Gilroy to Santa Cruz road advice
 

<BR> I will be traveling from Gilroy to Santa<BR>Cruz late Saturday night. Due to my age<BR>and night vision problems I prefer to bypass<BR>Hecter Pass. Is there a similar route<BR>that will allow me to travel around Hecter<BR>Pass and the mountains from Gilroy going to<BR>Santa Cruz, even if traveling is somewhat<BR>longer. Advice appreciated for this old<BR>lady.<BR><BR> Barbara

Barbara - I think you mean Hecker Pass, but in any event, two longer possibilities,,, Take SR 17 out of Santa Cruz to US 101 near San Jose and then south on 101 to Gilroy, or go south on SR 1 to the edge of Monterey, then take the connector to Salinas and go north on the 101 to Gilroy....

Barbara, unsure of what will bother you driving at night, but assuming you are trying to avoid the mountain. If so you can take 101 south from Gilroy and then 129 which will take you through Watsonville and the artichoke fields. After that you take highway 1 north to Santa Cruz. The previously posted directions are very confusing to me and I live in the area. It might make more sense to overnight in Gilroy (not exactly a tourist destination, but hotels, nontheless) and then take highway 17 over to Santa Cruz. Good luck and enjoy.

I agree with Kam - take Hwy 129 over to Hwy 1.

Thank you so much Steve, J. Correa<BR>and Kam for your advice. I will take<BR>the 129 route as recommended.<BR> Again Thanks<BR><BR>Barbara