The scenic Angeles Crest Highway in California is worth the drive
Usa, north-america
102 km
2,134 m
extreme
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
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
hardWofford Lookout
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip enthusiasts, let's talk about Wofford Lookout in New Mexico's Otero County! Perched way up high in the Lincoln National Forest, this spot sits at a dizzying 9,179 feet. Getting there is half the adventure. The road's a gravel and rocky beast that's best left untouched during winter. If you're not comfy with unpaved mountain roads, this might not be your cup of tea. Seriously, 4x4 is a must. And if heights make you queasy, maybe admire this one from afar, because the trail is STEEP. But trust me, the views are worth it! Plus, you'll be checking out a piece of history – the lookout tower was built back in '33. Get ready for some seriously amazing scenery!
hardIs the road to Antelope Pass in Arizona paved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip enthusiasts, listen up! We're heading to Antelope Pass in northern Arizona's Coconino County! This isn't just any drive; it's a climb to 6,151 feet (1.875m) with some serious elevation gain—we're talking about ascending 1,000 feet in just 3 miles! You'll be cruising on State Route 89A, and yes, it's paved, but don't let that fool you. Get ready for a hilly ride. There's a particularly memorable stretch just outside of Bitter Springs where the road decides to zigzag dramatically along a cliff edge. Clocking in at 25.5 miles (41 km) from Bitter Springs up to Lake Powell, this south-to-north route isn't just about the destination. Keep your eyes peeled for the incredible viewpoints scattered along the way. They're perfect for soaking in those panoramic vistas. Now, a word of caution: this road isn't for the faint of heart. Prepare for narrow sections, steep inclines, and hairpin curves as you navigate the hillside. Large trucks and long trailers? You might want to reconsider, or at least get ready to shift into low gear. Oh, and keep an eye out for falling rocks—safety first!
extremeFawn Creek Pass
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! If you're looking for a serious off-road thrill in Colorado's Grand County, Fawn Creek Pass needs to be on your radar. We're talking about topping out at a cool 10,186 feet! You'll find this gem nestled in the Arapaho National Forest, accessible via Forest Road 149, also known as Rollins Pass Road. Now, this isn't your Sunday drive kind of road – it's a gravel 4x4 track, so come prepared. Expect a bit of rockiness, some mud, and absolutely NO messing around when the weather turns nasty. This area is prone to avalanches, heavy snowfall, and landslides. Patches of ice can also make things extra dicey, so be smart about when you go. But if you time it right, you'll be rewarded with some truly unforgettable scenery.
hardGeorge Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're looking for a killer off-road experience in Utah, you HAVE to check out George Peak in Box Elder County. We're talking a legit mountain pass soaring to a whopping 9,606 feet within the Raft River Mountains. Now, fair warning, this isn't a Sunday cruise. Forest Road 009 is gravel, rocky, and can get pretty wild with some seriously tippy and bumpy sections. Basically, it's a 4x4-only zone for experienced drivers. Seriously, if unpaved roads aren't your jam, or heights make you sweat, maybe skip this one. The trail is steep, and if it's wet, expect a muddy, challenging ride. But for those who dare, the views from the top are absolutely breathtaking and worth every bump along the way! Just remember, winter makes it a no-go, so plan accordingly.