Angeles Crest Highway (CA-2)
66 miles climbing through the San Gabriel Mountains to Dawson Saddle (7,901 ft)
Route Telemetry & Topographic Profile
Interactive GPS Route Map & Topographic Elevation
Tap numbered markers to inspect waypoints • Toggle U.S. Topo (USGS) layerEssential Pit Stops, Cafes & Restaurants
Hand-picked roadside diners, coffee shops, historic taverns, and authorized service hubs along this route.
Motorhelmets Certified Service Department
Southern California premier motorcycle dealer and service department in Fullerton (35 min south via I-5 / CA-2). Same-day tire mounting and dynamic spin balancing, chain adjustment and lube, Motul synthetic oil top-offs, pre-climb brake pad inspection, and cold tire pressure tuning for high altitude.
Newcomb's Ranch Landmark
Mile Marker 50.8 at 5,300 feet. The most storied roadside gathering point for canyon motorcyclists in Southern California.
Grizzly Cafe
Rustic log-cabin restaurant at the Wrightwood eastern mountain exit. Hearty post-climb breakfasts, thick country burgers, and homemade berry pies.
Mt. Wilson Observatory Cosmic Cafe
Scenic detour stop at the summit of Mt. Wilson Road. Sandwiches, hot coffee, and snacks with a telescope-peak view across the entire Los Angeles basin.
Route Overview & Character
Climbing dramatically from the northern edge of the Los Angeles basin into the rugged backcountry of the Angeles National Forest, Angeles Crest Highway (CA-2) is one of the highest paved mountain passes in Southern California. The road ascends through pine forests, granite peaks, and technical sweepers to Dawson Saddle at 7,901 feet.
Pavement Quality & Road Surface
High-Elevation Mountain Asphalt with sweeping radius curves
Safety & Enforcement Advisory
Extreme elevation change causes rapid temperature drops (often 25°F cooler at summit). Watch for loose gravel on apexes and occasional rockfall in canyon sections.
Verified GPS Waypoints
Scenic Overlooks & Landmarks
- Clear Creek Information Station: First junction point above La Cañada with wide mountain vistas.
- Newcomb's Ranch Landmark: Historic high-altitude roadside gathering landmark at 5,300 feet.
- Mt. Waterman Ski Area: Scenic alpine pass bordered by ponderosa and sugar pines.
- Dawson Saddle Summit (7,901 ft): The highest highway pass in Los Angeles County, providing panoramic high desert views.
- Wrightwood Terminus: Charming alpine resort village on the eastern descent toward the Mojave Desert.
Mechanical & Gear Prep Pack
PRE-RIDE VERIFICATIONEssential consumables and protective equipment calibrated for this route's technical demands:
Ready to Ride Angeles Crest Highway?
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