with two twisty stretches
PalaHighway 79 junction
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • Traffic is light, but maintenance work has caused weekday delays, so check Caltrans.
  • Lake-effect fog can roll in near Lake Henshaw.
  • The road is two lanes with long curves and few services.
  • Palomar Mountain is reached by turning off at County Road S6 or S7, not by staying on Highway 76.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Caltrans: State Route 76 road conditions.

Questions about this drive

How long does Highway 76 from Pala to Lake Henshaw take?

Highway 76 from Pala to the Highway 79 junction is 23.6 miles and takes about 32 minutes.

Where does Highway 76 end?

Highway 76 ends at its junction with Highway 79 near Lake Henshaw. This drive covers the Pala to Lake Henshaw stretch.

Is Highway 76 east of Pala twisty?

It has long curves through orchards and rock outcrops rather than tight switchbacks, and it is quieter than the stretch near the coast.

How do I get to Palomar Mountain from Highway 76?

Palomar Mountain is reached by turning north onto a county road off Highway 76. This drive passes the turnoff without taking it.

What you get in the app

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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 76: Pala to Lake Henshaw, from Pala to Highway 79 junction