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
extremeOld Cascade Tunnel in Washington is haunted by ghosts
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Just east of Everett, in Washington's King County, lies the super eerie Old Cascade Tunnel. Picture this: you're in the Cascade Mountains, and there's this abandoned Great Northern Railway tunnel, once built to ditch those pesky switchbacks back in 1900. We're talking a 2.6-mile plunge with a 1.7% grade. Sounds cool, right? Wrong! This place is seriously unstable. I'm talking cave-ins, collapsed eastern end with a stagnant lake, and a rock and debris dam blocking the way. Oh, and did I mention the cracked and split tunnel lining? Seriously, DO NOT ENTER! It's super dangerous, and entry is prohibited. But hey, there's a viewpoint at the west end where you can safely soak in the…uh… ambiance. Legend has it this tunnel is haunted by the ghosts of the 1910 Wellington disaster. Spooky!
moderateHow to drive the wild road to Cerro de la Viga in the Sierra Madre Oriental?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Let's talk about Cerro de la Viga, a real hidden gem in Coahuila, Mexico. We're talking serious altitude here—3,556 meters (11,666 feet)! Perched way up in the Sierra Madre Oriental range, this peak boasts some of the most incredible views you'll ever see. Heads up: La Viga is the tallest peak in Coahuila, so the weather can be pretty unpredictable, no matter the time of year. Now, the road…it's called Camino Antiguo a La Viga. Forget smooth tarmac; this is a purely unpaved adventure. You'll absolutely need a 4x4 to tackle it. And be warned: winter can get dicey with snow, and the rainy season brings mudslide risks, especially along that higher section of the road (over 1400m!). Starting from Puerto de Maravillas, the journey is just 10 kilometers (6.21 miles), but don't let that fool you. You'll climb a hefty 909 meters, averaging a steep 9.09% gradient. It’s a challenge, but the views from the top are SO worth it!
hardWhere is Mount Pennell?
🇺🇸 Usa
is a high mountain peak at an elevation of above sea level, located in eastern Garfield County highest roads in Utah Where is Mount Pennell? The peak, formerly known as Capitol Reef National Park in the southern part of Utah. What’s at the summit of Mount Pennell? At the summit, there’s a with communications structures. At this elevation, it’s the second-highest mountain , slightly to the north. Is the road to Mount Pennell unpaved? The road to the summit is totally is required. The road is generally steep, rocky, and narrow . Be prepared for such conditions. are a necessity on the rough and rocky road, as is a vehicle in good condition How long is the road to Mount Pennell? , the road to the summit is long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is , and the average gradient is . The road may become . Avoid the area during high ridges and exposed areas Pic&more info: http://www.girlonahike.com/2016/06/hiking-mt-pennell.html An Old Mining Trail to Kuss Peak in Colorado The breathtaking road to Big Indian Mountain in Nevada Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
moderateWhere is Mosca Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so Mosca Pass in Colorado is seriously epic! Perched at 9,865 feet, this peak is just west of Walsenburg, right where the Great Sand Dunes National Park and the San Isabel National Forest meet. Ever wondered about the name? It's a nod to Luis de Moscoso Alvarado, a historical explorer who might have scouted around here way back when. Heads up: at the top, you'll find a huge comms tower. The road to the summit? It's a bit of a beast. You'll need a high-clearance vehicle for sure. Starting from Gardner, it's about 18.7 miles of pure uphill adventure. Keep in mind, this road climbs the west side of the Sangre De Cristo Mountains, so it's usually closed in winter. Even in summer, the weather can flip on you in a heartbeat, so be ready for anything – maybe even snow!