Angeles Crest Highway

Angeles Crest Highway
source
State	CA
Type	SR
Alternate name	Angeles Crest Highway
Length mi	66
Direction a	West
Terminus a	La Cañada Flintridge
Junction	I-210 in La Cañada Flintridge
Direction b	East
Terminus b	Wrightwood
Counties	Los Angeles, San Bernardino
System	California Scenic Highway

Angeles Crest Highway. This major scenic byway traverses the rugged terrain of the San Gabriel Mountains within the Angeles National Forest, connecting the Los Angeles Basin to the Mojave Desert. Designated as California State Route 2, it is renowned for its sweeping vistas, challenging curves, and access to high-altitude recreational areas. The route serves as a critical transportation link and a popular destination for motorists, cyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts seeking alpine environments near the Greater Los Angeles metropolitan area.

Route description

Beginning at its western terminus in La Cañada Flintridge, the route ascends sharply from the foothills, intersecting with Interstate 210. It climbs past prominent landmarks like Switzer Falls and the Charlton-Chilao Recreation Area, reaching elevations over 7,000 feet near Dawson Saddle. The roadway winds through deep canyons and along ridgelines, offering views of peaks such as Mount Wilson and Mount Baden-Powell. East of the Angeles National Forest headquarters at Mount Baldy, it descends toward the high-desert community of Wrightwood, where it meets State Route 138. The engineering of the road, with its numerous hairpin turns and narrow sections, demands careful navigation, especially during winter months when conditions can be hazardous.

History

The concept for a trans-mountain highway was championed in the early 20th century by groups like the Automobile Club of Southern California and Los Angeles County officials to boost tourism and provide a firebreak. Construction began in 1929, with significant portions built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression. Progress was slow and perilous, involving crews using dynamite and hand tools to carve the roadbed from sheer cliffs. The highway was dedicated in 1936, though it was not fully completed to Wrightwood until 1956. It has been periodically closed for extensive repairs due to damage from natural events, including the Station Fire in 2009 and subsequent debris flows, requiring major reconstruction efforts by Caltrans.

Major intersections

The western terminus is a full diamond interchange with Interstate 210 in La Cañada Flintridge. Key junctions along the route include the entrance to the Mount Wilson Observatory access road and the intersection with Angeles Forest Highway near Mill Creek Summit. Further east, it meets Big Pines Highway near the Big Pines Recreation Area. The eastern terminus is at a junction with State Route 138 in Wrightwood, which provides connections toward the Antelope Valley and Interstate 15. All intersections are under the jurisdiction of Caltrans District 7.

Points of interest

The highway provides access to numerous recreational and scientific sites within the Angeles National Forest. Notable stops include the historic Mount Wilson Observatory, the Devil's Punchbowl Natural Area, and the Pacific Crest Trail, which it crosses near Eagle's Roost. Popular campgrounds such as Buckhorn Campground and Chilao Campground are directly accessible from the road. Winter sports are available at the Mountain High ski resort near Wrightwood. The route also passes by the UCLA Stunt Ranch Santa Monica Mountains Reserve and offers trailheads for hikes to San Gabriel Peak and Waterman Mountain.

Safety and regulations

Due to its challenging geometry and variable weather, it is subject to specific safety protocols. The California Highway Patrol and Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department regularly patrol the route, enforcing speed limits and vehicle codes. During winter, Caltrans often mandates chain controls or full closures between Islip Saddle and Big Pines Highway due to ice and snow. The road is also frequently used for filming by studios like Warner Bros. and for amateur motorsports, though unauthorized racing is strictly prohibited. All travelers are advised to check conditions with the Angeles National Forest ranger stations and heed warnings about fire danger, especially during red flag warnings issued by the National Weather Service.

Category:State highways in California Category:Transportation in Los Angeles County, California Category:San Gabriel Mountains