Notes on the Itenerary:
The Chase the Sun Run covers 254 miles over the course of the day. It is designed in such a way that only two fuel stops are necessary. If you are planning on driving the whole route, please top off your tank in Browley either before meeting up at Bombay Beach or after Breakfast. With this tank of fuel you will be able to reach the Mid-Way Meetup point at Pala Resort and Casino without a problem. Those continuing on from the mid-way point and those joining the run at that point, fill up your tank here and you will make it to the end of the drive without a problem.
There are six meetup points along the run: Bombay Beach, Brownie's diner for breakfast in Brawley, Round Up Grill for lunch at Lake Henshaw, Mid-Way meetup point at Pala Resort and Casino, Lake Elsinore meetup point, and Wind and Sea for dinner in Dana Point. You may meet the group at any one of these points throughout the drive. Last year we were right on time at each of the checkpoints and are shooting for the same results this year.
2016 Route Guide Printable PDF now available!
Click here for a Google map of the route.
5:15 AM - Start run on Bombay Beach.
End of Avenue E
Bombay Beach, CA
5:45 AM - Depart Bombay Beach.
6:30 AM - Breakfast at Brownie's Diner
990 Main Street, Brawley, CA 92227
Apx 30 miles from Bombay Beach. Gas station available immediately across the street. (8 pumps available). It is highly suggested that you top off your tank here as you should be able to drive all the way to the mid point meet up at Pala Resort and Casino before needing gas again.
8:30 AM - Depart Brownie's Diner.
9:10 AM - Salton City Checkpoint
Salton City, CA
Apx 36 miles from Brownie's. Will be a brief stop to get the group together before heading into the hills. Gas is available at this stop for those who didn't top off after breakfast. Next gas after this stop won't be until the mid way point at Pala Resort and Casino. Bathrooms are available here. The next stop with a bathroom is 2 hours away.
10:10 AM - Borrego Springs Checkpoint
Apx 14 miles from Salton City. We will stop briefly to get the group back together after the traffic circle in the city.
11:15 AM - Julian Checkpoint
Apx 56 miles from Borrego Springs. We will stop briefly to get the group back together at the Julian Library to minimize seperation going through town. Bathrooms are available here.
11:30 AM - Santa Ysabel Checkpoint
Apx 7 miles from Julian. We will stop briefly to get the group back together at Dudley's Bakery before heading on to our lunch stop if necessary.
11:45 AM - Lunch Stop at Round Up Grill by Lake Henshaw
26439 California 76, Santa Ysabel, CA 92070
Apx 11 miles from Santa Ysabel.
1:35 PM - Depart Round Up BBQ
At the top of Palomar where we turn onto S6 it is a tricky turn. We will slow down towards the top of the mountain to gather everyone up before making this turn.
Highway S6 is very technical and down hill. Those who have stock brakes be sure to use them sparringly on the down hill portion of Highway S6.
2:35 PM - Gas and Mid Way Meetup Point Pala Resort and Casino
This will be a quick gas up spot for those that may need it. It is highly suggested all drivers gas up here as the next gas stop in Elsinore is not very convenient. If you top off your tank here, you should be able to go the remainder of the drive without gassing up again. This is also a meetup point for those that only wish to participate in the second half of the run.
The next driving leg will be the longest section of the drive with no stops in between and very few services. Bathrooms are available here. Next stop with restroom facilities is more than two hours away.
3:05 PM - Depart from Gas and Meetup Point.
4:45 PM - Meetup Point and Photo Op, Lake Elsinore
South Spring Street and Lakeshore Drive, Lake Elsinore, CA.
Quick meetup point for those wishing to take part in the last third of the run. Also a good photo opportunity with the lake and coastal range mountains in the background. This is the last fill-up bathroom break before our final destination. There is gas close to this stop for those needing a bathroom break or a quick fuel up.
5:15 PM - Depart from Meetup Point.
5:30 PM - Meetup Point at base of Ortega Highway
On Highway 74 just southwest of Lakeshore Dr, Lake Elsinore, CA.
Quick meetup point for those wishing to take part in the last leg of the run. Also an opportunity to bunch up the group after coming through Lake Elsinore as chances are we will get spread out in town.
5:45 PM - Depart from Meetup Point.
6:45 PM - Arrive at Photo Spot in Dana Point.
We will be having a quick stop outside of San Juan Capistrano on this leg just to get the group bunched back up after going through town as we probably will become seperated.
8:00 PM - Dinner at Wind and Sea
34699 Golden Lantern Street, Dana Point, CA 92629