From the Gaviota store it was just a short drive north to the Gaviota pass. This historic pass was purpoted to be pivotal in the pursuit of California's future as an addition to the United States. Supposedly Mexican armies from Santa Barbara were lying in wait for Fremont and his armies as they headed south. Tipped off by a neighbor, they headed over the San Marcos Pass to the east instead and avoided the ambush.
Hopefully we wont get ambushed in our time machine, but this pre-bridge photo shows just how narrow was the gap. Imagine arriving in the first automobile trying to negotiate this dusty trail. Now imagine it with several hundred head of cattle being driven into the gorge on their way to the Gaviota wharf.
In 1911 the first bridge was built through this pivotal pass primarily to accommodated the automobile. It was a simple truss bridge, barely one lane wide on a dirt road.
After World War II attention was turned to improving the coast highway. The Gaviota Pass was of particular importance as it was the only way on this artery to round the coast from south to north. Faster moving cars demanded more room on the road so a northbound tunnel was added next to the concrete bridge built in the late 20’s or early 30’s allowing the traffic to be separated.
Stick with us, there's another service station just around the corner!
