Mike if you went through San Juan Capistrano, you could take the 74 the entire way to Palm Desert. It changes names a few times. Out of San Juan Capistrano take the Ortega Highway east. The road runs barely north of Lake Elsinore, across to Perris and on into Hemet. From there, up the mountain a bit south of Idyllwild, then on further east, and then finally the road turns north and down the hill into Palm Desert. On the eastern side of the run, the 74 is also known as the "Pines to Palms Highway."

From San Diego, we usually take the 15 N to the 79 E in Temecula, to the 371 and on to the 74 down into Palm Desert. However, if you and / or others are game, it would be fun to meet in SJC (maybe at the Mission?) and do the run across the 74 together.

Mr. Max - you might consider cutting south in Banning up the 243 "Banning to Idyllwild Panoramic Highway", which looks like an outstanding ride, merge with the 74 south of Idyllwild, and go east into Palm Desert.

I would make a great weekend trip!