Parkfield, CA Road T
The drive from Fresno to Parkfield via the Parkfield-Coalinga Road is full of sweeping scenery, wildflowers, rustic subjects, ending in the unique picturesque tiny town of Parkfield, “Earthquake Capitol of the World”. The Parkfield Cafe serves delicious local farm fresh meals and is a photo destination itself. Plan to make a whole day for this. Take the backroads! Go through Coalinga, take 198 to Parkfield Grade Road then Parkfield-Coalinga Road into Parkfield. The road takes you to a 3500' summit with incomparable scenic views along the way. There are places where you have unobstructed views for miles with no signs of civilization. Don’t go in inclement weather, because it is a very windy narrow road, but worth it!
This drive takes about two and a half hours, but plan for an additional hour or so for stopping along the way. Get an early start. Make your destination Parkfield Cafe. There’s plenty to photograph in the little town also. You'll want to take the fastest route home.
- 100 miles southwest of Fresno
- Best time to go: Spring
- Narrow windy roads
- No entry fee
- No walking required
Photo Tips
Photo tips: Take a wide angle lens and a tripod for the sweeping landscapes. A versatile wide to telephoto lens, or a fast telephoto lens to capture wildlife.
