Angeles Crest Highway

California State Route 2, otherwise known as the Angeles Crest Highway, runs about 60 miles through the Angeles National Forest from just outside Los Angeles to a terminus near Interstate 15, serving as a scenic bypass and alternative to driving through the city. It passes through the San Gabriel Mountains, winding past scenic valleys and nearby mountain slopes, with numerous vista points along the way.

Starting at an elevation of 1,500 feet from the intersection at Foothill Boulevard in La Cañada Flintridge, the Angeles Crest Highway rises to a height of just over 7,900 feet at its summit at Dawson Saddle. It is one of the highest roads in all of Southern California. Because it has only two lanes, the route does not have a high capacity for vehicles. On weekdays, it can be quite crowded with southbound traffic in the morning and northbound in the afternoon as commuters make their way between Antelope Valley and Greater Los Angeles.

Sights to see along the way include the Mountain High and Mt. Waterman ski areas, Mt. Wilson and the Mt. Wilson observatory, and panoramic views of the Los Angeles Basin when an absence of smog permits. There is a visitor's center at the area known as Newcomb's Ranch, which offers access to campgrounds and information about local trails for hiking.