About This Trip
California Highway 2, known as the Angeles Crest Highway, climbs from the Los Angeles suburbs into the San Gabriel Mountains of the Angeles National Forest, reaching elevations above 7,900 feet before descending toward Wrightwood and the high desert. Within 30 minutes of the city, the road delivers the kind of technical curves and alpine scenery most riders travel hundreds of miles to find.
The highway begins in La Cañada Flintridge and almost immediately begins climbing through chaparral-covered hillsides. The first notable stop is Newcomb's Ranch, a legendary motorcycle gathering spot at 4,600 feet that has operated since 1939. On any dry weekend the parking lot is packed with bikes from across Southern California.
Above Newcomb's, the road enters the high-elevation zone dominated by Jeffrey pine and white fir. The stretch between Red Box and Islip Saddle is technically demanding — a succession of decreasing-radius curves on a road that demands full attention. The Mount Wilson Observatory spur (a short detour from the main road) is worth the climb for views of the LA basin stretching to the Pacific on clear days.
The descent into Wrightwood offers a complete change of character — the road straightens and the high desert spreads east toward the Mojave. Wrightwood itself is a small mountain resort community with good food options before the return trip.
Note: the highway is closed between Red Box and Islip Saddle after heavy rain or snow events. Check Caltrans conditions before departure. Weekend traffic can back up in the popular parking areas — early morning departures are strongly recommended.
Stops
La Cañada Flintridge, CA — Start
The foot of the Angeles Crest Highway, easily accessible from the 210 freeway. Fuel up here — services on the highway itself are limited to Newcomb's Ranch. The road begins climbing immediately, and within five miles the LA valley is already far below.
Newcomb's Ranch
A legendary roadhouse at 4,600 feet that has been a motorcyclist gathering spot since 1939. On weekends the patio is packed with riders from across Southern California. Good burgers, cold drinks, and a chance to check conditions higher up before continuing the climb.
Mount Wilson Observatory Spur
A short detour from Highway 2 leads to the 5,710-foot summit of Mount Wilson, home to the historic observatory that Edwin Hubble used to discover the expanding universe. On clear days the view extends across the entire LA basin to the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island. Worth the extra 20 minutes.
Wrightwood, CA — Eastern End
A small mountain resort community at 6,000 feet with a genuine small-town main street, several good restaurants, and a ski area a few miles above town. The drive back on Highway 2 in the opposite direction — descending toward the LA basin as the afternoon light hits the chaparral — is equally rewarding.