Conejo Grade

Conejo Grade is a mountain pass along Interstate 101 in Ventura County that spans several kilometers with a steep grade. It connects the Conejo Valley with Camarillo and serves as a major route through Southern California's coastal region.

The original road was built between 1914 and 1915 and followed a winding path over the pass. A major project in the 1930s simplified the route considerably, making travel safer and faster for drivers.

The Chumash people traveled through these valleys for centuries, moving goods and people between inland communities and coastal settlements. You can still see how the terrain shapes the routes that connect different parts of the region.

Driving over the pass can become slippery in bad weather, so drive carefully and watch for traffic updates. Inspection stations at both ends monitor vehicles and ensure drivers are maintaining safe conditions.

The pass was originally so winding that drivers had to move slowly through all the curves. A massive redesign in the mid-20th century greatly reduced the number of tight turns and made the passage much more direct.