Has anyone driven the Angeles Crest Highway?

[slo town]

I'm thinking about making a (one day?) drive down there. This would take me about 3 1/2 hours just to get to the start of it at La Canada Flintridge. I plan on driving the entire 66 mile long distance to Wrightwood and turn around and come back. For those who have driven it, would this be worth it?

Let me assure you I'll drive a bit more sedately than this guy in his GT3, but it's fun video to watch. Fantastic engine sounds!

Scott

 

[02SE]

If it wasn't for the fact of how California is run, I'd be living there now. Mainly because of the great roads if you ride a Motorcycle, or drive fun cars. Yes, the Angeles Crest (and numerous other roads state wide) is worth the drive. Try to drive it mid-week. The weekend will be much busier.

 

[slo town]

Do you know which day of the week there are groups that meet up and drive it? I'd have fun talking and socializing with them.

And, yes, you are correct. California has some of the best driving (and bicycling) roads in the world. I have one very near me. I can be on it in 15 minutes.

Scott

 

[RooflessVW]

Yep I tore it up in a rental Infiniti Q50 while I was out in CA a few years back.

I also took the car to Willow Springs.

We did front brake pads in an Autozone parking lot before I turned it in.

 

[We're Metals]

Yep I tore it up in a rental Infiniti Q50 while I was out in CA a few years back.

I also took the car to Willow Springs.

We did front brake pads in an Autozone parking lot before I turned it in.

So Cool.

 

[RooflessVW]

So Cool.

It was pretty fun. I love California - always sad to leave.

 

[Chris142]

Is it open? It was damaged and closed forever. I guess you could ride to the closure then turn around and ride back?

 

[slo town]

Is it open? It was damaged and closed forever. I guess you could ride to the closure then turn around and ride back?

It's open the entire distance.

Scott

 

[02SE]

Do you know which day of the week there are groups that meet up and drive it? I'd have fun talking and socializing with them.

And, yes, you are correct. California has some of the best driving (and bicycling) roads in the world. I have one very near me. I can be on it in 15 minutes.

Scott

I'm sorry I don't. If you're on any of the Social Media platforms, you could probably find info on meet-up times and days. I know that closer to home, the best roads are much busier on weekends.

 

[Carmudgeon]

Don't end up like this guy.

In theory, well-known roads like this are great, but in practice, they're too well-known, and all the negatives that brings.

I would imagine the Dragon is the same on the east coast.

 

[slo town]

Don't end up like this guy.

In theory, well-known roads like this are great, but in practice, they're too well-known, and all the negatives that brings.

I would imagine the Dragon is the same on the east coast.

Bummer, but roads are as safe as you make them. A person needs to know their limits and their tolerance of risk. My tastefully modified and very capable BMW E46 will be perfect for having a "frisky" drive, but nothing too extreme.

Plans have progressed. I'll drive from home to La Canada Flintridge (3 1/2 hours). Then I'll drive the entire 66 mile length of the Angeles Crest Highway to Wrightwood. I'll spend the night there and head back the same way I came except that I'll drive to Ojai and spend the night there. Then I'll take Hwy 33, which is an outstanding stretch of twisty road highway, to Hwy 166, and then to 101 and back home. It should be a nice trip. Nice roads, nice places to stay, and nice places to eat. Adding a night in Ojai might convince Sue to go with me.

Scott

 

[02SE]

Bummer, but roads are as safe as you make them. A person needs to know their limits and their tolerance of risk. My tastefully modified and very capable BMW E46 will be perfect for having a "frisky" drive, but nothing too extreme.

Plans have progressed. I'll drive from home to La Canada Flintridge (3 1/2 hours). Then I'll drive the entire 66 mile length of the Angeles Crest Highway to Wrightwood. I'll spend the night there and head back the same way I came except that I'll drive to Ojai and spend the night there. Then I'll take Hwy 33, which is an outstanding stretch of twisty road highway, to Hwy 166, and then to 101 and back home. It should be a nice trip. Nice roads, nice places to stay, and nice places to eat. Adding a night in Ojai might convince Sue to go with me.

Scott

Tell her life is short, so why not go for a nice drive.

 

[CKN]

I have driven it a few times but kept going to catch the freeway for the return.

 

[02SE]

A nice video with a CBR1000RR, a Viper ACR, and a Ferrari F40. Not all that fast, just a spirited drive and ride. To actually see an F40 on the road is rare, not to mention being driven at a decent pace.

 

[Carmudgeon]

Bummer, but roads are as safe as you make them. A person needs to know their limits and their tolerance of risk. My tastefully modified and very capable BMW E46 will be perfect for having a "frisky" drive, but nothing too extreme.

Unfortunately, that's a low bar for many people, including every day driving.

Just a few days ago, three people in a G8x M3 were killed were after going off the road on State Route 9, near your old stomping grounds. 21-year old kid driving a 500bhp car, probably lacking the temperament, skills, judgement, and experience for such a vehicle, and caught out by a mishap that no safety nanny could have prevented.

Anyone who has been through that area in NorCal knows there are some very nice drives, but it, and 35, the road that runs along the ridge, are notorious for being saturated with idiots who think it is their public raceway.

Way too many people think that a fast car will imbue them with fast car skills, even a rich, and renown middle-aged game developer.

Anyone with the money can buy a fancy car. I admire not the car, but more the skill of the nut behind the wheel.