The scenic Angeles Crest Highway in CA is worth the drive

Straddling between Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties, in the U.S. state of California, Angeles Crest Highway is one of the most scenic drives in the USA. 

Is Angeles Crest Highway in CA paved?

Part of the California State Route 2, the road is totally paved. It’s two-lane (one lane of travel in each direction).

How long is Angeles Crest Highway in CA?

The road is 102km (64 miles) long through the San Gabriel Mountains, running from La Cañada Flintridge (in the foothills of the Verdugo Mountains in Los Angeles County) to State Highway 138 east of Wrightwood (in San Bernardino County).

How long does it take to drive Angeles Crest Highway in CA?

To drive the road without stopping will take most people around 2 hours. It's one of the prettiest highways in Southern California. The highway is a piece of heaven to be enjoyed. Along the way you can enjoy pure Alpine scenery just minutes from downtown Los Angeles. The scenic byway ascends up and winds its way through 64 miles of the Angeles National Forest, through chaparral, and montane forest habitats, along the highest and most scenic ridges of the San Gabriel mountain range. Pure Alpine scenery just minutes from downtown Los Angeles. Fresh air, trees, mountains and blue sky all day long.

Is the Angeles Crest Highway dangerous?

The road is very scenic but it can be pretty treacherous and lots of people have lost their lives on one turn or another. Lots of twists, sweeping curves and switchbacks climbing up to approx 7000 ft. The road is in excellent condition and much of it is new. Its two lanes with occasional passing lanes and little traffic other than bikes on weekends. Be careful with the wild life especially chipmunks and gray squirrels crossing the road. In the past, there were 1.800 accidents on this highway (33 were fatal) in five years only.

When was Angeles Crest Highway built?

It was built between 1929 and 1956, with the exception of the years 1941 through 1946 during WWII.

Why is the Angeles Crest Highway closed?

Set high in the San Gabriel Mountains, the road tops out at 2.415m (7,923ft) by Dawson Saddle, which makes this road one of the highest in Southern California. The Angeles Crest Highway is normally closed in the wintertime from Islip Saddle to Vincent Gap due to rockfall and avalanche hazards. It was closed for several years due to landslides.