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

Lem Peakhard

Lem Peak

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, fellow adventurers, let's talk Lem Peak in Idaho's Lemhi County. This isn't your Sunday drive! We're talking about a climb to 10,114 feet of pure, unadulterated mountain majesty. Forest Road 213, your path to the summit in the northern Lemhi Range, is a gravelly, rocky rollercoaster – bumpy, tippy, and a proper workout for your vehicle. Seriously, this isn’t for the faint of heart. A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's practically mandatory. Think steep, think potentially muddy if it's wet, and definitely don't even consider it in winter when the snow flies. But if you're an experienced wheeler with a taste for adventure and stunning views, Lem Peak is calling your name. Just maybe pack a spare tire (or two!).

A high mountain road from Xalatlaco to El Ajuscoeasy

A high mountain road from Xalatlaco to El Ajusco

🇲🇽 Mexico

Okay, picture this: you're cruising between Xalatlaco (in Mexico State) and El Ajusco (Mexico City) on what might just be one of Mexico's most gorgeous drives. Seriously, the views are insane! This beauty of a road clocks in at about 35 kilometers (21-ish miles) and it's all smooth pavement as it winds through Parque Nacional Cumbres del Ajusco. Just be warned: you'll be climbing – and I mean *climbing*. We're talking a peak elevation of 3,622 meters (almost 12,000 feet!), making it one of the highest roads around. Heads up, though, this road is a major draw, especially in winter when snow dusts the landscape. Weekends and holidays? Forget about it – packed! And speaking of snow, things can get a little dicey with icy conditions and drivers not quite ready for winter weather. So, drive carefully and keep your eyes peeled for potential slowdowns. Despite the potential hazards, the scenery is absolutely worth it!

Where is Santiam Pass?easy

Where is Santiam Pass?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, buckle up for a trip through Santiam Pass, a seriously gorgeous mountain pass in central Oregon! You'll find it straddling the line between Linn and Jefferson counties. Legend has it, Andrew Wiley stumbled upon it back in '59 and named it after the local Santiam Indians. The whole route's paved, so no need for a heavy-duty off-roader. Officially, it's part of the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway. We're talking about an 18.1-mile (29.12km) stretch of road that cruises from Santiam Junction in the west to Black Butte Ranch in the east. Sitting pretty high up in the Cascade Range at 4,826 feet (1.471m), Santiam Pass is usually open year-round. That said, winter can throw some curveballs, so keep an eye on the forecast for possible closures. If you're a ski bum, take note: you'll spot the turnoff for Hoodoo Ski Area just before the summit. They're usually shredding powder from December to March!

Jersey Jim Lookout Towermoderate

Jersey Jim Lookout Tower

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! You NEED to check out Jersey Jim Lookout in southwest Colorado. Perched way up high in the San Juan National Forest, this epic lookout tower sits at almost 10,000 feet! The views? Unbelievable. Getting there is part of the fun. Road 561, the gravel road that takes you to the top, is generally open from late spring to mid-fall, depending on the snow. Good news: you don't need a fancy 4x4, most 2WD vehicles can handle it. Just take it slow (under 30 mph!), keep an eye out for cows and deer (this is their home, too!), and get ready for some seriously stunning scenery. Trust me, this hidden gem is worth the trek.