Is Angeles Crest Highway in CA paved?
Usa, north-america
102 km
2,134 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, road trip lovers! Angeles Crest Highway, nestled between Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties, is a slice of pure driving heaven in Southern California. This completely paved beauty, part of California State Route 2, clocks in at 64 miles (102 km) and snakes through the San Gabriel Mountains.
Construction took a while, from 1929 to 1956 (with a break during WWII), but trust me, the wait was worth it. You're looking at about a 2-hour cruise, but honestly, you'll want to factor in extra time for soaking up the views. We're talking alpine scenery just a stone's throw from downtown LA – fresh air, towering trees, majestic mountains, and endless blue skies. The road climbs and curves through the Angeles National Forest, treating you to chaparral and montane forest vibes along the San Gabriel's highest, most scenic ridges.
Heads up, this road isn't just about pretty faces; it can be a bit of a wild ride. Think twists, sweeping curves, and switchbacks galore as you climb to nearly 7,000 feet. The pavement is generally great, and it's mostly two lanes with the odd passing lane thrown in. Weekends bring out the bikers, so keep an eye out. And watch for the local wildlife, especially those cheeky chipmunks and squirrels darting across the road.
Speaking of heights, the road peaks at a whopping 7,923 feet (2,415m). Be aware, this means winter closures are common from Islip Saddle to Vincent Gap due to rockfall and avalanche risks. Sometimes, landslides can cause longer shutdowns too. But when it's open, it's open to adventure!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 102 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,134 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
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