A steep paved road to Tejon Pass in California
Tejon Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1,268m (4,160ft) above sea level, located in Kern County, in the U.S. state of California.
Why is it called Tejon?
In Spanish, 'Tejón' translates to 'badger.' Tejon Pass received its name in 1806 when Lt. Francisco Ruiz, a missionary explorer, stumbled upon a deceased badger near the mouth of the canyon during an expedition into the San Joaquin Valley.
Where is Tejon Pass?
The pass is located in the southern part of California, linking the Central Valley and Southern California.
Is the road to Tejon Pass in California paved?
The road to the summit is entirely paved, known as Interstate 5, but it includes steep sections. The pass represents the highest point on the highway in the state and is often referred to as the Grapevine. However, the Grapevine more accurately denotes the steep 5 1/2 mile grade section at the northern end of this pass, where the grade is 6% for 5 miles. The pass features a gradual rise from its southern approach but a precipitous descent through Grapevine Canyon toward the San Joaquin Valley on the north.
How long is Tejon Pass?
The pass road spans 122km (76.3 miles), running north-south from Bakersfield (in Kern County) toward Santa Clarita (in northwestern Los Angeles County).
Is the road to Tejon Pass in California open?
The weather in this zone is harsh and highly unpredictable, and it doesn't take much time for bright sunshine to change over to moderate to heavy snowfall. While the pass is sunny in the summer, spring, and fall, it is subject to severe weather and may be closed to traffic in the winter. The road is perilous due to icy conditions combined with the steep grade of the pass and high traffic during the winter holidays.