Scenic Drive on the Angeles Crest Highway

The Angeles Crest climbs straight out of the city into real mountains — switchbacks through pine forest, with the whole LA basin falling away below you.

Los Angeles · Drive · about 40 min · 15 miles · Pleasantness: Very High

Why this route is pleasant

• Climbs from the suburbs into the San Gabriel high country
• Pine and cedar forest, cool air, real elevation
• Switchback overlooks above the LA basin
• Quiet two-lane mountain road inside a National Forest
• Snow-dusted peaks in winter, wildflowers in spring

What you'll see

• The LA basin spread out far below from the lower overlooks
• Pine forest closing in as you climb
• Clear Creek and the Arroyo Seco canyon
• Mount Wilson and its observatory off to the side

Best time to go

A clear morning after a storm, when the air is washed clean and you can see to the ocean.

Open this route in Pleasant Routes · More Los Angeles routes · All cities