California State Route 46, State highway between San Luis Obispo County and Kern County, United States.
State Route 46 is a state highway stretching about 110 miles across California, connecting the Pacific coast near Cambria to the San Joaquin Valley at Famoso. The route traverses through Cholame Pass, moving across varied terrain between coastal and inland regions.
The road was established in 1916 and fully paved by 1930, replacing earlier sections of U.S. Route 466. During California's 1964 highway renumbering, the route received its current designation as State Route 46.
The junction with State Route 41 is named after actor James Dean, commemorating his fatal accident in 1955. This location draws visitors interested in film history and serves as a roadside landmark on the journey.
The route serves as a key connection between Interstate 5 and U.S. Route 101, offering an alternative when other mountain passes become difficult to access. Drivers should be prepared for changing road conditions, especially during months with heavy weather.
The road was once favored by filmmakers seeking dramatic landscape shots and remains of historical interest to cinema enthusiasts. Its position between the coast and oil fields makes it an unlikely setting for diverse stories and connections.
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