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I have never been here and I have lived in Orange County for 33 years. It was a beautiful drive. My husband loves to drive and her really enjoyed all of the switchbacks. I was happy to just be a passenger as if I was the driver I would not have appreciated all of the spectacular scenery along the way. Due to time constraints, we didn't go all the way to Wrightwood (another day when we have more time!) Highly recommend as you feel you are so far detached form civilization, but in reality only a hop skip and a jump from the greater LA area. Bathrooms and picnic areas were open and there were quite a few people gathered at those areas. We wanted to isolate so did not stop there. Tons of hiking and a few overnight camp areas up in the Angeles National forest as well for those more adventurous.…
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Date of experience: August 2020
Helpful
The drive from La Canada to Wrightwood is everything the other reviewers are saying. After many years, I convinced my adult children to accompany me on a day-long scenic drive. I don't think they had ever been there, and they seemed enthusiastic for the whole day. My trip was during the Phase 2 opening up of the nation where being outdoors was one of the favorable activities, as long as there were not too many people around. I will focus on two complaints: the Mt. Wilson Observatory area, and the National Forest Service. This was the last week of June, and things like picnic grounds, take-out cafes, and some buildings were allowed to be open. Mt Wilson has a huge parking lot, a large covered picnic area with rest rooms and a popular snack bar (Cosmic Cafe) that should be open on Saturday and Sunday. The organization that runs the Observatory has chosen to keep everything closed except to walkers. I think they should have opened the parking lot, the rest rooms, and the Cosmic Cafe, at least. I am angry at the National Forest Service for their callous cruelty in locking up almost all of the rest rooms from La Canada to Wrightwood, with a couple of exceptions. They can close their visitor centers, picnic areas, and campgrounds if they want. But the Sunday I went there were hundreds of cars and motorcycles along the route (with very little traffic). You would think someone there would realize that people need to pee and otherwise use the toilet, and this is not an option. At the Red Box corner, the parking lot was nearly full and the restrooms were locked up tight. The concrete porch into the toilet area was wet and running through the back wall from desperate people heeding nature's call the best way they could. Many other locations along the road had rest rooms but most of them were locked up tight too. Unsanitary. Insulting. I have to give the Forest Service an "F" or one star, damaging the rating of the entire attraction.…
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Date of experience: June 2020
3 Helpful votes
Helpful
Take your time and enjoy this pleasantly quiet drive. Make sure to include the 5 mile detour from Red Box Gap to the Wilson Observatory to get those amazing views over LA. We did the drive on a dry and warm day so there was no issue with snow and ice but it would be worthwhile checking conditions before attempting the drive. It is long and windy and not at all busy on weekdays (so not a lot of help if you’d get stuck). There are lots of hiking and picnic opportunities along the way. We started early from Wrightwood, hiked the Windy Gap trail, made it in good time to for sunset at the Observatory and finished off driving into the glittering lights of the City of Angeles. Awesome.…
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Date of experience: December 2018
Helpful
Scenic and well worth a drive, however speeding motorcycles can be an issue. Probably better to go on a weekday if that is an option for you.
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Date of experience: November 2018
Helpful
I've been driving this highway and hiking it's mountains for decades. Don't tell anybody, keep it our secret. Sure wish they would re-open the Rt. 39 connection.
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Date of experience: July 2018
Helpful