Although the Angeles Crest Highway is popular with road riders it is also heavily used by cars, trucks and motorbikes. As an alternative road ride in the San Gabriels I recommend this route.
Angeles Forest Highway connects with Highway 2 (Angeles Crest) at the Switzer Visitor Centre, and as the ride statistics suggest it offers a great workout, not least because you drop almost 1000 feet from the start before climbing 2200 feet over the remaining 8 miles. Although the road can be taken all the way to Palmdale I recommend making Mill Creek Summit the turnaround point, for a round trip of over 29 miles.
Getting there
Take the Highway 2 North exit from the 210 Freeway and continue approximately 9 miles to the Switzer Visitor Centre on the right. Park on the dirt either side of the Angeles Forest Highway. A forest adventure pass is required for parking. Google directions to start
The Ride
Start by heading North West downhill. The first few miles are a combination of down-hills and up-hills. Big Tujunga Canyon Road is passed at 3.78 miles, and after crossing the bridge over Tujunga Creek you will pass through a tunnel at 6.77 miles.
There are few properties on this stretch of road, but at 7.27 miles you will pass Hidden Springs Cafe, open 10 till 5 - worth remembering for the return! On the right at 8.38 miles is the Upper Big Tujunga Road (this could be used to make a loop returning via Hiqhway 2), and signs confirming we are heading for Mount Gleason and Palmdale. You may have noticed that from 6.4 miles onwards it has been a constant climb - at 12.3 miles the maintenance buildings at Mill Creek Summit finally come into view in the distance, and after a couple of more miles the road sign points to Mount Pacifico on the right, and Mount Gleason to the left.
After 14.56 miles (about 75 minutes) turn right into the picnic area. This location sees little day use (at least whenever I’ve visited) and makes a great resting spot with plenty of tables and shade, but no water. Return the way you came. Note in the first few miles downhill the road has some cracks that would be unnoticable in a car but are not road bike friendly, so keep an eye on the road condition but otherwise enjoy a fast return.
Ride log
Last Ridden
Condition
Pedal Time
Elapsed Time
Dec 24th, 07
Good - look out for some pavement cracks on the return from Mill Creek Summit
