Angeles Crest Highway

La Cañada Flintridge to Wrightwood

Southern California · California · United States

Key measurements

Distance

58.9 miles

Elevation gain

11,172 ft

Elevation loss

6,618 ft

High point

7,934 ft

Low point

1,381 ft

Net change

4,549 ft (1,381 ft to 5,930 ft)

Surface

Paved

Route type

point-to-point

Route Overview

Climbing sharply out of the Los Angeles basin at La Cañada Flintridge, the Angeles Crest Highway (CA-2) traverses the rugged spine of the San Gabriel Mountains before descending into Wrightwood. This 58.9-mile point-to-point route carries riders from dense foothill chaparral at an elevation of 1,381 feet up into alpine pine forests, reaching a peak elevation of 7,933 feet near Dawson Saddle.

Defined by continuous elevation change—accumulating over 11,000 feet of total gain—and sustained sweeping curves carved directly into steep granite canyon walls, the route delivers a complete transition from urban fringe to high-altitude mountain terrain.

Key Segments & Geographic Transitions

Foothill Urban Approach — Miles 0.0–1.3

Beginning at the northern edge of La Cañada Flintridge, this brief introductory section transitions off the suburban grid and onto the base of State Route 2. The roadway immediately begins climbing away from the valley floor, establishing the steep uphill trajectory that characterizes the rest of the ride.

San Gabriel High Country Spine — Miles 1.4–58.9

Leaving the lower foothills, the road locked into the contours of the San Gabriel range. The lower miles wind through sun-baked scrub and dry canyons before penetrating the higher ridges. As elevation increases, the landscape shifts dramatically into dense pine forests and expansive alpine vistas, with long sightlines exposed along shear drop-offs. The apex of the route occurs around Mile 44.8 near Dawson Saddle at nearly 8,000 feet, after which the highway initiates its final winding descent toward the mountain town of Wrightwood.

Seasonal & Environmental Context

The extreme relief of the San Gabriels creates distinct microclimates along the route. While the base in La Cañada Flintridge may experience warm Southern California weather, temperatures at the high points are significantly cooler year-round.

During winter and early spring, the upper elevations above 5,000 feet are prone to snow, ice, and freezing temperatures, frequently leading to seasonal closures or severe road conditions. Rainfall throughout the year regularly triggers rockfalls, washing loose gravel and granite debris onto the road surface, particularly in shadowed turns beneath steep cut banks.

Logistics & Services

Fuel planning is essential before starting the climb. There are no operational gas stations along the main high-mountain stretch of the Angeles Crest Highway. Riders should fill up completely in La Cañada Flintridge prior to departure. Services, food, and fuel are not available again until reaching Wrightwood at the end of the route.

Cellular coverage drops off rapidly shortly after entering the mountain corridor and remains spotty or non-existent throughout most of the route.

Important Considerations

This corridor is heavily used on weekends by sports cars, touring groups, local commuters, and bicyclists. High speed differentials between recreational traffic and sightseeing drivers are common.

Due to ongoing geological activity and weathering in the San Gabriel range, unexpected rockfall and surface grit are constant factors across all miles, requiring clear attention to road conditions at every elevation.

Current Closure Note:

Portions of Angeles Crest Highway are currently closed for emergency storm repairs, including the section between east of Newcomb’s Ranch, Islip Saddle, and the Vincent Gulch area west of Big Pines. The route shown here represents the well-known full SR-2 corridor. Check current Caltrans conditions before travel, as reopening timelines and access may change.