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    Angeles Crest Highway

    4.6 (56 reviews)

    Angeles Crest Highway Photos

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    Dan A.

    As many times as I've been to LA, I found out about this spot from Car and Driver. One of the top 50 things, places etc. car enthusiasts should do, visit/experience. I must have picked the perfect time as it wasn't busy around 1 pm on a Tuesday although many more cars were going up around 4 as I was making my downhill return-possibly to catch the sunset. Would imagine it gets busy on weekends also. Late July seems like a good time to go as it was open all the way to the summit close to the Waterman ski hills. Temps varied from a high of 87 to a low of 79 in late July. Multiple picnic areas (Red Box has an amazing view), hiking areas (although a few were closed due to fire warning) & turning areas where you can stop and take in the view. Also, you get an LA skyline view on the way down. It took me about 4 hours round trip (about 66 miles) but I made a lot of stops to take in the view and take pictures (photo opps are endless!). Some spots it was just me with the exception of the occasional car passing by-peaceful for sure. (& at some point phone signals are non-existent) Some of the drivers were for sure going faster than they should given the winding roads/fun drive so good to be more alert than usual. I won't post many scenic pictures as this is one to experience firsthand. I look forward to coming back at another time of the day and different parts of the year. Overall, an amazing experience & not to be missed!

    Prachi G.

    Wow can't believe I've never been here before! My guy brought me here yesterday and the views were breathtaking. He loves driving his Porsche fast here, can get a bit scary for me, but definitely thrilling ! Apparently it's a road lots of luxurious/ spots cars will take drives on and go fast. He had also found an adorable coffee shop nearby called constellation coffee which has amazing coffee and chocolate chip cookies ;) would highly recommend grabbing some coffee then bringing your date up here. Such a gorgeous peaceful and quiet view- you won't regret it. ;) I already told him he's bringing me back here !

    The first view point on the drive!
    Hannah S.

    Did the full drive as part of the #localadventurechallenge and it truly made for an awesome afternoon!! It's so amazing to find such peace and quiet and serenity so near LA! The drive winds your around through the San Gabriel mountains and Angeles National forest! The colors of the flora and fauna were very autumnal shades of deep, rusty reds, bright yellows and some oranges! Some warnings though - be sure to watch out for bike riders and large rocks that have fallen onto the road...towards the end of the drive, there were lots in the road that could do some serious tire damage if you hit them! Also, sadly there were several areas full of litter which is very unfortunate...why can't people clean up after themselves?? My advice would be to make a morning or afternoon of it and drive the whole way...it was so gorgeous and peaceful! I started in La Canada Flintridge and wound all the way around to Wrightwood and back home to Monrovia via the 15 and 210. I must've stopped at least 15+ times to practice shooting with my new camera...so many great opportunities for cool and artistic shots! There are many turnouts and stops all along the way, some with bathrooms and picnic tables. You could bring a nice picnic or stop in the little town of Wrightwood at the end like I did and grab some lunch and souvenirs in one of the quaint restaurants and shops (see my review for Grizzly Cafe, highly recommend)!! Because I stopped so many times, it took me over 3 hours...but I'm sure you could do it under 2 hours with no stops depending on where you're coming from. It made for a lovely little adventure!

    Snow by the big pines
    Mabel C.

    Came by on a whim, to see the beautiful Angeles National Forest! It was gorgeous! You will see a bunch of people riding their motorcycles, and sports cars, so just be a little careful. Driving up to Mount Wilson, you can still see snow on the ground. If you drive further up, you will come across big pines, with even more snow! All the restrooms that I've used in this forest have been well kept and well maintained. Road has lots of turnouts and vista points, as well. Which is always a plus if you ever want to stop and enjoy the scenery. About two and a half hours into the drive, we tried to continue driving through the highway, but unfortunately, the road was closed due to heavy snow. (Roads needed to be snow plowed) Definitely a great getaway for a day. Will be back soon for the great and breathtaking views!!

    Megan R.

    Add this to your list of socially distant day trips! We'd been majorly craving a change in scenery and this drive absolutely did the trick. We picked up coffees at Constellation in La Cañada and then hopped on this highway just a few minutes from the coffee shop. My partner and I were seriously in awe that such an amazing drive is so close to where we live in Pasadena! It was cool to see the terrain change from palm trees and cacti to evergreens as we got further up. We got up over 7000 feet in elevation, so it's quite the climb from LA! There are lots of turnouts for taking breaks and taking in the views, some with restrooms and picnic tables and some just with some space to park. We did check out one restroom that was decidedly too gross to use, so just keep that in mind since the drive can be a couple hours. We made a stop for snacks and water in Wrightwood, which was such a cute town. We debated grabbing a patio seat at their brewery, but it was fairly busy on a Sunday and we noticed hardly anyone in town was wearing masks. Luckily, masks were required in their little market/gas station and the snack game there was on point. The restrooms were also nice and clean and my partner, who's a musician, totally got a kick out of the fact that they sell drumsticks and bass strings there. Apparently lots of musicians live in this neck of the woods! Despite having lived in Colorado for a few years, the altitude totally hit me in Wrightwood and I'm glad I didn't go for a drink (even though I wasn't driving). Once past this charming little town, it wasn't long until we hit the 15 and then took the freeway back to Pasadena. We hit a little construction traffic, but it's still faster to take the 15 to the 210 back to LA rather than winding back down Angeles Crest. A few notes on safety! A few others have noted, but there are lots of motorcycles and sports cars (we also some cyclists), so be extra careful on this drive. I'm not much of a mountain driver myself despite my years of living in the mountains, so if windy roads and steep downgrades make you nervous, maybe enjoy this one from the passenger seat. There are very few lanes for passing and the road can be narrow, but the turnouts can be helpful if you're going for a leisurely drive.

    Camaros and canyons equal happiness
    Anita A.

    Beautiful views all over and definitely amazing drives especially for car enthusiasts and bikers alike. A perfect escape as you completely disconnect (no reception). A photographer's paradise and hiker's dream =] Enjoy! ***If you're a slow driver, canyon courtesy is appreciated, so please use the many turnouts to move to the side and let us pass.

    View from a point, including this terror-machine
    Belinda T.

    This is such a beautiful road to drive through in the Angeles National Forest, just north of Burbank, Glendale, and Pasadena. There's plenty of pull-off points for people to move aside for other drivers and to take in the stunning views of mountains, valleys, and if you're low enough, all of Los Angeles. My boyfriend recently bought a C63s and decided Angeles Crest Highway, in all its windy-road splendor, would be a good place to test it out. We went around 7pm, right when the sun was setting, and he was pushing it pretty hard to my absolute terror. We stopped at one of the view points and watched the sun go down behind the hills, an incredibly gorgeous sight by any standard, before continuing on our way. By Chilao, I was pretty mad about going around the turns at TOO FAST A SPEED in the dark, not to mention I was about to puke, and we went back. The Highway is still as lovely as ever. Will return, maybe not in this car.

    What's this wet stuff falling from the sky?? Lol
    Kim K.

    This highway has been a long time favorite for my husband and I to get away from the city. It's close proximity to Burbank/Glendale makes for beautiful drives into the Angeles National Forest. Miles and miles of windy road whisk you away, making you feel as if you are in another state all together. There are so many great views, hiking trails, and scenery along the way. Go for a short drive or an all day adventure! Some of our favorites asking the way are Mt Wilson Observatory, Switzer Falls, Chilao campground, Newcomb's Ranch Restaurant and Mt Waterman ski resort. Weekends can get crowded and over the past several years the motorcycle and sport car population has significantly increased. These drivers have become increasingly arrogant and aggressive. Its not uncommon to be tailgated or passed around turns or double yellow lines. My best advice is take your time and be considerate of those who feel the need for speed, and simply pull over in the many turnouts & passing lanes provided along the way. (You'll likely see those idiots crashed or pulled over on your way back). The drive is far too beautiful to rush. Take your time and stop often. There are a few rest stops along the way with bathrooms. Always carry toilet paper and wipes as they aren't the cleanest or well stocked. Bring a picnic, extra water, beverages, a jacket and a blanket. My motto is always be prepared. (temps can drop up to 20·, depending on elevation). There is NO DATA OR CELL SERVICE most of the drive. Newcomb's and the Cosmic Cafe at the Mt Wilson Observatory offer free WiFi... other than that, plan to unplug! You will need an ADVENTURE PASS to park! You can pick up at most sporting good stores and if open, the ranger station at the bottom of the hill at the entrance of the National Forest. Cosmic Cafe also sells them, but they are not always open. I recommend buying the year pass and going in on it with someone else for $30 and the second car pass for an additional $5 (that's $17.50 a year to enjoy all the perks of this beautiful drive) and enjoy this beautiful stretch of road all year long! I believe the cost of a day pass is $5-$7. The proceeds go to maintain the road, forest, rangers, campsites and restrooms. So come on people... give back to your community! The cost of an annual pass is cheaper than a ticket. I'm just saying. Recently they have opened the road to Wrightwood. I haven't been down that far in decades, but hopefully we'll take that drive one day soon. Check for road closures ahead of time. Want to play in the snow? Just over an hour drive, depending on temps and rainfall and its there! Carry chains. Snow park has some great hills for sledding and making snowman is a must! (Again, don't forget the ADVENTURE PASS! Oh and to fill up your gas tank. There are no service stations!) Enjoy!

    Gassed up and ready for a Saturday morning ride up the Crest.
    Cydney M.

    It's one of the prettiest highways in Southern California, but it can be pretty treacherous and lots of people have lost their lives on one turn or another. The Angeles Crest Highway begins at the intersection of Foothill Boulevard in La Canada-Flintridge and ends at the intersection of the State Route 138 which is northeast of Wrightwood. It doesn't sound that long, but it is a long and windy highway. I've only travelled all the way from one end to the other about a handful of times. If you have motion sickness it can be brutal. I remember one night long ago I was headed to Lake Powell in Utah after work and we decided to take the Angeles Crest Hwy to the 138 and then head over to the 15. I was riding in the back seat of my friend's Ford Mustang and I thought I would just die. It reminds me of the road to Hana in Maui. I went on that road once and that was it. The highway passes through the beautiful Angeles National Forest and segments of it reach altitudes above 7,000 feet. I drive a minute portion of the highway every day as it is one of the main roads in the City of La Canada. Lots of people who live in the Antelope Valley use this highway as an alternate route into L.A., so it is usually pretty busy in the mornings and late afternoons. Each weekend you will see numerous bikers with motors or not that meet at Jay's Shell at the bottom of the hill. They are gassing up to prepare for their ride through the forest. Perhaps some will stop for lunch at Newcombs Ranch Restaurant and Bar which has a 3 1/2 star rating on Yelp. Maybe others will purchase an Adventure Pass for the day and stop at one of the many campgrounds in the forest. Check it out and don't forget the Dramamine!

    Make the drive. It's incredible at sunset but be prepared for the pitch black drive back down.

    LA lights off Angel Crest Highway.
    Erik M.

    Love the views here when traveling with my gf. Campgrounds and hiking trails as you go deeper in. Definitely recommend the drive to anyone, if just to see the scenery. Only caution is watch out for all the curves and inclement weather. Crashes and accidents happen. If there's an accident, be prepared to wait in traffic until the clear it and airlift anyone injured. When snowing, equip your tires with chains.

    Stunning

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    14 days ago

    Great views and a pleasant atmosphere--I really enjoy going there. Be sure to visit if you want to see some great views.

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    3 years ago

    Very nice drive..it was nice and sunny and there a bit of snow left towards the end of the canyon. Highly recommend

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Angeles Crest Highway

    Is the highway open as of today?

    Should there be snow at angeles crest? What's the highest u have to go to play with the snow?

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    Review Highlights - Angeles Crest Highway

    I started in La Canada Flintridge and wound all the way around to Wrightwood and back home to Monrovia via the 15 and 210.

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    Rubel Castle

    Rubel Castle

    4.8(58 reviews)
    20.1 mi

    I cannot say enough wonderful things about our experience here at Rubel Castle. Our host, guide,…read moreand local "Rubelligent" volunteer, Ms. Kathleen had all the intel about this historical property. She was so knowledgeable and helped set the stage for us to slip into a forgotten era and get a glimpse of how imagination met inventiveness with a DIY charm. ~ A LITTLE BACKSTORY FOR YOU ~ It's not pronounced Rubel as Barney from Flintstones. Rather, it's like Target is to Targét when we are trying to be fancy. So that's Rubel as in "Roo-bell." Unlike modern-day construction, Rubel Castle wasn't built overnight. It was made of collected recyclables and construction rubble that spanned many decades and took several friends and volunteers to build it. For Michael, however, the lifetime inspiration was first sparked at the age of 9. His love for canons was where it started and the rest is history you can hear about on the tour. But don't just show up like we did randomly one day. To book, visit RubelTours.org and make a reservation. ~ OUR TOUR EXPERIENCE ~ It's as if Michael Rubel, the creator and mastermind of this enchanted dominion had intended it to be--magical. Built in the castle period of wood and tin, every corner captured our interests, from antique cars to the 1890's Seth Thomas Tower Clock with a unique backstory (and only six in existence today). There were old vending machines, tools, trinkets, and machinery that time had long forgotten. Did I mention there was a drawbridge? Yes, and a dungeon too. I was just waiting for a dragon to come swoop down on us next. Walk in the footsteps of famous visitors like Alfred Hitchcock, Dwight Eisenhower, Jack Benny, and Bob Hope. It's a feast for the eyes no matter where you glance. I particularly enjoyed the bottle house that Michael built in 1968 as his "home" as a kid. That independent spirit was quite charming to see. ~ WATERCOLOR NATURESCAPE ~ We were fortunate to have our gracious host lead us on a tour and organize a special art crafting experience outdoors. It was absolutely lovely beneath the trees and between rusted vintage cars from the turn of the century. We each got a small canvas to paint our flowers in watercolor. (This particular experience takes place in the Spring and Fall, weather permitting.) We heard the squirrels rattling in the leaves and birds chirped and sang in the trees above. We discovered that peacocks apparently originated from this property, compliments of Michael Rubel. And did I mention that on the far side of the property, a custom garden was in full bloom? BOOK A TOUR Help support the Glendora Historical Society and keep this magnificently unique city-castle maintained. It's worth it.

    A castle in Glendora? Yes, your eyes aren't deceiving you--Rubel Castle is real, it's magnificent,…read moreand it's gloriously eccentric. Thanks to the sheer persistence (and probably delightful stubbornness) of Michael Rubel, we now have this quirky, towering State Treasure sitting right in the middle of Glendora like a fairy tale that accidentally took a detour through a hardware store. This place is beautifully done, and part of its charm is that it's a full-on hodgepodge of relics, antiques, crystal trinkets, and "wait... what is that doing here?" moments tucked into every nook and cranny. You'll marvel, you'll laugh, you'll squint in confusion--honestly, it's everything you'd want in a castle built with love, imagination, and a dash of madness. And let's talk about the makeshift cemetery. Quirky? YES. Fun? Absolutely. Slightly spooky? Only if your imagination is over-caffeinated. But it fits the vibe perfectly--like the castle whispered, "You know what I'm missing? A tiny cemetery." The tours are fantastic, the guides are passionate, and the whole experience feels like you're stepping into a living scrapbook of California history and charming chaos. Overall: Amazing, amazing place. Book your tour. They only do tours every first Sunday of the month, so set your alarms, mark your calendars, tie a string around your finger--just don't miss it. Rubel Castle is truly a California State Treasure, and an absolute must-see for anyone who appreciates creativity, history, and a little eccentric sparkle.

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    Rubel Castle
    Rubel Castle
    Rubel Castle - Roots!

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    Roots!

    Angeles Crest Highway - localflavor - Updated May 2026

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