The scenic Angeles Crest Highway in California is worth the drive

The scenic Angeles Crest Highway in California is worth the drive

Usa, north-america

Length

102 km

Elevation

2,134 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Nestled between Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties, the Angeles Crest Highway is a total stunner of a drive.

This beauty, part of California State Route 2, is paved all the way and offers a lane in each direction.

Clocking in at 64 miles, it carves through the San Gabriel Mountains, connecting La Cañada Flintridge to State Highway 138 near Wrightwood.

Taking about 2 hours without stops, this is Southern California's alpine escape. Think breathtaking views, crisp mountain air, and a dose of nature. You'll be cruising through the Angeles National Forest, surrounded by chaparral and montane forests along the San Gabriel's majestic ridges.

Now, while those views are epic, keep your eyes on the road! It's a twisty, turny adventure with switchbacks climbing to around 7000 ft. The road's in great shape, but watch out for local critters like chipmunks and squirrels darting across.

Reaching a peak of 7,923ft at Dawson Saddle, it's one of SoCal's highest drives. Heads up: the highway is usually closed in winter from Islip Saddle to Vincent Gap due to rockfall and avalanches.

Where is it?

The scenic Angeles Crest Highway in California is worth the drive is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 36.7660, -100.5584

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
102 km
Max Elevation
2,134 m
Difficulty
extreme
Coordinates
36.7660, -100.5584

Related Roads in north-america

Peon Passextreme

Peon Pass

🇺🇸 Usa

Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Peon Pass in Colorado's Saguache County is calling your name! This isn't your average Sunday drive; we're talking about a legit high-mountain experience peaking at 10,357 feet! You'll find it nestled deep within the Gunnison National Forest, accessible via County Road 31CC. Now, fair warning: this isn't paved paradise. It's a gravel 4x4 track, so leave the low-riders at home. Expect a bit of a rocky, muddy ride, but that's part of the fun, right? Keep a close eye on the weather! This route can get seriously dicey with avalanches, heavy snowfall, and landslides, especially with sneaky ice patches lurking about. But if you're prepared and the conditions are right, you're in for some killer views! Get ready for some seriously stunning scenery that'll make all those bumps worthwhile.

Is Stemple Pass in MT unpaved?hard

Is Stemple Pass in MT unpaved?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, adventure seekers, let me tell you about Stemple Pass in Montana! This one's a beauty, sitting way up high in Lewis and Clark County at a cool 6,381 feet. You'll find it smack-dab on the Continental Divide. Heads up: this isn't your typical smooth ride. Stemple Pass Road (aka County Road #601) is all dirt. Most cars can handle it, but I'd definitely suggest something with a bit more clearance. Watch out for loose gravel, those steep climbs, and blind corners that'll keep you on your toes! The whole shebang stretches for about 23 miles, connecting Wilborn and Lincoln. As you climb, keep your camera ready because you'll pass some seriously cool abandoned buildings that are begging for a photo. Up top, there's a big parking area with restrooms, so you can take a breather and soak it all in. And the best part? Even though it's nestled in the Helena National Forest, this road is usually open year-round, even in winter. That said, Montana weather is no joke, so be prepared for potential short-term closures if things get dicey. Always check conditions before you go!

Where is Deadman Pass Oregon?extreme

Where is Deadman Pass Oregon?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, buckle up for Deadman Pass in Oregon! This mountain pass sits pretty high up there, offering some killer views... if you can keep your eyes on the road! Located in Umatilla County, Oregon, it's named after a wild west incident involving a teamster and some not-so-friendly locals. The whole route, nicknamed the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway, is paved, so no need for off-road tires. It stretches for about six miles from Pendleton up to the summit. But don't let the pavement fool you – this pass is a beast! Heading southeast, you'll be climbing a serious grade. Going northwest? Get ready to test those brakes! You'll be dropping over 2,000 feet in just six miles, so make sure those brakes are in tip-top shape! Speaking of challenges, the weather here is totally unpredictable. It's notorious for sudden shifts and extreme conditions. Think snow, fog, and winds that'll make your rig dance. Winter is especially rough, with frequent storms, packed ice, and visibility that can disappear in a flash. This stretch of I-84 is known for being super treacherous, especially heading westbound, thanks to steep, double-hairpin downgrades. Truckers, take note: this pass is a notorious spot for brake failures. Watch for the variable message signs giving speed recommendations. Chain up in the winter, and always descend in the correct gear. Definitely use extreme caution, especially through the downgrade after milepost 227. The word on the street is to check your brakes at the weigh station before you head down!

Salt Creek Passextreme

Salt Creek Pass

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Salt Creek Pass in Colorado's Park County is calling your name! Nestled high in the Mosquito Range, this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a lung-busting 9,735 feet above sea level! The road, also known as Forest Service Road 436, is a gravelly, 4WD-only kind of adventure. Think rocky, maybe muddy in spots, and definitely NOT for the faint of heart. Seriously, check the weather before you go, because Mother Nature can throw some serious curveballs up here – avalanches, heavy snow, landslides, and icy patches are all part of the fun (or not, if you're unprepared!). But here's the payoff: the views are absolutely epic. It's a roughly x-mile journey that will test your mettle, reward you with incredible scenery. Just remember to respect the mountain and be prepared for anything!