Classic Roads: California’s Angeles Crest Highway

Traveling just north of the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles and Pasadena, you’ll enter the Angeles National Forest, a sparsely developed area that’s home to one particularly fantastic ribbon of tarmac—The Angeles Crest Highway (aka California State Route 2). Completed in 1956, this two-lane marvel climbs, dives, and weaves into the San Gabriel Mountains and affords some amazing views and scenery.

Starting in Flintridge (north of Pasadena), pick up CA-2 and head north. The road immediately begins a long, gradual ascent into the national forest. A series of unending curves, sweepers, and switchbacks will keep you smiling and focused. Pullouts and overlooks are abundant, as are side-road avenues for more exploration. The road runs some 66 miles and climbs to its summit of 7,907 feet at Dawson’s Saddle, not far from its eastern terminus at CA-138. Its nearly all uphill traveling west to east.