The scenic Angeles Crest Highway in California 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.

Angeles Crest Highway

Is Angeles Crest Highway in CA paved?

Part of California State Route 2, the road is entirely paved, featuring two lanes (one lane of travel in each direction).

How long is Angeles Crest Highway in CA?

The road spans 102 km (64 miles) through the San Gabriel Mountains, stretching 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).

When was Angeles Crest Highway built?

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

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, offering a piece of heaven to be enjoyed. Along the way, you can relish pure Alpine scenery just minutes from downtown Los Angeles. The scenic byway ascends and winds its way through 64 miles of the Angeles National Forest, passing through chaparral and montane forest habitats along the highest and most scenic ridges of the San Gabriel mountain range. Pure Alpine scenery awaits just minutes from downtown Los Angeles, providing fresh air, trees, mountains, and blue sky all day long.

Is Angeles Crest Highway dangerous?

The road is very scenic but can be treacherous, and many people have lost their lives on one turn or another. With lots of twists, sweeping curves, and switchbacks climbing to approximately 7000 ft, the road is in excellent condition, with much of it being new. It comprises two lanes with occasional passing lanes and little traffic other than bikes on weekends. Caution is advised for wildlife, especially chipmunks and gray squirrels crossing the road. In the past, there were 1,800 accidents on this highway (33 were fatal) in just five years.

Why is Angeles Crest Highway closed?

Set high in the San Gabriel Mountains, the road tops out at 2,415m (7,923ft) by Dawson Saddle, making it one of the highest roads in Southern California. Angeles Crest Highway is typically 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.