Pacific Coast Route Section 5, Map 62: Camp Pendleton Activity 3/25-29/19

[JHamelman]

Due to military operations, the bicycle facility between Las Pulgas and San Onofre State Park will be closed as follows:

DATE: March 25 to March 29 (daily)

Time: 7 AM to 6 PM

During the dates of restricted access, cyclists may ride on the Interstate 5 (I-5) shoulder as an alternate route.

[aggie]

Jennifer,  You may want to check with Camp Pendelton to see if a pre-approved cyclist can enter the base on Basilone Rd.  If they can they will avoid I5.  They will then be able to return to the route by turning onto Las Pulgas Rd to Stuart Mesa although it is a bit hilly.

[JHamelman]

Aggie,

Based on the access policy put into place in October 2018, I'd say this is highly unlikely. The current policy says this (from our Map Updates & Corrections):

Camp Pendleton is changing their requirements for access to the base. Beginning October 1, 2018, to ride through the base you will need to stop at the Main/Vandegrift Boulevard Visitor Center (south end of the base) to get a guest pass. You will need a valid government issued photo ID (I.E. Real ID ACT compliant driver's license, state identification card, or U.S. passport) to establish your identity and submit to a criminal background check as well as having your photograph and fingerprint taken. The Visitor Center hours are Monday to Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

And from the base:


https://www.pendleton.marines.mil/Base-Access/Recreational-Bicycling/


Jennifer

[aggie]

I see the new requirements all but preclude someone traveling southbound from accessing the base.  I think if a rider has a military id card they can access the base through any of the gates without obtaining the pass/credential.

[JHamelman]

Aggie,

Yes, this is our take on the situation as well. It probably works fine for local cyclists to go through the process to access the base on a regular basis. It's not as helpful to the one-time traveler. We have an advisory posted on the Map Updates & Corrections.

Jennifer