California Route 39 is closed due to persistent landslides

California Route 39 is closed due to persistent landslides

Usa, north-america

Length

80.495 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, buckle up for a wild ride on California State Route 39! This epic stretch of road straddles Orange and Los Angeles counties, carving its way through the stunning San Gabriel Mountains. Think steep climbs, hairpin turns, and views that'll make your jaw drop.

Clocking in at around 50 miles (80 km), you can cruise from the Pacific Coast Highway (SR 1) all the way up to Islip Saddle on the Angeles Crest Highway (SR 2). Keep an eye out for familiar scenery, Route 39 made a cameo in *Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift*.

Now for the twist: the northern part, famously known as San Gabriel Canyon Road, has been off-limits since a massive mudslide back in '78. This means the last 6 miles (9.65km) or so are a no-go for cars. We're talking rockslides, erosion, and enough dirt to make your off-roader blush. Budget a cool $100 million to get it back in shape.

While it's technically closed, you might spot hikers or bikers braving the washed-out sections, especially on the west side of Mount Islip. Just be warned: Mother Nature throws some serious curveballs here. We're talking snow, avalanches, and landslides galore. Emergency vehicles can still squeeze through, but those "roads" get pretty narrow and gnarly!

Despite the challenges, this forgotten highway is a trip back in time. You can practically feel the ghosts of California's past as you explore the remnants of this once-bustling route. So, if you're up for an adventure and a dose of history, Route 39 is calling your name!

Where is it?

California Route 39 is closed due to persistent landslides is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 37.0182, -96.5966

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
80.495 km
Difficulty
extreme
Coordinates
37.0182, -96.5966

Related Roads in north-america

What is the most dangerous road in Colorado?extreme

What is the most dangerous road in Colorado?

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Usa

Okay, buckle up, road trip lovers! Here's the lowdown on some of Colorado's most talked-about routes: **The "Oops, Did I Just Wipe Out?" Award:** The road linking Gunnison and Salida. It's a stunner, sure, but with a higher-than-average rate of incidents, maybe scout an alternate route if you're feeling unlucky! **The Million Dollar Highway:** Prepare for serious twists and turns! This stretch between Silverton and Ouray boasts 15 switchbacks – hold on tight! **I-70 Mountain Passes:** Be ready for company (lots of it) heading to and from the slopes. Patience is a virtue, especially on peak ski weekends! **Wolf Creek Pass:** If you are a snow lover than this is the one for you. **Mountain Passes – The High One:** It hits almost 12,000 feet on the Continental Divide. **Guanella Pass:** Escape the city and venture into the quiet beauty of North Park, leaving Fort Collins in your rearview. **Slumgullion Pass:** Get off the beaten path winding through the San Luis Valley to Gunnison. Remote? Absolutely. Stunning? Without a doubt. **Cinnamon Pass:** Prepare for low gear all the way! With sections hitting nearly 10% grade between Lake City and Creede, your vehicle will get a workout.

Spooner Summithard

Spooner Summit

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Usa

Okay, buckle up, road trippers! We're heading to Spooner Summit, a seriously scenic mountain pass chilling at 7,146 feet up in Nevada's Carson Range. You'll find it right on the Lincoln Highway, aka US-50. This asphalt ribbon has some pretty steep climbs, so get ready to give your engine a little workout! The views, though? Totally worth it. Douglas County, Nevada, never looked so good.

Where is the Clay Butte Lookout?moderate

Where is the Clay Butte Lookout?

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Usa

Okay, picture this: You're cruising through northwestern Wyoming, in the Shoshone National Forest, and you spot the turnoff for Forest Road 142. This is your ticket to the Clay Butte Lookout, built way back in 1942. Now, fair warning, it's a dirt and gravel road all the way. Think bumpy, a little washboard-y, but honestly, most cars can handle it. Just leave the RV and trailer behind – they won't make it. There is parking for trailers available at the Leek Spring Hill, a few miles beyond the lookout. The road itself is only about 6 miles long, but it's a steady climb. It gains quite a bit of elevation, with an average gradient of . And trust me, that effort is worth it! Keep in mind, because you're up so high in the northern Rockies, this road is really only open in summer, typically from late June. Even then, be prepared for anything – snow, freezing temps, afternoon thunderstorms are all possibilities. Watch out for rockslides! But that view? Unforgettable! You'll get a glimpse of lofty peaks, emerald valleys, and sparkling lakes – scenery you just can't see from the main highway. It's a panoramic masterpiece that will stay with you long after you've bumped your way back down.

Where is Victor Pass?hard

Where is Victor Pass?

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Usa

Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk Victor Pass! This isn't your average Sunday drive, but trust me, the views are worth it. You'll find this gem west of Colorado Springs, smack-dab in central Colorado. So, how long is this scenic detour? We're talking roughly along Teller County Road 81, starting north of the old mining town of Victor. Keep an eye out, because those grades can get pretty steep in sections! But hold on, what's the payoff? Oh, just sweeping vistas of the local landscape, plus stunning views of those majestic peaks that Colorado is famous for. If you're into that sort of thing (and who isn't?), Victor Pass is calling your name!