Highway 9

First time ever being on the 9 about 2 days ago, definitely the scenic route. So many trees everywhere, views of the hills and the city. I would say that this probably isn’t the route for those who gets carsick or motion sickness easily. A road I would probably never drive my mom on but its really such a nice route.

Writing this review on 8/​18, 2014. Note that there is construction on the road which requires two long (probably 10 minutes ish) stops at two lights. This, according to Caltrans, ends at the end of 2014. Highway 9 is a twisty, fun road to drive IF you are not stuck behind a family in a van or some other slow moving vehicle.
The REAL fun and scenery begins once you hit the junction of 9 and 35. Turn left to go hiking at Castle Rock, continue straight to hike the wonders and waterfall of Big Basin, or turn right to enjoy the gorgeous views that Skyline Boulevard has to offer. Also, nothing sounds better to my ears than my M3 being awakened at 8,000 RPMs… Just remember to be careful!

I am fortunate enough to live near this masterpiece of a road. Another roadway that is painted with lush greens and golden yellows, depending on what time of day it is and what time of year it is as well.
The road way is masterfully crafted to have your cruise non-​stop may it be a commute or an adventure. Several hidden stops present vistas that may have a rolling blanket of fog and clouds and what looks to be an endless stage with trees and plants. If you are on the 9 near Saratoga-​Santa Cruz, you may hear the sound of pops coming from firearms at the nearby gun ranges.
Overall; a scenic vain surrounding the heart of the silicon valley.

A road for many.
A journey for some.
A lifestyle for the lucky few.
11:15 * GoHard.
–Ken (theonlineguy) T.

Fun drive. max speed is kinda weak and there tend to be cops hidden from time to time on the blind corners waiting to catch speeders.
This is the connecting link between Los Gatos and Saratoga.
Lots of memories here.

Highway 9 is probably one of the most scenic stretches of road in the immediately surrounds of the heart of the Bay Area. It can take you from San Jose to Half Moon Bay and Saratoga to Santa Cruz. You will often find a healthy stash of wildlife dotted along this «highway» so drive carefully!
The road is well maintained so for the most part, it’s a smooth ride and there are several vista points you can stop at for a view or romantic moment if you so choose, provided that there isn’t much smog happening.
Highway 9 also leads to a nice oasis in the middle of nowhere which houses the famous Alice’s restaurant and a gathering place for motorcyclists every Sat /​Sun morning. Highly recommended if you have never been, it’s a fun and fantastic road to drive through. Just remember the law! If there are 3 or more cars behind you, pull over and let them through!

I get the pleasure of driving this glorious highway for my daily commute. I’m lucky to have such a scenic commute, but man, the drivers kill me.
Mediocre 3-​star review due to:
— constantly getting stuck behind some butthead scared tourist who has to go 15 MPH the entire way to Santa Cruz and refuses to use any of the millions of pull outs along the way.
— the opposite buttheads who tailgate the hell out of you even when you’re going an unsafe speed to begin with.
— Caltrans starting all their construction on this highway as soon as school starts, rather than in the summer when the road is empty and the weather is more conducive to doing road construction.
— people not understanding proper headlight etiquette and being too ignorant to turn their goddamn brights off when there is oncoming traffic. I’m going to drive off the road one of these days due to being blinded by idiots.
I’m being forgiving enough to give it 3 stars instead of 1 due to:
— It sure is pretty, especially in the Fall. Lots of big leaf maples mixed in with the redwoods that turn bright yellow.
— I used to live right next to the MacArthur Maze.
— I guess every highway has it’s share of stupid drivers.