Route Description
The route is best described as mountain-rural. Because the route passes through the protected Angeles National Forest, development is very limited. There are not many buildings between La Cañada Flintridge and Wrightwood save for Newcomb's Ranch, campgrounds, and visitor centers. Other points of interest along the route include Mountain High and Mt. Waterman ski areas and Mount Wilson (and its corresponding observatory and various radio/television transmitters). Depending on the local weather, i.e. no clouds or fog, impressive views of the Los Angeles basin are possible from the vicinity of Mount Wilson - the most significant limit of what can be seen is the density of the smog and/or marine layer covering the basin.
The westernmost segment of the highway, combined with Angeles Forest Highway, is heavily travelled by southbound traffic in the morning (and corresponding northbound traffic in the afternoon) that comprises commuters who live in the Antelope Valley and work in the Greater Los Angeles area. The route is a convenient alternative to the Antelope Valley Freeway (State Route 14) and the Golden State Freeway (Interstate 5), both located to the west, to reach the Foothill Freeway (Interstate 210). Because the road is a two-lane highway, its vehicle capacity is significantly lower than either of the two freeways.
In contrast, the remainder of the Angeles Crest Highway is lightly travelled. Typically, this traffic is composed of vacationers, sightseers, and locals. The 3 areas comprising Mountain High ski resort are located a few minutes west of Wrightwood.
Read more about this topic: Angeles Crest Highway
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