
Where is Glendora Mountain Road?
Usa, north-america
34.76 km
1,383 m
moderate
Year-round
Get ready for an epic ride on Glendora Mountain Road (GMR), a local favorite that winds through the San Bernardino and Los Angeles counties, just a stone's throw from downtown LA in the Angeles National Forest!
This completely paved beauty stretches for about 21.6 miles, connecting Glendora in the San Gabriel Valley to Mount Baldy.
GMR packs a punch with some seriously steep sections, boasting gradients up to 10%! But don't worry, the road's generally in great shape, dodging major snowfall and ice most of the year. Expect smooth tarmac, but hold on tight for those blind turns! Just a heads-up: keep an eye on the lane divider line, as you never know who's coming the other way.
You'll want to set aside about an hour to cruise the whole thing without stopping, but trust me, you'll *want* to stop. The mountain views are seriously jaw-dropping, making it an awesome drive or an even better motorcycle ride. Plenty of turnouts let you soak it all in.
Weekends can get a bit crazy with bikes and cyclists, so for a smoother experience, aim for a weekday morning when the traffic's lighter. Be aware some drivers treat it like a racetrack.
Perched high in the San Gabriel Mountains, GMR hits a peak of around 4,537 feet. Being at that elevation means it's usually open year-round.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 34.76 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,383 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
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