California 253 connects California 128 near Boonville with U.S. 101/Redwood Highway and South State Street in Ukiah.
California 253 east
California 253 begins at California 128 near Boonville and travels over Ukiah-Boonville Road over Pine Ridge to meet U.S. 101 at the south end of Ukiah. We start just west of the U.S. 101 interchange as California 253 enters the city of Ukiah, which is the seat of Mendocino County and is located at 610 feet elevation and reaches an annual average of 36.96 inches of rain. Here, eastbound California 253 meets South State Street. Turn left to follow State Street north to downtown Ukiah and connect to U.S. 101 north; turn left to follow South State Street directly onto U.S. 101 south. California 253 turns left here, even though no shields advise of such. Photo taken 05/25/06.
Ukiah became county seat when Mendocino County split from Sonoma County in 1859; Ukiah incorporated in 1876. Home to 15,497 people as of the 2000 Census, Ukiah is another major wine-producing region and is home to the Mendocino Brewing Company (which was formerly the Hopland Brewing Company). A button copy trailblazer for U.S. 101 north is posted here on northbound State Street (and eastbound California 253). Photo taken 05/25/06.
California 253 turns right here onto the U.S. 101 freeway northbound. Continue straight ahead to follow Old U.S. 101 into Ukiah. Photo taken 05/25/06.
This short stub connects South State Street with U.S. 101 north. It is officially part of California 253. Photo taken 05/25/06.
A California 253 postmile can be found on the ramp to northbound U.S. 101, proving that this ramp is indeed part of California 253. The ramp crosses over the U.S. 101 freeway, then loops onto northbound. Photo taken 05/25/06.
This set of freeway entrance shield assemblies for U.S. 101 north is posted after crossing over the freeway. Photo taken 05/25/06.
California 253 west
Now in the other direction, this California 253 trailblazer shield is posted on the ramp from northbound U.S. 10/Redwood Highway to westbound California 253 and northbound South State Street (former U.S. 101). After crossing the freeway on this bridge, a left turn is required to follow California 253 west to Boonville. Photo taken 05/25/06.
For all services, follow South State Street north (right turn). South State Street should be a business route for U.S. 101, but it is not signed as such. To follow California 253 west, turn left. Photo taken 05/25/06.
This view shows the connection from westbound California 253 to northbound South State Street. Photo taken 05/25/06.
A small destination sign points the way to Boonville (west) and Ukiah (north). Photo taken 05/25/06.
Another California 253 shield is posted at the end of the ramp from U.S. 101 to South State Street. Photo taken 05/25/06.
Now traveling south on South State Street, California 253 turns west onto Ukiah-Boonville Road at this intersection. Continue straight ahead to follow U.S. 101 south to Santa Rosa. Photo taken 05/25/06.
Westbound California 253 passes by vineyards and ranches as it begins its trek west toward Boonville. This is a windy and hilly trip, but it does save travel time between Ukiah and the coast. Photo taken 05/25/06.
