Angeles Crest Highway, CA-2

Driving

by Plot Along: Pacific

Sixty-six miles of California Route 2 climbing out of La Cañada Flintridge and over the spine of the San Gabriel Mountains to Wrightwood, the driver's road that sits right on Los Angeles's back doorstep. It rises from about 1,500 feet to over 7,900 at Dawson Saddle, the highest through-highway in the range, with hundreds of curves, long ridgeline views, and on a clear day a look straight down onto the LA basin on one side and the Mojave on the other.

It's a longtime motorcycle and sports-car favorite, busy with weekend riders and the occasional film crew. The only roadhouse on the mountain is Newcomb's Ranch, and the observatories on Mount Wilson sit just off the Red Box junction.

The high central section closes for snow in winter and has seen long fire- and storm-related closures, so check status before a through-run. Fully paved. Best on a clear, cool morning before the crowds and the haze.

Learn more: en.wikipedia.org

La Cañada Flintridge
The western start on Angeles Crest Highway just north of the I-210 interchange in La Cañada Flintridge, where CA-2 leaves the foothills and begins the climb into the Angeles National Forest. Last fuel and coffee before the mountain.
Clear Creek Vista
An early overlook on the climb, near the Clear Creek junction, looking back down the front range toward the basin.
Red Box Gap
The saddle where Mount Wilson Road branches off to the historic observatory and antenna farm. A major junction and a natural regrouping point.
Cloudburst Summit
A high forested summit on the central crest at about 7,000 feet, deep in the pines well above the city air.
Dawson Saddle
At roughly 7,900 feet, the highest point on the highway and the highest through-road in the San Gabriels, with alpine country and views both north and south off the spine.
Vincent Gap
A pass at the foot of Mount Baden-Powell and the trailhead for the climb to its summit. The road's last high gap before the descent toward Big Pines.
Inspiration Point
An overlook near Big Pines with a wide view across the Mojave-facing slopes and the desert beyond, just west of the ski areas. The route stops at the Inspiration Point Vista pullout on the south side of the highway.
Wrightwood
The eastern terminus, a small mountain town with food and fuel near the Mountain High ski resort, where CA-2 comes off the crest. The route ends on Angeles Crest Highway in downtown Wrightwood, at the Cedar Street corner.

La Cañada Flintridge

Clear Creek Vista

Red Box Gap

Cloudburst Summit

Dawson Saddle

Vincent Gap

Inspiration Point

Wrightwood