Angeles Crest Highway
Angeles Crest Highway
4.5
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Neighbourhood: Central L.A
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4 within 10 kms
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.5
37 reviews
Excellent
26
Very good
10
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
CharG1965
Mission Viejo, CA98 contributions
Aug 2020
I have never been here and I have lived in Orange County for 33 years. It was a beautiful drive. My husband loves to drive and her really enjoyed all of the switchbacks. I was happy to just be a passenger as if I was the driver I would not have appreciated all of the spectacular scenery along the way. Due to time constraints, we didn't go all the way to Wrightwood (another day when we have more time!) Highly recommend as you feel you are so far detached form civilization, but in reality only a hop skip and a jump from the greater LA area. Bathrooms and picnic areas were open and there were quite a few people gathered at those areas. We wanted to isolate so did not stop there. Tons of hiking and a few overnight camp areas up in the Angeles National forest as well for those more adventurous.
Written 3 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rendahl
Torrance, CA141 contributions
Jun 2020
The drive from La Canada to Wrightwood is everything the other reviewers are saying. After many years, I convinced my adult children to accompany me on a day-long scenic drive. I don't think they had ever been there, and they seemed enthusiastic for the whole day. My trip was during the Phase 2 opening up of the nation where being outdoors was one of the favorable activities, as long as there were not too many people around.
I will focus on two complaints: the Mt. Wilson Observatory area, and the National Forest Service. This was the last week of June, and things like picnic grounds, take-out cafes, and some buildings were allowed to be open. Mt Wilson has a huge parking lot, a large covered picnic area with rest rooms and a popular snack bar (Cosmic Cafe) that should be open on Saturday and Sunday. The organization that runs the Observatory has chosen to keep everything closed except to walkers. I think they should have opened the parking lot, the rest rooms, and the Cosmic Cafe, at least.
I am angry at the National Forest Service for their callous cruelty in locking up almost all of the rest rooms from La Canada to Wrightwood, with a couple of exceptions. They can close their visitor centers, picnic areas, and campgrounds if they want. But the Sunday I went there were hundreds of cars and motorcycles along the route (with very little traffic). You would think someone there would realize that people need to pee and otherwise use the toilet, and this is not an option. At the Red Box corner, the parking lot was nearly full and the restrooms were locked up tight. The concrete porch into the toilet area was wet and running through the back wall from desperate people heeding nature's call the best way they could. Many other locations along the road had rest rooms but most of them were locked up tight too. Unsanitary. Insulting. I have to give the Forest Service an "F" or one star, damaging the rating of the entire attraction.
I will focus on two complaints: the Mt. Wilson Observatory area, and the National Forest Service. This was the last week of June, and things like picnic grounds, take-out cafes, and some buildings were allowed to be open. Mt Wilson has a huge parking lot, a large covered picnic area with rest rooms and a popular snack bar (Cosmic Cafe) that should be open on Saturday and Sunday. The organization that runs the Observatory has chosen to keep everything closed except to walkers. I think they should have opened the parking lot, the rest rooms, and the Cosmic Cafe, at least.
I am angry at the National Forest Service for their callous cruelty in locking up almost all of the rest rooms from La Canada to Wrightwood, with a couple of exceptions. They can close their visitor centers, picnic areas, and campgrounds if they want. But the Sunday I went there were hundreds of cars and motorcycles along the route (with very little traffic). You would think someone there would realize that people need to pee and otherwise use the toilet, and this is not an option. At the Red Box corner, the parking lot was nearly full and the restrooms were locked up tight. The concrete porch into the toilet area was wet and running through the back wall from desperate people heeding nature's call the best way they could. Many other locations along the road had rest rooms but most of them were locked up tight too. Unsanitary. Insulting. I have to give the Forest Service an "F" or one star, damaging the rating of the entire attraction.
Written 1 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ntalabany
London, UK372 contributions
Dec 2018 • Couples
Take your time and enjoy this pleasantly quiet drive. Make sure to include the 5 mile detour from Red Box Gap to the Wilson Observatory to get those amazing views over LA. We did the drive on a dry and warm day so there was no issue with snow and ice but it would be worthwhile checking conditions before attempting the drive. It is long and windy and not at all busy on weekdays (so not a lot of help if you’d get stuck). There are lots of hiking and picnic opportunities along the way. We started early from Wrightwood, hiked the Windy Gap trail, made it in good time to for sunset at the Observatory and finished off driving into the glittering lights of the City of Angeles. Awesome.
Written 1 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
packcal
California1,313 contributions
Nov 2018 • Couples
Scenic and well worth a drive, however speeding motorcycles can be an issue. Probably better to go on a weekday if that is an option for you.
Written 26 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul H
United States71 contributions
Jul 2018
I've been driving this highway and hiking it's mountains for decades. Don't tell anybody, keep it our secret. Sure wish they would re-open the Rt. 39 connection.
Written 19 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RudySzymon
Chicago, IL822 contributions
Dec 2018 • Solo
Unfortunately i was not able to drive the whole length of the road due to closing of the road in winter. The views were spectacular and in no way i regret driving it in both directions.
Written 19 December 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jay661
New York City, NY54 contributions
May 2018 • Family
The 66 mile drive from La Cañada Flintridge to Wrightwood is nothing less than spectacular, winding its way back and forth, up and down, through the San Gabriel Mountains. There are scenic stops everywhere, and plenty of places to park, picnic, hike and camp. Highlights include the Mount Wilson Observatory and Newcomb's Ranch Roadhouse. A spectacular drive with lots to do throughout.
Written 29 May 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert R
Scottsdale, AZ721 contributions
May 2018 • Couples
We drove the stretch between Wrightwood and La Canada Flintridge a total of four times on a recent trip . This road is an absolute treasure and should be considered a "must drive" for driving enthusiasts. On one weekday morning we saw a total of seven vehicles in the middle 50-mile stretch -- it's quite secluded, which adds to its majesty.
The speed limit is mostly 55 MPH, and the curvy nature of the road means one can enjoy a spirited drive without reaching license-threatening speeds. Most drivers we encountered courteously pulled over to allow speedier cars through.
The speed limit is mostly 55 MPH, and the curvy nature of the road means one can enjoy a spirited drive without reaching license-threatening speeds. Most drivers we encountered courteously pulled over to allow speedier cars through.
Written 26 May 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ryan S
Raleigh, NC1,097 contributions
Mar 2018 • Couples
Escape the city and drive this road. It is a driver's road hands down. Amazing turns. Incredible views. Watch out for fallen rocks...they are real!
Written 8 March 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
europeanperson
Pomona, CA2 contributions
Feb 2018 • Solo
IF YOU HAVE A LOWERED CAR, DON'T DRIVE THIS OR TURN AROUND WHEN YOU SEE SNOW. When you start seeing snow, there are generally relatively large rocks on the road. Luckily my lancer GTS isn't dropped and has a relatively high stock height so I was able to barely clear them, but several times I had to swerve into the other lane to avoid the rock slides on the road (thank you no traffic). I encountered this maybe halfway up highway 2, and it seems to be also when 80% of the people dissapear. This route is fun and can be done with those with lowered cars, you just won't go all the way up or you have to finish at La Canada as that way you won't be driving along the rocky sides.
I did this drive all the way from start to end of highway 2 starting at la canada and going up. My mission was simple, speed and get sick photos of my car. Yes roll your eyes at my stupid youthfulness. Anyhow, it seems that going down had a lot more traffic when I went but there are a ton of motorcycles and people with tuner cars taking pictures. The views are absolutely amazing and it's probably the closest you can get to snow either to show your kids for some cute photos or car photos in my case. I highly recommend this drive if you enjoy cars and windy roads!
I did this drive all the way from start to end of highway 2 starting at la canada and going up. My mission was simple, speed and get sick photos of my car. Yes roll your eyes at my stupid youthfulness. Anyhow, it seems that going down had a lot more traffic when I went but there are a ton of motorcycles and people with tuner cars taking pictures. The views are absolutely amazing and it's probably the closest you can get to snow either to show your kids for some cute photos or car photos in my case. I highly recommend this drive if you enjoy cars and windy roads!
Written 17 February 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
houdini919
2 contributions
Is it RV friendly?
Robert R
Scottsdale, AZ721 contributions
There aren’t any corners or grades that a normal RV couldn’t handle. However, it would be three hours of constant, car sickness-inducing sawing at the wheel to negotiate all of the corners. Unless the driver needs an upper body workout or hates his/her passengers, I’d suggest taking the highways to the south or the wide open roads to the north.
is the road still open (not washed out) between the la canada/ la cresenta area and hesperia
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Claim your listingAngeles Crest Highway (Los Angeles) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos) - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about Angeles Crest Highway
- Hotels near Angeles Crest Highway:
- (14.09 km) Grand Pine Cabins
- (3.73 km) Huttopia Paradise Springs
- (3.73 km) Big Rock Creek Camp
- (4.26 km) Little Jimmy Trail Camp
- (12.50 km) St. Andrew's Abbey Retreat House
- Restaurants near Angeles Crest Highway:
- (14.54 km) Grizzly Cafe
- (14.20 km) Blue Ridge Inn
- (6.59 km) Crystal Lake Snack Bar
- (14.18 km) Evergreen Cafe & Racoon Saloon
- (14.17 km) Village Grind
- Attractions near Angeles Crest Highway:
- (10.76 km) Ziplines at Pacific Crest
- (8.43 km) Devil's Punchbowl Natural Area and Nature Center
- (9.93 km) Bridge To Nowhere
- (13.87 km) Southern California Soaring Academy
- (6.34 km) Grassy Hollow Visitor Center