Where does California State Route 39 start and end?
Usa, north-america
80.495 km
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along State Route 39 (SR 39), straddling the line between Orange and Los Angeles counties in California. This isn't just any road trip; it's a mountain adventure in the San Gabriel range, with switchbacks that'll keep you on your toes!
Starting from the Pacific Coast Highway (SR 1), this fully paved path winds for about 50 miles up to Islip Saddle on the Angeles Crest Highway. Now, here's the twist: the northern part, famously known as San Gabriel Canyon Road, has been closed since '78. Yep, you heard that right – closed!
Back in the day, SR 39 was meant to connect the coast with the mountains, even playing a role in "Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift." But Mother Nature had other plans. Rockslides, mudslides, and plain ol' wear and tear led to parts of the highway being abandoned. A big rockslide in 2005 pretty much sealed the deal, shutting it down to regular traffic indefinitely.
So, can you drive it? Well, it's a mixed bag. Some sections are dirt, others eroded. You can hike or bike it, but be warned: major parts are washed out, especially on the west side of Mount Islip. And let's not forget the extreme snow, avalanches, and rockslides that can hit seasonally. It's passable for emergency vehicles, but those narrow dirt sections near the rockslide areas? Not exactly passenger-car friendly.
Despite all that, remnants of this once-busy road are still there, whispering stories of California's past. If you're up for a bit of exploration and a touch of history, this "Forbidden Highway" offers a unique, if slightly rugged, experience.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 80.495 km
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
extremeWindy Point Pass
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure junkies, let me tell you about Windy Point Pass! Nestled way up high in Montrose County, Colorado, this bad boy sits at a whopping 9,477 feet above sea level. You'll find it deep inside the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area. The path to the top? It's called Divide Road, and let me warn you, it's a gravelly, 4x4-only kinda situation. We're talking a proper off-road experience! Now, listen up: this isn't a drive to take lightly. Keep a close eye on the weather, because things can get dicey up here real quick. Avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides are all real possibilities, and those icy patches can sneak up on you. But hey, the scenery is absolutely stunning - totally worth the challenge, just be prepared!
hardBurnt Knob
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies! We're heading to Burnt Knob, a seriously epic peak in the southern Clearwater Mountains of Idaho. Nestled right on the edge of the Selway Bitterroot Wilderness in the Nez Perce National Forest, this spot is a total knockout. The road to the top? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. Forest Road 468-C, as it's known, is a gravelly, rocky, and sometimes wildly bumpy ride. Think tippy, too! You'll definitely need some serious wheeling experience to tackle this unmaintained track. Word to the wise: this road is usually snowed in from October to June, so plan your trip accordingly. Heads up – this trail gets *steep*. And keep an eye on the weather! Thunderstorms can turn those unpaved sections into a 4x4 nightmare, or worse, make them impassable. But the reward? Stunning views from the summit, where you'll find a cool old lookout tower built way back in 1930. It's still maintained for emergencies, so you know you're in a wild, remote location. Trust me, the views alone are worth the white-knuckle drive! Just remember to take it slow and easy, and you'll have a story to tell for years.
moderateWhere is Cumberland Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for a killer Colorado adventure! Cumberland Pass, clocking in at a whopping 12,040 feet above sea level, sits pretty in Gunnison County. Word on the street is, it’s one of the highest roads you can cruise in a regular car during the summer. You'll find this gem nestled in the heart of the Gunnison National Forest. Built way back in 1882 and spruced up a few times since, it's a historic ride! Cumberland Pass Road (County Road 765) stretches for about 15.8 miles, running from the quirky town of Tincup down to Pitkin. Now, about the road itself: it's unpaved but usually in pretty good shape. It can get a little bumpy and washboard-y in spots. Most cars can handle it, whether you've got 4WD or not. It's not crazy steep, but there are some narrow sections and drop-offs, so take it slow and enjoy the ride. Heads up: this pass is buried in snow most of the year, usually closed from late October to late June or early July. But is it worth it? Absolutely! This is a seriously scenic and historic drive. You'll wind through gorgeous pine forests, past old mine entrances (stay out!), and eventually pop above the treeline for jaw-dropping views. From the top, you can see over 50 miles of the Continental Divide. It's an unforgettable road trip!
moderateUltimate 4wd destination: Thunder Mountain in San Bernardino County
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventurers! We're heading to Thunder Mountain, a sweet peak sitting at 8,572 feet in Southern California's San Bernardino County. This isn't your Sunday drive; we're talking about a 1.3-mile, completely unpaved dirt track called Thunder Mountain Road that climbs to the top of some chairlifts. Think wide road... with a generous helping of rocks. Basically, it doubles as a ski run when the snow flies! You'll need a 4x4 for this one, no question. Hidden away in the Angeles National Forest, near the edge of Los Angeles County, be warned: this road is typically snowed in from late October until nearly July – Mother Nature decides when it's passable. But oh, the views! You'll be treated to stunning vistas of Mt. Baldy to the north and the Lytle Creek area to the east. Just remember, this climb is STEEP, with gradients hitting a whopping 22% in places! Starting from Mount Baldy Road, you'll gain 750 feet in just over a mile, averaging an 11% grade. Get ready for a workout – for both you and your rig!